MAY 23rd, 2023
RHAPSODY OF FIRE + GUESTS

Review/ Photo Gallery By: Char Tupper
http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/rhapsody-of-fire-guests/

Time for a power metal evening with Seven Kingdoms, Wind Rose, and Rhapsody of Fire at the Rickshaw theatre. Those who enjoy this genre, are in for a treat, with straight power metal, to the ways of symphonic, even a hint of folk metal in the mix. Let me tell you about this evening full of epicness from all realms.

First up was American power metallers, Seven Kingdoms out of Florida. The room was already jam packed with fans, what a great sight to see, not just all "for the headliner" as things usually are at concerts these days. Seven Kingdoms put on such a great show, full of energy and enthusiasm onstage, even with poor Sabrina(vocalist) using a crutch after injuring her foot earlier on tour. That didn't stop these guys, they continued and pushed on, and continue to do the tour and give 110% ! Hell, Sabrina had fun with her crutch from time to time, pretending to play guitar alongside her guitarists Kevin and Camden when she could. Keith behind the drums played with precission, surrounded by squishy toys of burgers, adding to the idea that power metal doesn't have to be serious, it can lighten up and have fun! Don't miss your chance to see these guys while on tour, they put on a great show.

Time for the Italian Power metal band, Wind Rose. They came out in costumes, fitting for their added element of folk metal, with cloaks and fur trims, always cool to see costumes for performances. That being said, the audience was very excited for Wind Rose, as they were supposed to come to Vancouver before the pandemic, however, there were visa issues and they couldn't make it, so now everyone was very excited to see the jaunty power metallers perform for the first time on Vancouver soil. Their sound reminds me of almost like a drinking song, or even a jig of some sort, not sure if it is 100% my cup of tea, but, they really captivated their fans, even some crowd surfing and loud cheers. The band performed well with energy as well.

The final act, Rhapsody of Fire took the stage to close out the night. Also Italian, but this time more along the lines of Symphonic Power metal, one of the pioneers of the subgenre. Personally energy level wise, I found these guys a bit more subdued and reserved compared to the others. However, they performed well and the audience was cheering and chanting their songs all the same. Performing a variety of their songs from their wide range of catalogue, after all, they formed in 1993, 30 years worth of material to choose from, and the fans sounded happy with the selection.

Overall a great night of power metal ranging from the shores of Europe, to our neighbours in the south, if Power Metal is your genre of choice, don't miss your chance to catch this heavy hitter of a tour chocked full of dynamic range of the genre.