November 16, 2015 - I think it's crazy that some of these bands have been around since way before I was born, and that they're still kicking all sorts of ass to this day. Vancouver was lucky enough to get some pioneers of the German metal scene that originated in the 80s to show up at the Commodore Ballroom for a night of shredding and headbanging.
I mean for a bunch of old metal dudes, the boys from Grave Digger are extremely photogenic and love posing for the camera. Of course, I'm not complaining! The band members were extremely charismatic, and thrived off of the crowd's energy. Constantly asking for more interaction be it singalongs or for the horns in the air, they reciprocated with such intensity that I would expect from a bunch of crust punks in their 20s. All in all, a very fun performance!
Up next, Blind Guardian, one of the most influential bands in the speed and power metal genres absolutely slayed, prompting a double encore after roars from the audience. Metal fans, old and new rejoiced as "The Bards" sang of tales of Middle Earth and other fantasy epics. For those who aren't aware, many of their themes and lyricism draws from greats such as J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, also known as badassery! Despite their later move towards a more progressive sound, Blind Guardian, is still acclaimed by both critics and listeners alike - noting a very smooth and natural progression in their sound.
Setlists:
Grave Digger
- Headbanging Man
- The Round Table (Forever)
- Witch Hunter
- Ballad of a Hangman
- Season of the Witch
- Excalibur
- Tattooed Rider
- Highland Farewell
- Rebellion (The Clans Are Marching)
- Heavy Metal Breakdown
Blind Guardian
- The Ninth Wave
- Banish from Sanctuary
- Nightfall
- Fly
- Tanelorn (Into The Void)
- Prophecies
- The Last Candles
- Lord of the Rings
- Time Stands Still (at the Iron Hill)
- Bright Eyes
- And the Story Ends
- Sacred Worlds (1st Encore)
- Twilight of the Gods (1st Encore)
- Valhalla (1st Encore)
- Imaginations from the Other Side (2nd Encore)
- The Bard's Song - In The Forest (2nd Encore)
- Mirror Mirror (2nd Encore)