As August drew to a close and summer began to fade, Los Angeles was hit with some haunting activity. The Hollywood Palladium stood ready for a big night. Powerwolf, the symphonic power metal titans, were about to kick off their first full North American tour, and a phantom-like energy danced through the city, a haunting prelude to something heavy coming our way.
The timing was perfect. With autumn approaching and Halloween’s shadow looming, the stage was set for Powerwolf’s grand entrance. Their arrival in Tinseltown was the start of something big, a moment their American followers had long dreamed of.
Sure, Powerwolf had played a handful of U.S. gigs before, mostly around New York. But this was different. This wasn’t a quick visit or a one-night stand. This was the beginning of a full-scale invasion, Powerwolf’s chance to truly sink their teeth into North American soil.
Across the country, dedicated metalheads had been counting the days. The thought of experiencing Powerwolf’s over-the-top performances, their unique blend of heavy riffs and choral majesty, has had everyone pumped from coast to coast.
As night fell on Los Angeles, the palm trees cast eerie shadows. A sea of black-clad figures swarmed towards the Palladium. There was a shared understanding in the air – this night would go down in metal lore. Powerwolf was ready to howl, and America was poised to answer with a roar of its own.
The scene outside the Palladium was staggering. A seemingly endless line snaked around the block, filled with eager concert-goers. The crowd was a sight to behold, with many attendees decked out in full regalia,nuns, and face paint, ready to greet Powerwolf in style. Seasoned metalheads stood shoulder to shoulder with curious newcomers, all united by the promise of an unforgettable night. The Palladium’s doors couldn’t open soon enough for this hungry pack, ready to be led in unholy communion by their lupine leaders.
Unleash The Archers took the stage first, demonstrating why they’re hailed as Canada’s premier power metal export. The band wasted no time in showcasing their latest material, including tracks from their newest album – the same one I had the pleasure of discussing with frontwoman Brittany Slayes earlier this year.
What struck me immediately was the crowd’s reaction. The energy in the room spiked as soon as they began their set, with the audience clearly just as fired up for them as for Powerwolf. A highlight of their performance came when they launched into “Northwest Passage,” their folk-metal infused anthem. The entire venue erupted in song, voices joining together in a powerful chorus.
While their studio work has always been impressive, seeing Unleash The Archers live was a revelation. Brittany’s stage presence was magnetic, her voice of course is on another level. The rest of the band matched her energy, each member connecting with the audience in their own way. And that is always so cool to see.
For me, finally experiencing their live show was a thrill. They shattered my super high expectations. And to me, they proved beyond doubt that they’re a force to be reckoned with on stage. As Powerwolf claimed the stage, the night unfolded with a series of firsts for their American debut. The crowd was treated to an exclusive live premiere of tracks from their latest record, a gift to their long-waiting stateside fans.
The band embodies the complete package of metal magnificence. Their sound melds raw power with melodic mastery, while their visual flair stands unmatched. The dedication of their followers transformed the venue into a sanctuary of shared passion. On stage, they are phenomenal. Incense filled the air, enhancing the otherworldly atmosphere. They took care to bring newcomers into the fold, offering quick lessons on crowd participation. The audience responded in kind, voices rising to meet the band’s call.
A memorable moment arose when Attila addressed the crowd, acknowledging Catholics, Protestants, and atheists among them. Cheers erupted from each group. His words that followed struck a chord: regardless of belief, all present were unified under the banner of heavy metal.
Witnessing them ignite their tour was awesome. As they continue their journey across the country, each show promises to build upon this explosive start. The pairing of Unleash The Archers and Powerwolf created an evening of metal mastery that really needs to be experienced in person.
Powerwolf
Unleash The Archers
