Heavy metal revival comes to Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia. Me and my friend Neil traveled all the the way to Philly from Boston to witness an epic heavy metal fantasy world. An impeccable show by bands we've been waiting to see. Unfortunately We got there late so Legendry will not be part of this review.
Eternal Champion
Genre: Epic Heavy Metal FFO: Dio, Diamond Head, Ozzy Osbourne (mostly "The Ultimate Sin")
Now imagine if you will that you are in medieval times. You are a warrior born for battle and you just stepped on the bloodstained ground ready for war against an army of orcs. You are literally in a story inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien. This was exactly the feeling you get from seeing Eternal Champion. Vocalist Jason Tarpey (best known for his work in Iron Age) came on stage with a horn and leather arm bands looking straight out of the scenario I just said. While the vocal performance was spot on, his stage antics followed suit, looking as if he was a viking doing a war cry, and pretending to shoot the crowd with a bow and arrow. Some may remember The Saga Demos that Iron Age put out telling the story of a warrior, a wizard, and a witch, this band is just the same as those songs. Before playing the song, The Armor of Ire, Tarpey said the words ""this song is about running really far to chop off someone's head" and then proceeded to play the song. As the set ended, Tarpey blew his horn with a victorious breath, then said the words "We are Eternal Champion and I AM THE HAMMER!" and proceeded to play the song everyone's been waiting for, I Am The Hammer. Definitely the song I expected them to close with but with a twist, through different parts of the song, he blew the horn as the guitars would slow down. Eternal Champion put on an incredible performance with their shredding guitars and heroic melodies, but what really took the prize was definitely Tarpey's stage appearance and commitment to the bands image.
Sumerlands
Genre: Heavy Metal FFO: Dio, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne
While Eternal Champion gave the image of war and wizard fights, Sumerlands set the stage for a more epic journey of the gods. Vocalist, Phil Swanson stood like a monument while singing as the crowd watched from below viewing him as a godlike entity. The heroic melodies make you feel like you're riding on horseback to full fill a prophecy. Sumerlands didn't have too much to say to the crowd and they ended up playing everything on the lp except Lost my Mind and of course ended with the track, Sumerlands. Sound quality was spot on for them, and Swanson hit the high notes in Guardian flawlessly. A spectacular performance by both bands, me and Neil left the venue both saying that it was one of the best shows we've been to. Worth the 5 hour drive and the run down hotel room. Hopefully both bands will get to the point that they can tour so next time we can see a Boston date.
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