In a world where the theatricality of power metal reigns supreme, the recent Gloryhammer and Beast in Black show at the O2 Kentish Town Forum in London stands as a testament to the enduring allure of a genre that marries the epic to the electric. Dubbed “Glory and the Beast,” this tour has become a sold-out sensation, a gathering of metal aficionados eager to partake in the high-octane energy, massive guitar solos, and over-the-top theatrics that define this corner of the musical universe.
The Kentish Town Forum, one of London’s most iconic venues, became the epicentre of a power metal odyssey, offering an ideal backdrop for the sweeping soundscapes of the evening. This venue, nestled perfectly for acts bridging the gap between the intimacy of smaller stages and the grandeur of places like Hammersmith, became the crucible for a sold-out show that highlighted the unique appeal of both bands. Their ability to master the genre’s essential elements—catchiness, heaviness, and theatricality—while fostering a communal experience, has consistently drawn large crowds. Their music transcends the bounds of mere performance to become a shared adventure through fantastical lands crafted by their imagination.
Gloryhammer, a band that has carved its niche within the metal scene with a laser-sharp focus on fantasy and science fiction narratives, brings more than just music to the table; they bring stories. Founded in 2010 by Alestorm’s Christopher Bowes, the band’s discography is a rollicking ride through an invented universe of intergalactic battles and legendary heroes, all served with a side of tongue-in-cheek humour. Their significance lies not just in their sound, which is as potent and catchy as any power metal ought to be, but in their ability to create a world within their albums, inviting listeners to partake in an ongoing saga that is as immersive as it is musical.
Showcasing their journey as musicians, the setlist centered around their latest epic, Return to the Kingdom of Fife, and even more from their revered classic, Legends from Beyond the Galactic Terrorvortex. This selection not only highlighted the band’s evolution but also reaffirmed their mastery in crafting power metal anthems that are both grandiose and deeply narrative. With “Gloryhammer”and “The Land of Unicorns,” these guys were coming out swinging within the first three songs and the theatrical tour de force would continue to play out like a real-life Dungeons and Dragons battle.
Beast in Black, on the other hand, brings a slightly different flavour to the power metal feast. Founded by Anton Kabanen after his departure from Battle Beast, the band has quickly risen to prominence with its blend of melodic metal, catchy hooks, and lyrics that often delve into themes of darkness, love, and the fantastical. Their sound is a bridge between the traditional and the contemporary, incorporating electronic elements that add a modern sheen to their decidedly epic soundscapes. Like Gloryhammer, Beast in Black understands the power of narrative, though theirs is more varied, drawing from a wider array of sources for inspiration.
Adding a cinematic dimension to the evening with tracks from their 2021 album Dark Connection, many rooted in a Blade Runner theme. The choice to perform seven songs from this album not only showcased its pivotal role in their music but also illustrated the band’s skill in weaving complex tales of technology and humanity through the dynamic medium of power metal. This performance segment stood out as a vivid demonstration of how the band merges the visceral thrill of metal with profound science fiction themes, offering the audience a multifaceted live experience that delved into both sonic intensity and narrative depth. I gotta say, theirs may have been the best performance of the night.
In an era dominated by introspective and understated music, Gloryhammer and Beast in Black shine as beacons of the bombastic, embodying the art of spectacle. Their success, marked by packed venues and fervent fans, signifies not only their triumph but also a victory for the power metal genre itself, cementing their status as icons. As a US metal fan living abroad, I’m left wondering when the States will wake up and embrace this wave, as they’re embarrassingly late to the party.
BEAST IN BLACK
GLORYHAMMER
