On a lively Wednesday evening, April 17th, the hallowed halls of Brick By Brick in San Diego played host to an exhilarating cascade of metal prowess, headlined by the Faroese legends TÝR. The event, punctuated by an array of dynamic performances, proved to be a celebration of both music and myth, captivating a diverse crowd of metal enthusiasts.
The evening kicked off with American Pagan Metal pioneers, Helsott, who, despite the gradually filling venue, delivered a spirited performance that set the tone for the night. Their robust Pagan Metal melodies resonated well with the early attendees, though the sparse crowd and distant acoustics at the back posed a challenge for those hoping to catch every lyric.
The sound issues persisted into the performance by San Diego’s own The Dread Crew of Oddwood. Their act brought a lively mix of folk and metal to the stage, rallying their loyal local following. Unfortunately, the venue’s acoustics didn’t do justice to the band’s lyrical prowess from further back, a reminder of the venue’s need for an audio setup rethink, perhaps adding ambient speakers similar to those in department stores, to cater to the entire audience.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere thickened with anticipation and metal fervor. Aether Realm took to the stage with a performance that truly felt like the heart of a metal show. Their dynamic stage presence and robust sound marked a high point in the evening, perfectly priming the crowd for the comedic yet musically adept Trollfest. Dressed as flamingos, Trollfest delivered a much-needed comedic relief while maintaining the event’s energetic momentum.
As good as the show has been thus far, the pinnacle of the evening was undoubtedly TÝR’s performance, a band I’ve followed, albeit not as closely as I should have. I’ve listened to songs such as “Hail to the Hammer,” “Shadow of the Swastika,” “Blood of Heroes,” etc., but I wish I would have delved deeper into their discography. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to review their latest album “Battle Ballads” that I was able to really enjoy the band after dissecting the songs at a deeper level.
This deep dive into “Battle Ballads” revealed layers and nuances I had previously missed, showcasing TÝR’s rich blend of historical narratives and complex musical arrangements that truly elevate their sound. The meticulous craftsmanship in their latest tracks gave me a fresh perspective and a new appreciation for their artistic evolution. Witnessing them live, performing both the classics and newer tracks, I could see the threads that connect their musical journey, enriching the entire concert experience.
As the chords of “By the Sword in My Hand” filled the air, I was instantly transported. It was a mesmerizing experience, like being pulled into a saga of old. Each song was a narrative, a poetic journey back in time to the age of Vikings. TÝR’s mastery at weaving historical grandeur with compelling musicianship was on full display, enchanting everyone from Pirates in cosplay to Die-Hard metalheads in Battle Vests.
The night, though late and on a weekday, was undeniably worth the sleep sacrifice. Every performance contributed to an unforgettable spectacle of metal. However, despite the stellar lineup and the magnetic allure of the show, the sound issues highlighted a lingering need for venue enhancements. A GoFundMe to rejuvenate Brick By Brick could be a worthy crusade, ensuring future metal warriors a venue that matches the caliber of performances it hosts.
In closing, as the echoes of TÝR’s Viking hymns fade, we are reminded of the relentless spirit of the metal community—a tribe akin to the ancient Norse, gathering under the banner of powerful music and shared mythologies. Until next time, may your hearts be brave and your spirits high, for the halls of Valhalla await in every chord of TÝR’s mighty anthems. Skål to the music, the myths, and the metal!
