Gloryhammer, Brothers of Metal, Arion – La Belle Angèle, Edinburgh – 2nd August 2022

Not quite a typical Friday night in the Scottish capital as it shall be spent surrounded by, princes, Vikings and unicorns. A very odd concoction indeed. 

Opening proceedings were Arion. A symphonic power metal band who is fronted by the incredible Lassi Vääränen. This was Arions 1st time in Scotland and they were flawless. This was a band I had been looking forward to seeing since their Life Is Not Beautiful album (released back in 2018) and they didn’t disappoint. They are a band that are on the rise. Be sure to check them out.

I have something to confess, I’m a bit of a fan of Brothers of Metal who were up next. La Belle Angèle doesn’t have the biggest of stages so I was also curious how it was going to work with having 8 members on the stage with 3 of them being vocalists. It was managed, it was a tight squeeze, but it was managed. 

Not only were they LOUD AS FLARK they were a joy to behold and the stage banter incredibly funny. This was their 2nd gig in the UK and their 1st in Scotland, and they were an absolute treat. An insane bunch of Vikings. Vocalist Mats Nilsson quipped that the Vikings had invaded Scotland back in thew 1200s, raped, pillaged and stolen everything that they had of value and have now invited them back.  They were an incredibly entertaining Mead swigging bunch who are well worth going to see. I know I’ll go to another of their shows.

       

Of course we’re all here for the headliners Gloryhammer, who were formed by pirate guy vocalist Christopher Bowes of Alestorm who has now morphed into keyboard wizard Zargothrax.

Gloryhammer were introduced by a figuration of Tom Jones and a taped intro of Delilah, much to the joy of the audience,  who joined in with great aplomb and were now geared up for the band from an otherworldly dimension.

There were fights between the vocalist Prince (Angus McFife) and goblins as well as appearances from a very forboding grand mage as well as the usual songs about Unicorns. Their subject matter of songs wouldn’t be out of place in a Steve Jackson, Ian Livingston Fighting Fantasy/ choose your own adventure book.

They’re a fun band and a great escape to the land of Dungeons and Dragons. Gloryhammer are full on power metal.

All 3 of the night’s band were amazing, the front of house sound was unbelievable and I woke up the following day, with ringing in my ears and being slightly mutton. A glorious way to spend a Friday night in unusual company.