Gloryhammer: The Regent - Los Angeles, CA - 3/26/24
Gloryhammer is a power metal band from the United Kingdom. In 2023, they released their fourth album, Return to the Kingdom of Fife. Each member of the band represents a character in the story concept. Band members appears on stage in armor and costumes to represent their respective characters. Gloryhammer made their return to the USA and this time, they brought with them Swedish symphonic power metal band Twilight Force who were on their very first USA tour. Even on a Tuesday night, Gloryhammer packed The Regent in Downtown LA.
The venue was packed almost to capacity by the time that Gloryhammer was ready to take the stage. Lots of fans with various merch could be seen throughout the venue which included shirts, inflatable swords, inflatable shields and inflatable hammers. The lights went out and the venue cheered with excitement as the band members made their way to the stage. When bassist James Cartwright (The Hootsman) came on stage, he was greeted by fans chanting, “Hoots! Hoots! Hoots!” The first song performed was “Unholy Flaming Hammer of Unholy Cosmic Frost.” Their fast-paced power metal music began and, naturally, fans began to mosh. The second performed was their self-titled song, “Gloryhammer” and it featured vocalist Sozos Michael (Angus McFife) bringing out a hammer and waving it around. A goblin came out to do battle with Angus McFife, but was slain after a few hits from the Hammer of Glory. There was nothing but positive energy throughout the whole performance. The band members would talk to the audience in character of whoever they were portraying, almost like a play. More glorious songs were performed which included “Angus McFife,” “Fife Eternal” and “Masters of the Galaxy.” Even fans that were moshing looked like they were having a good time and weren’t out to purposely hurt each other. If fans weren’t moshing, they were singing along. It’s always quite the sight seeing fans singing along to the music proving to the band that they know the lyrics and were there specifically to see them. Nearing the end of the set, Gloryhammer played some of their best songs which were “Universe on Fire” and “Hootsforce.” During “Hootsforce,” the crowd went even wilder in the mosh pit and the fans were singing along to the catchy chorus of the song. Easily one of the best songs performed that night. The final song of their set was “The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee.” Every song performed was flawless and they sound just as good live as they do on their albums. Gloryhammer thanked their audience, then left the stage even though the audience clearly wanted more. If Gloryhammer ever come to your area, be sure to check them out as you will not be disappointed, and they will make a fan out of you.
