May 10, 2024
It was off to the Olympia in a heat wave for a huge night of metal. In town for the God Machine Tour, Blind Guardian were back to entertain the masses, with help from their friends in Night Demon.
Anticipating thorough security checks, I arrived with ample time to make sure I’d actually catch the first act. As I always tend to prepare for the worst at this venue, this time things went smoothly. So it quickly turned into a hurry up and wait situation.
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I was excited to see what the guys in Night Demon could do on a bigger stage, since seeing them at a sold out Piranha bar show. They were deserving of a bigger set up for the huge sound the trio produced.
Night Demon
I was a slightly older crowd this evening, though I did see a few kids out for the occasion rocking out with their parents. The band mostly rocked the corner podiums enveloped in smoke. Hoping that it would dissipate just a little so I could see more, but sadly, it continued heavily throughout the set.
Opening strong with songs off Outsider, off their new movie concept album. If you already knew the songs you were rocking it hard or headbanging in the pit . They unleashed a special mascot Rocky the skeleton with his unholy grail for song The Chalice to offer up a drink for everlasting life.
Those that were eagerly waiting Blind Guardian seemed to enjoy them especially after that stunt, but I believe there was a big disconnect happening. Especially since whoever did the lights only flashed the band’s huge banner once for less than a minute during Night Demon the very last song.
They were the perfect band to warm up our vocal chords. Because at least we could he hear them. Hoping to actually ‘see’ them back soon on a different stage.
Blind Guardian
The energy was high and the crowd was packed right to the stage in anticipation. The balcony was closed though they hinted it was sold out, but they still could have given us some breathing room.
After years of not visiting the energy exploded as they took to the stage. A bit of an ovation as the singer Hansi Kürsch chatted before diving into their catalog. With the dry wit, he teased that there are seven other shows tonight. “What’s wrong with you? There is the option of being here with us or sitting at home to be sad. Not choosing other shows. Don’t be stupid”
So I guess I chose right then. It was my first time witnessing them live. The band with the title of one of the most seminal influential power/ speed metal bands. Standing on the theme of no gimmicks tonight, just raw talent, they turned up my expectation meter to eleven.
The feedback of the crowd singing most songs especially Nightfall in unison with an extra Quebec metal attitude was amazing. We took over singing The Bard’s Song louder than the band.
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The powerful chanting and wizardry enchanting subjects definitely sprinkled a bit of magic into the Olympia. Once again uniting us through music and breaking the language barrier for good tonight, not evil.
Giving us over two hours of music, taking the seasoned fans and first time journeyers like myself into a new world in one evening. Finishing with the audience request for Majesty to crown this epic night.
