Gloryhammer and Twilight Force Enchant NYC’s Irving Plaza with Power Metal Brilliance

Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer

r.m.music84@gmail.com

Thursday, March 7th, marked a remarkable night at NYC’s Irving Plaza as Glory Hammer kicked off her North American headlining tour with Twilight Force as direct support, making their North American debut, and what a captivating start it was!

With this being my first time covering a show at Irving Plaza, the check-in process to collect credentials was seamless. The venue buzzed with anticipation as enthusiastic fans, particularly VIPs and early attendees, crowded against the barricade, eagerly anticipating a night immersed in epic power metal and a fantastical journey through realms.

When the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the show, it was evident that this was no ordinary “opener.” The crowd erupted with excitement as Twilight Force members took the stage one by one. Experiencing Twilight Force’s music live transcends mere listening; it’s a truly ethereal experience. Despite Allyon’s absence due to a serious family illness, backup vocalist Kristin Starkey stepped up as lead vocalist and delivered a beyond stellar performance.

The setlist was a journey through enchanting realms, starting with the captivating “Dawn of the Dragonstar,” which immediately cast an enchantment across the entire venue, multiplying the energy in the room. Kristin Starkey’s incredible vocals as lead vocalist were a highlight of the night, showcasing not only her vocal range but also her ability to command the stage with confidence and passion. Each subsequent song added a new layer to the magical atmosphere – “Twilight Force” embodied the band’s essence, drawing listeners into a world of fantasy and adventure, while “Dragonborn” unleashed a powerful energy of courage and heroism.

“Thundersword” evoked images of epic battles and mythical quests with thunderous rhythms and epic melodies, and “Sunlight Knight” took listeners on a melodic journey that balanced light and darkness, showcasing the band’s versatility in storytelling through music. “Flight of the Sapphire Dragon” saw an inflatable dragon tossed into the pit and kept flying around the venue by the valiant knights in the pit, painting vivid imagery of majestic creatures and distant horizons. “At the Heart of Wintervale” delved into colder, more introspective themes, balancing raw emotion with musical grandeur.

Closing the set with “The Power of the Ancient Force,” Twilight Force left the audience in awe of their musical prowess and captivating performance, showcasing strength and resilience through their anthemic sound.

Overall, Twilight Force’s debut North American show at Irving Plaza was nothing short of enchanting, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness their magical performance.

As the lights dimmed for the last time, an electric energy surged through the venue, intensifying the anticipation. A mysterious wind seemed to sweep across the room, adding an otherworldly atmosphere. Suddenly, a spotlight illuminated a cardboard cutout of Tom Jones at center stage, accompanied by the familiar melody of “Delilah,” which elicited a spirited sing-along from the entire crowd. This unexpected interlude set the stage for what was to come, creating a playful yet exciting transition.

The transition seamlessly led into “Incoming Transmission,” igniting a deafening frenzy of cheers and applause. The stage presence of Gloryhammer was commanding, with Angus McFife taking the lead vocals and delivering a performance that surpassed all expectations. Alongside Zargothrax on keys, Ralathor on drums, Ser Proletius on guitars and backing vocals, and The Hootsman on bass and backing vocals, the band unleashed a whirlwind of power metal prowess.

Among the standout tracks performed was “Holy Flaming Hammer of Unholy Cosmic Frost,” which kicked off the set with exhilarating strings and riveting guitar riffs, showcasing Gloryhammer’s signature style. McFife’s vocals soared to new heights, demonstrating his exceptional vocal range and stage presence, surpassing even the studio recordings.

Throughout the night, the band delved into a repertoire of epic songs, each contributing to the grand narrative of their fantastical universe. From anthems like “Gloryhammer” and “Angus McFife” that inspired sing-alongs and fist-pumping excitement to more intricate compositions like “The Land of the Unicorns” and “Questlords of Inverness,” every song transported the audience deeper into the realms of Gloryhammer’s imaginative storytelling.

The setlist also featured adrenaline-pumping tracks such as “Fly Away” and “Ride to the Galactic Fortress!,” showcasing the band’s ability to create dynamic and engaging music that resonated with fans. The epic saga continued with “Wasteland Warrior Hoots Patrol,” “Fife Eternal,” and “Masters of the Galaxy,” each contributing to the larger-than-life narrative that unfolded on stage.

Amidst the epic storytelling, the band also showcased their technical prowess with intricate instrumentals like “Sword Lord of the Goblin Horde” and “Keeper of the Celestial Flame of Abernethy,” highlighting their musical versatility and skill. The crowd was swept up in the energetic performance, culminating in anthems like “The Siege of Dunkeld” (In Hoots We Trust), “Universe on Fire,” “Hootsforce,” and “The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee,” which brought the night to a triumphant close.

Overall, Gloryhammer’s performance was a tour de force of power metal mastery, combining epic storytelling, technical precision, and infectious energy to create an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. The concert was a testament to the band’s ability to transport fans to a world of adventure and fantasy through their music, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed the spectacle of Gloryhammer live in concert.