The night sky was covered with clouds, and misting rain created an atmosphere most melancholy. Æther Realm's imposing vocalist Vincent Jones captured this mood when he accepted a gift of handmade necklaces from a fan, saying it made him feel like a magician. "I'm going to try a spell right now," he said as the quartet launched into another intense song. Donny Burbage's awesome, soaring guitar solos caught my attention for sure. I was quite taken with Tyler Gresham's drum work, too. He had a great feel for it that created somewhat groovier moments. It was the kind of feel-driven beats like John Bonham rather than a mechanical, unimaginative style.
Vincent showed his softer side when he explained that Æther Realm's hometown Greenville, SC, "got blown away by a hurricane." While the damage and confusion was unsettling, there was a "silver lining." Experiencing three days without cell phone service brought everyone of every age, creed, and background together. "All the lines that divide us disappeared. It was a window into what we could have," he said to the applause and cheers of everyone who knows this exact feeling. The band started to play a rather pretty ballad with clean-sung words that rang out: "When the road is long, I will stay with you." Indeed, this tour is entitled the Battle Ballads Tour, and the entire show had heavy, hearty pieces throughout. I could summarize this set as heartfelt and heavy.
A long moody orchestral piece droned as the members walked to their places in the darkness. Frontman Heri Joensen walked on last. A red glow came upon them, and they launched into "By The Sword in My Hand," which is about defeating your enemies. Lead guitarist Hans Hammer had an ominous look; his head shielded by his black hoodie and his long dark hair covering his face. Not being distracted by head-banging or eye contact, it felt like you were forced to focus more on his instrument than himself. His technicality is matched only by his impressive style. Bassist Gunnar Thomsen was nearly the opposite in his stage presence; he was incredibly engaging with the audience, getting them hyped up and involved in singing along or clapping. Hans and Gunnar were perfectly in sync despite their styles. They would hurriedly exchange places flanking Heri every few seconds or step onto Tadeusz Rieckmann's drum riser.
About 30 minutes into the crushing set, Tyr exited the stage. A monstrous growling track played as the stage lights shone on no one. A metallic beat slowly grew over the din. The band re-emerged with more verve than they began with, really getting into their swing.
There wasn't a song I didn't enjoy, but I really loved the slower ballads sung in Faroese, such as "Ragnars Kvæði." This is what I came to witness. Heri's powerful voice and beautiful accent crooned and growled these moving pieces. Han's solos were even more impactful here as the great riffs were broken up by melancholy, longing moans being forced out of the instrument. You could lose yourself in it. Maybe it's the snap of winter weather approaching that makes me feel this more, but these four men make a really big, emotional sound.
