Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineFebruary 12, 2024gallery, live, melbourne, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy, odin imaging, Mai Tosley, Northcote Theatre, Blind Guardian, Valhalore, Victoria K

Blind Guardian + Valhalore + Victoria K @ Northcote Theatre 09-02-24

Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineFebruary 12, 2024gallery, live, melbourne, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy, odin imaging, Mai Tosley, Northcote Theatre, Blind Guardian, Valhalore, Victoria K

photos: Nathan Goldsworthy @odin.imaging
words: Mai Tosley

Upon location a cat appears with a quest, it begins with finding the venue after parking miles away through the back streets of Northcote, no explanation needed as to why it's busy with a sold out gig. Did you find the Iconic Northcote Theatre? If you have arrived at the destination within the doors you will be greeted by Victoria's magical alluring voice and deep growls from Charlie. A hypnotizing performance from Victoria K it was outstanding, ending their set with a picture accompanied by the audience for everyone to store in their inventory.

Halfway through completing your quest to gain access to the next stage you must sing and dance to the classic Rasputin by Boney M. In accordance Valhalore arrive to blow your minds with their symphonic folk metal. Prepare to be taken on a journey as the band fills the stage with 6 enthusiastic members. A powerful production with unforgettable flute melodies and with great participation from the crowd you're sure to achieve extra points.

If you have made it this far and waited patiently you are on the path to great things. To unlock the last chapter clap your hands all together as the final battle is about to begin.

Success! Blind Guardian appear in their magnificent form starting the showdown with 'Imaginations From the Other Side' and what a great start, can you feel the power of the metal. Your first challenge is when lead vocalist Hansi Kürsch comes to your side of the room and motions for the crowd to raise their arms and cheer and one more time for good measure.

They play 'Blood of the Elves' to the audiences pleasure and then Hansi goes on to tell us he struggled to come up with a setlist as much different as possible but some sing a too good to not be played and that song would be 'Nightfall' a tale about tragic fate that ends in catastrophe. For being so great we were gifted with a song that didn't get played at the gig the previous night that being 'The Script for My Requiem' but then guitarist Marcus Siepen indicated to Hansi that they played it last night as well. Hansi's response was "who gives a fuck" and the crowd busted out with laughter and with that they played epic song 'Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)'.

The band delved into tracks 'Born in a Morning Hall' and 'Secrets of the American Gods'.

It's about that time we must upgrade into becoming master bards and that means to sing your hearts out to 'The Bard's Song' and that's just what the crew did, coming together and uniting our voices as one it was a moving experience. Then continuing on to 'Majesty' and after Hansi announces that the voyage is almost over he asks the travelers to help sing 'Traveler in Time' and with that concluded Blind Guardian leave the stage.

Wanting to extend the quest the tribe start stomping and clapping in rhythm to combine their powers. The band reappears and goes straight into 'War of Wrath' and 'Into the Storm' granting us what we deserve. As Hansi warns the questers the next one will be a challenge and will need their support and assigns us a quest within a quest and we join in with 'The Quest for Tanelorn'.

Extending the suffering the battlers knock on the gates of 'Valhalla'. Hansi reminds us it's friday night the crew step up their game and end the show chanting 'Mirror Mirror' on the wall true lies beyond the coast...