Scotland’s most notorious pirate (metal) clan Alestorm have washed ashore on Canadian soil: armed to the teeth with kilts, inflatable ducks, and an insatiable thirst for mead, the crew brought their raucous high-energy party metal to a sold-out Palace Theatre in Calgary on Saturday night.
Alestorm was joined by Italy’s power/folk metallers Elvenking and Canada/U.S.’s newcomer powerhouse Glyph, rounding off a strong lineup.
Glyph kicked the night into high gear, hitting the stage with melodic, anthemic power metal that hits a mark somewhere between Rhapsody, Sabaton, and all the very best elements of 90s/early 2000s power metal. Vocalist R.A. Voltaire showcased his vocal prowess utilizing diverse styles. After having the opportunity to review their album Honor Power Glory, we found that their music is absolutely made for live performances – and we now have unequivocal proof of it.
Performance-wise, Glyph gave the impression of having long been established despite the fact that they’ve only just released their debut album in recent weeks. It’s clear that this band are already winning over audiences and making waves.
Italian power-folk metal veterans Elvenking followed Glyph. Active since 1997, the band pleased long-time fans in what appears to be their Canadian tour debut (or possibly just their first in recent history). Performing songs spanning their 27-year history, Elvenking brought a powerful, energetic performance that pleased their existing fans and undoubtedly recruited new fans who may not have heard their distinct brand of folkloric power metal before.
A personal, biased side note from Angela: As a long-time fan, Elvenking were one of my first introductions to power/folk metal in the early 2000s – catching this band live was a magic experience. Like many Canadian fans, I wasn’t easily able to travel to European festivals to see them. Anyone who’s a fan like me will not be disappointed by their performance on this tour.
Alestorm kept the party going with a setlist that served as a best-of their classic tracks like Keelhauled, Mexico, and Drink. To christen their visit to Canada, the band covered 90s Canadiana anthem The Last Saskatchewan Pirate (Arrogant Worms). Alestorm also performed some of their newer material including Voyage of the Dead Marauder, originally a collaboration with Patty Gurdy and beautifully interpreted live by Empress’ Barbara Blackthorne.
With Alestorm, what you hear in their music is purpose-made to translate into a memorable high-energy party atmosphere for their tours and festivals. And there’s a giant inflatable duck. For this show, they delivered all of the above. So..what more could we ask for?
The music and atmosphere combined made for a high-energy heavy metal party. The Dead Marauder tour is just over its halfway point – check tour dates and join their duck-filled heavy metal pillaging party in a city near you!
SETLIST: ALESTORM
SETLIST: ELVENKING
SETLIST: GLYPH
