JANUARY 11th, 2024
GLORY AND THE BEAST TOUR
Review/Photos By: Polina Kulikovskikh
Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/glory-and-the-beast-tour/

On January 11th, Oslo was graced with the presence of two powerhouse bands, Gloryhammer and Beast in Black, as part of their tour "Glory and the Beast." Completing this epic lineup was none other than Brothers of Metal, adding their own brand of Norse-inspired metal magic to the mix. This concert served as an great kick-off to the metal concert calendar of 2024. Both headlining acts, known for their commitment to crafting larger-than-life experiences, delivered unforgettable performances, cementing the event as a resounding success.

Opening the night were Brothers of Metal, an eight-member band hailing from Sweden. Formed in 2012, they burst onto the scene with their debut album, "Prophecy of Ragnarök," in 2017, earning widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. Tracks like "Yggdrasil," "Sons of Odin," and the eponymous "Prophecy of Ragnarök" showcased their fusion of traditional power metal elements with folk influences. In 2020, their thematic journey through Norse mythology continued with the release of their second album, "Emblas Saga," featuring standout tracks such as "Njord," "One," and "Powersnake," further solidifying their position in the power metal realm.

Taking the stage at one of Oslo's premier venues with their sizable lineup, Brothers of Metal delivered a spirited performance. Despite the constrained space, the band's energy was infectious as they treated the audience to a set of nine songs, predominantly drawing from their debut album. Serving as a perfect warm-up act, their dynamic performance left the crowd eager for more.

Brothers of Metal setlist:
The Death of the God of Light
Prophecy of Ragnarök
Njord
Ride of the Valkyries
The Other Son of Odin
Berserkir
Concerning Norns
Yggdrasil
Defenders of Valhalla

Following the opening act, it was time for one of the night's headliners to take the stage - the mighty Gloryhammer. Having played in Oslo a year prior and promising a return with new material after releasing their latest album, "Return to the Kingdom of Fife," the band delivered on their word.

Hailing from Dundee, Scotland, Gloryhammer was founded in 2010 by Christopher Bowes, also known as the lead vocalist of the pirate metal band Alestorm. Renowned for their epic and fantastical themes, drawing inspiration from fantasy literature, science fiction, and mythology, Gloryhammer's music is a symphonic power metal spectacle. Their music includes grandiose storytelling, sweeping orchestrations, and unforgettable choruses, earning them a devoted following among fans of power metal and fantasy-themed music.

Incorporating a unique theatrical element into their performances, each member of the band embodies a character within the overarching narrative of their concept. Dressed in armor and elaborate costumes, they bring their personas to life on stage. This time, the stage was decorated with an array of props, adding to the dynamism and excitement of the show beyond the imposing presence of a massive hammer.

The setlist predominantly featured tracks from Gloryhammer's last two albums, "Legends From Beyond the Galactic Terrorvortex" and "Return to the Kingdom of Fife," with the traditional opening of Tom Jones's famous song "Delilah," setting a tone of exuberance and revelry for what promised to be an evening of pure entertainment.

Gloryhammer setlist:
Intro: Delilah (Tom Jones song)
Incoming Transmission
Holy Flaming Hammer of Unholy Cosmic Frost
Gloryhammer
The Land of Unicorns
Fly Away
Angus McFife
Wasteland Warrior Hoots Patrol
Fife Eternal
Masters of the Galaxy
The Siege of Dunkeld (In Hoots We Trust)
Keeper of the Celestial Flame of Abernethy
Universe on Fire
Hootsforce
The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee
The National Anthem of Unst


It was finally time for Beast in Black to grace the stage. After a brief pause for prop changes, the venue underwent a remarkable transformation, shifting from the ambiance of an ancient castle to a Japan-inspired setting, complete with a striking centerpiece: a massive tiger head. This homage to the Japanese manga and anime series "Berserk" perfectly embodied the essence of the band's name.

Beast in Black first burst onto the scene with their debut album, "Berserker," in 2017. Boasting infectious melodies, commanding vocals, and electrifying guitar solos, the album garnered praise from both fans and critics alike. The band continued their ascent with the highly anticipated release of their second album, "From Hell with Love," in 2019. This album further solidified their reputation for delivering irresistible hooks, anthemic choruses, and high-octane performances, featuring standout tracks such as "Sweet True Lies," "Die by the Blade," and the title track itself.

In 2021, Beast in Black released their latest offering, "Dark Connection," a melodic and atmospheric journey through heavy metal, infused with an irresistibly catchy twist.

Setting themselves apart from many power metal bands, Beast in Black injects a sense of fun and whimsy into both their recordings and live performances. Their music seamlessly blends traditional elements with electronic influences, making them the ultimate choice for any metal disco party.

The setlist for the night spanned across all three of the band's albums, treating the audience to their most beloved tracks alongside new favorites. With their boundless energy and captivating stage presence, Beast in Black delivered a performance that will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the night. Truly, it was a night to cherish.

Beast in Black setlist:
Intro: Shock to the System (Billy Idol song)
Blade Runner
Bella Donna
Beast in Black
Sweet True Lies
Broken Survivors
From Hell With Love
Hardcore
Moonlight Rendezvous
Zodd the Immortal
Ghost in the Rain
Highway to Mars
Blind and Frozen
Die by the Blade
One Night in Tokyo
End of the World