OCT 23rd,2011
THE FRETS OF FURY
TOUR 2011 
Review By: Metal Mom
Photos By: Char Tupper
http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/firewindguests
Well what hit Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre on Sunday night was pure heavy/death and power metal, and if that’s what you like well then you had the best of the best shows. Unfortunately until the night of the show, it stated that the show was cancelled on the Rickshaw site, which is probably why there were not many people at the venue at all. What a disappointment it must have been for the bands, who had travelled so much to do what they love, and then have such minimal fans. So for the bands, just remember this had nothing to do with you, it was the fault of the venue. Metaltitans worked hard with others to finally let people know the venue changed their minds and decided to continue and to make it all ages in hopes of bringing in more of a crowd. But too late, most thought it was cancelled. But for those of us in attendance … there was lots of room, you could stand up front, and really enjoy a great Metal show.
First band tonight, well I am sorry, but I missed them, their name wasn’t on the bill either, so I have no idea who it might have been. I apologize for that. We went with one of the bands to show them where to eat, and stayed and chatted with them. And you all know that its best to travel together around the area, especially when you don’t know where you are going, or how to get back to the venue.
So that made NIGHTRAGE, the first on stage for me, this 5 member Greek/Swedish band that formed back in 2000, brought with them the energy and talent to keep the crowd happy. They did have some crazy solos. They have more of a melodic death metal sound, one that you could appreciate. This was my first show watching NIGHTRAGE, they did a great job.
Next up was WHITE WIZZARD, an American heavy metal band that formed in 2002, that has a more traditional heavy metal sound. Along the lines of good time rock and metal. In fact you can hear their influences, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and many of the older metal/rock bands. This works so well for the guys. The melodic guitar riffs and the aggressive drumming along with the bass and the vocals, all make this a great complete package. I really enjoyed their set, it was tight and one you could tell the crowd was enjoying. Their set went by way too fast, but they did crank out - Over the top, 40 Deuces, Celestina, Flying Tigers, and High Speed GTO. Hopefully with such great musicianship they will be returning soon for our enjoyment.
Unfortunately for WHITE WIZZARD their Vancouver show ended unpleasantly…this from their face book page -
“It was a great show yesterday night in Vancouver. Thanks to all who showed up to support us! However some piece of shit broke into our van while we were playing our set and stole all Jon‘s stuff .. Two bags and a classical guitar. We wish him the worst in life. Whoever you are, you truly are a piece of shit“
I am so sorry that this happened to you. And believe me, this is not a normal occurrence here in Vancouver. I hope you return soon, maybe after your European tour, so that we can enjoy another fantastic show.
ARSIS is up on stage next. They are an American death metal band from Virginia that formed in 2000. And boy the solos that came out of this band , blew me away. Its not often I can hear or pick up on the solos, but it was so well performed and so crystal clear, that its what I heard the most, and I was so amazed watching Nick play, a complete blur of hands as he played with such speed. And with a little more concentration on my part, I heard the rest of the band, and they played a set list that was so awe-inspiring. I was enjoying it so much, but the time went by way too fast. Job well done by ARSIS.
Next up is the Greek headlining band of FIREWIND. This band that started back in 1998 is a heavy metal , speed metal and best of all a power metal band. The crowd seemed to get much bigger for them as time went on. But what brought the crowd in for these guys, I have to say is Gus G, the one who originated the band, and who has also played in such bands as Ozzy, Arch Enemy, Nightrage and more. It seemed liked tonight was full of talented guitar players. There was riff play offs between Gus and Bob, both I think won, but I will say that each and every member of this band has a lot of talent and kept the audience captivated for their whole set. Again for me, this was my first experience of seeing FIREWIND. I will be back to see them again.
It was a great experience for me to go witness these bands all play, and do it so well. Thank you to each and every one of you who made it such a great time. And for the crowds, thanks for not being too crazy that I could enjoy it up front.
By the end of the night, I also now knew why this tour was called ‘ FRETS OF FURY ‘.