During a recent tour preceding the release of their Ghost Opera album in 2007, Kamelot guitarist Thomas Youngblood reflected on his experience playing shows in Nuremberg, Germany.

He noted that the city had few venues suitable for metal bands and was plagued by poor promoters.

On the other hand, the nearby town of Aschaffenburg boasts one of the best club venues in the country, the Colos-Saal, which has hosted many iconic rock and metal acts.

In contrast to the more storied Colos-Saal venue, the mid-sized Hirsch club in Nuremberg was still reasonably full for a Wednesday night when it played host to Swiss traditional metallers Burning Witches and Germany's power metal heroes Hammer King.

Expectations weren't particularly high beyond being entertained, but both bands managed to exceed them.

Hammer King brought a show loaded with power and metal, complete with impressive stage presence.

They performed on a stage decked out with banners, candelabras, and a hammer that looked suspiciously like it belonged to Chris Hemsworth.

The band demanded (and received) full crowd participation, making for an exciting experience worthy of a headline slot.

Burning Witches unleashed a tight and controlled set, yet still seemed on the verge of going off the rails at any moment.

Vocalist Laura Guldemond led the charge in positive fashion, recalling early '80s Warlock with her band's sound.

Guitarists Romana Kalkuhl and Courtney Cox shredded up a storm from start to finish.

Overall, it was an evening with no discernable "winner".

Both bands performed solid sets that were fully entertaining and worth the time and money spent by fans in attendance.