There is a kind of charged anticipation of a U.S headline circuit opening in New York. Opening night for a tour for any artist or band could result in triumphant bliss or chaotic evil caused by equipment issues, a large portion of merch missing for purchase, weather-altering conditions, or even sudden changes in the lineup. It was the former when one of Scotland’s most dynamic bands in Gloryhammer fired up their 2024 North American Red, White, and Hoots tour at Irving Plaza with direct support from the nebulous Twilight Force.
I had some time to turn up an American-in-spirit kind of night with my usual pre-show dinner at Paul’s Da Burger Joint in the East Village. The smokiness of the blood sauce from my medium-rare Eastsider Burger was ethereal, leaking out onto the oval plate with each messy bite as did the grilled chicken salad sent an astral sign for what was to be a Seppo evening of hoots, theatrics, and more. If you ever visit New York, I suggest dining at Paul’s.
With an hour to spare before doors opened at 6:00 PM, I arrived at a lively line full of like-minded gladiators and valkyries. Some dressed up like the barbarian hero and the dashing thief. There was even a pair of Gandalf-style wizards and other high-fantasy archetypes en vogue. If you have – ever – attended a power metal concert and a more refined degree, an Alice Cooper or a Ghost gig, you know that some attendees love to show off their outfits. I hope none of the cosplayers had to face the parable of the gnome’s name to enter the venue. The doors finally opened. We went inside and prepared ourselves to witness the exciting symphonic sounds of Twilight Force.
At 7:00 PM, it was time for the squad in Twilight Force to flick that LARP switch and crank up that RPG dial to take the expeditious spectators on a forty-minute adventure of epic proportions, but something was amiss. There was no sign nor appearance from Allyon to vocalize the role of the leader. Due to a family health issue of utmost attentiveness, he will probably join up with his band-mates later in the tour. It’s all good because behind every home-bound warrior is a courageous goddess of the forest to aid the party. With style and grace, Temperance singer Kristin Starkey elevated the band to drifting heights. There was strength in unity as the fellowship of New York graciously welcomed Kristin. The rest of the Swedish mad-lads guided the vagabonds Into a world of magic, as narrated by their ivory sorcerer, Blackwald.
I, an ace scribe with other fans, got to see them. The action-packed riffs from Aerendir and Lynd. The gliding bass from Born. The powerful drums from De’Azsh. All of those elements created a JRR Tolkien-style feast for the senses. Twilight Force brought the thunder. Their set was fun. The band roused the audience for the Big Apple return of their interdimensional brethren, Gloryhammer.
After taking a trek in the Twilight kingdom, It was time to journey southwest to the celestial dominion of Fife. After an incoming transmission at 8:15 PM by way of troubadour Tom Jones, serenading us with Delilah leading into the moment we were all waiting for. The return of Gloryhammer with Angus McFife II (Fife), The Hootsman (Unst), Ralathor (Cowdenbeath), Ser Proletius (Crail), and Zargothrax (Dundee) strutted onto the stage to usher in an exciting and magical nationwide adventure.
The thunderous set started with Holy Flaming Hammer of Unholy Cosmic Frost. Gloryhammer kicked out banger after banger with a mixture of anthems from their discography. Angus and the other elected officials of their realms would often hype the dynamic audience with their banter. It was great and would further increase those micro-moments of crowd-surfing and spontaneous moshing.
Gloryhammer’s presence was immense. The costumed fans scattered throughout the stage area further amplified that as we were glad to see some of the best cuts like Gloryhammer’s eponymous song, Angus McFife, Hootsforce, and my favorite track of the set, Sword Lord of the Goblin Horde. All five cosmic nightingales pulled out all of the stops for opening night. Gloryhammer delivered a great set as the New York Hootsforce volleyed meteor levels of energy back and forth like two twin chaos wizards throughout the performance!!
Gloryhammer give it their all in concert. I will see them whenever they perform in New York. It was my second time seeing them in less than a year supporting Alestorm last time around. A headlining performance from them is way more fleshed out, having an hour and a half to summon more glorious music without getting too wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey concerning the fictitious lineage in the discography timeline.
Gloryhammer ended the first performance of this U.S odyssey with The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee, followed by the most jubilant part of the night. The New York hootsforce pledged allegiance to the Hootsman as he was crowned by Zargothrax as king Hootsman of Unst to conclude a brilliant opening night. Gloryhammer and Twilight Force took over the sky-scraping jungle of cawfee and ayyy I’m walkin’ here! like absolute final bosses. Both bands sounded great. The New York chapter of Fife had a great time seeing them. Hoots were had by all! Now go forth, mighty readers, discover new bands, and for the love of comedy and fantasy, see this tour. It is one of the finest power metal double bills you will experience in 2024.
