Maximum Metal Rating Legend

DORO - 2 DVD Set Für Immer - SPV/Steamhammer 2004 reviewed by: Nailer

I can remember the first time I saw the Warlock video for "All We Are" way back on the original Headbanger's Ball. Some guys thought the song was fairly cheesy, but I was hooked by the big power chords and the catchy, gang chant chorus. Up until then, there were few hot chicks in metal besides Lita Ford and here singing the lead was the ultra-hot, blonde hair swinging, Doro Pesch. Since then, she had gone solo and I admit that I haven't really followed her mostly, European-based career.

Fortunately, I've had a chance to get my hands on the new Doro DVD "Für Immer" which should be now out in the U.S. on SPV and frankly, it's a shame that the U.S. market hasn't exactly been supportive of a power metal sound since the early 90's because this is a terrific collection from her. Industry complaints aside, Doro has stayed with the industry over the years and has created a solid body of work to draw upon for the 22 (!) concert songs and various videos in the set.

For Disc 1, about a thousand or so fans are packed into a facinating cave setting combined with the pure metal stage props of skulls, fire pots and a large backdrop of the cover of Doro's last CD "Fight". The multi-angle camera work is great and there are plenty of sound options.

Her music generally leans into the Scorpion's-style, 80's hair metal-era with big guitar leads and friendly choruses. It lends itself well to the crowd who is always eyes-front on her and seems to be having a great almost festival-like time. Vocally, with a slight German accent, she wails like few women out there and can hold her own with most of the men in her field. The show is paced well with energetic wind-ups, crowd-pleasing chant numbers ("All We Are"), power ballads and older favorites like "Burning the Witches". The songs that really got my attention weren't so much the metal songs, but her slower numbers. After the concert, Disc 1 has a collection of 11 of her videos from old ones to newer ones and the last three shot live.

Disc 2 is a long, look into her career with extras like a documentary, her history, her shopping around in Australia and a lot of fan-related stuff. It's more for the people who have followed her for a while than for the casual fan. If you do watch it, have your English closed captions ready.

There are more visible women in the metal field with various personas from the sultryness of Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabia to the operatic stylings of Tarja Turunen of Nightwish. Doro just gives it to you straight from the gut and after watching this DVD with everything it includes, in my opinion, Doro is one of the reigning Queens of Heavy Metal and yeah, she still looks great in leather.

DVD 1
Live In Der Balver Höhle
1. Hellbound 2. Always Live To Win 3. True As Steel 4. I Rule The Ruins 5. Burning The Witches 6. Save My Soul 7. Hellraiser 8. Love Me In Black 9. Für Immer 10. Fall For Me Again 11. East Meets West 12. Drumsolo 13. Burn It Up 14. Fight 15. All We Are 16. Rock Before We Bleed 17. Earthshaker Rock 18. Undying 19. Constant Danger 20. Chained 21. Ich Will Alles 22. Metal Tango 23. Making Of 24. Videoclips

DVD 2
Bonus material
1. Access All Areas 1
2. Doro Documentary
3. A True Fan: Rene's Room
4. Doro Down Under
5. Access All Areas 2
6. Sessions
7. Discography
8. Photo Gallery


--Nailer 03.17.04