APRIL 12th, 2024
BATTLE BALLADS TOUR
Review By: Metal Mom Rita
Photos By: Char Tupper
Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/tyr-guests/

I was looking forward to this show tonight, as I know that Tyr brings their best always, and the other bands, well I haven't seen them live before.

Parked, and came around the corner to line up, and wow, not many people in the line, in fact for this show I expected a line up around the corner. So I was hoping that many appeared later when their favourite bands were to go on stage.
 The first band to hit the stage, BALROGATH, if you enjoy Prog, Power and Folk metal all in one, then this was the band for you tonight. They formed in 2017, and are from our neighbouring province, Alberta, the city of Calgary in fact. I had not heard of them, I checked out their page when I got home from the show, and it says that Chris Saunders (Warchanter) is Guitars/Vocals, Gray Panchuck (Bladesinger) vocals/guitars, Jesse McCrank (Rhythm Warden) Drums, and TJ Riggins (Loremaster) Bass/vocals. I really enjoyed these guys, cool appearance on stage, their music as well put together to give the Vancouver crowd a great start to the night.

The Dread Crew of Oddwood took to the stage next, the pirates of Southern California, and let me tell you there was plenty of moshing happening with a touch of crowd surfing. They formed in 2008, and have their own unique blend of energetic heavy metal. I think most of the "land lubbers" tonight really enjoyed this band, they have been around for awhile now and have really mastered their style of music. Some different instruments as well to make their Vancouver adventure a success. Great job.

North Carolina's Aether Realm was next and they sure reached the crowd with their melodic death metal from Hell. Now here is where the moshing really took over the floor, time to get out of the way, and make room. You could tell that these guys brought forth a lot of fans, you couldn't miss it. Sometimes it is so fun to watch how the crowd reacts to the band.

Next, Ha Ha Ha, I thought I was in Miami, Florida, as there were pink flamingos on stage, yes, I did laugh a lot when I first saw them, but wow, this band TROLLFEST, from Norway, captures your attention right from the start. Lots of stage movement with them, fun times, dancing, flitting around, just so enjoyable, the music, the stage gear, how can you not enjoy. I didn't think I would stay to watch the whole set when they first came out, I mean flamingos, but oh my god don't let that fool you, they had so much energy, great songs, great lighting, and you just wanted to dance around the floor to be a part of it all. Don't miss Trollfest, it had been a long time since they were here last - 9 years in fact, so don't miss out, incase it takes awhile for them to fly back over here.

Headliners tonight are TYR from the Faroe Islands, and they reached the shores of Vancouver to put on one mighty, heavy,  all out epic show. They have crafted their music to perfection,  there have been a few changes over time, but these 4 guys (Heri, Gunnar, Hans and Tadeusz) you can't mistake the talent they bring to the stage, I for one don't miss them when they come to town.  They played alot of their music , old and new (especially since today,was their new record's release day!) , and we all loved each and every song. So much enjoyment when the band plays such an excellent set and give their fans exactly what they want. Something different this time around though, standing up front to watch and poof, got hit in the head with a whale. Yep, a whale. Now I am not sure if it was offensive for Tyr or not because there is quite a stir around whales and the country. What can I say about Tyr that will make you want to go see them. Let me tell you they know how to put on an amazing show, they have the crowd watching non stop, you don't want to miss anything. My review won't do them justice, but please do yourself a favour, go see them.

Remaining dates:
4/17 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
4/18 Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ
4/19 Rockhouse Bar & Grill, El Paso, TX
4/20 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX
4/21 The Granada – Dallas, TX
4/22 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX
4/24 Conduit – Orlando, FL
4/25 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA
4/26 Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC