LIVE AT THE ECHOPLEX in Los Angeles, CA | May 20, 2018
For anyone who is a fan of folk metal, this is a dream tour that finally came to be. To start this show off right, Los Angeles’ own VALKYRIUM brought the hammer of the gods upon the crowd with their unique sound and mysticism. With the use of powerful female vocals by both lead vocalist Nikki Kegan and bassist Jenny Rose and the harsh growls of guitarist William Kota, the music brought both beauty and headbanging among the crowd. Following after was Canada’s AETERNAM with their formidable style of folk death metal. The group performed tracks from the “Ruins of Empires” album such as Damascus Gate and Praetor of Mercury which brought out the metal horns in the air from all. Achraf Loudiy’s vocals and guitar abilities were ever present, sounding exactly like the album tracks with no flaws.
(Achraf Loudiy of Aeternam)
Afterwards, GHOST SHIP OCTAVIUS took to the stage. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, the band brought their signature progressive metal sound for the masses. The group performed tracks like “Saturn and Skies” and “In Dreams” which their whole set had the crowd both engaged and excited for more. Israel’s oriental metal giants ORPHANED LAND was next, bringing everyone cheering and chanting for the band. Starting the set with The Cave from their new album and closing with Norra El Norra from the 2004 “Mabool” album, the band never sounded better through the years. Kobi Farhii’s passionate and engaging vocals were as strong as any of his tracks along with the rest of the band’s live playing abilities and stage presence.
(Orphaned Land on stage)
Last up was the almighty TYR from the Faroe Islands. The band’s presence was felt throughout the venue the minute they set foot on stage. Opening the set with Gates of Hell brought every person to the stage area with horns in the air and screaming for more. Heri Joensen’s vocals and guitar work was phenomenal alongside Terji Skibenæs and Gunnar Thomsen’s playing abilities. Their stage presence was captivating and energetic. This tour was a perfect lineup that is a can’t be missed event. Each band brought a piece to the whole that fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Every band played mind blowing sets that any fan of metal would love and if anyone has a chance to catch this tour, we highly suggest going and catching all these bands! Below are the tour dates if anyone wants to catch this amazing tour:
5/05/2018 Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY
5/06/2018 Alchemy – Providence, RI
5/07/2018 Corona Theatre – Montreal, QC
5/08/2018 Salle Multi – Quebec City, QC
5/09/2018 Velvet Underground – Toronto, ON
5/10/2018 Al Rosa Villa – Columbus, OH
5/11/2018 The Forge – Joliet, IL
5/12/2018 The Riot Room – Kansas City, MO
5/13/2018 Marquis Theatre – Denver, CO
5/15/2018 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC
5/16/2018 Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
5/17/2018 Hawthorne – Portland, OR
5/19/2018 Metro Opera House – Oakland, CA
5/20/2018 Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA
5/21/2018 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
5/22/2018 Joe’s Grotto – Phoenix, AZ
5/24/2018 Gas Monkey Bar & Grill – Dallas, TX
5/25/2018 Come And Take It Live! – Austin, TX
5/27/2018 Haven Lounge – Orlando, FL
5/28/2018 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
