Photos: Dhruv Kumar
Dragonforce, fresh off signing with new label Napalm Records, embarked on a North American tour in late October. This extensive world tour promised to be their most thrilling yet. Featuring special guests Amaranthe, with additional support from Napalm Records labelmates NanowaR of Steel and Edge of Paradise.
Since their early 2000s debut, the power metal veterans have managed to stay relevant. We are excited to cover them once again on this tour. Amaranthe, making their return to the States after six years, has developed a dedicated fan base with their distinctive blend of Metalcore, Melo Death, Metal, Pop, and Electronic elements. I still remember our coverage of their first show at The Gramercy back in 2013. They always deliver an impressive performance with their triple threat vocalists Elize Ryd, Nils Molin from Dynazty, and now Mikael Sehlin.
Opening act Edge of Paradise, emerging in the Melodic Metal genre, delivered an excellent performance led by the captivating front lady Margarita Monet. Their fusion of industrial and classical influences is particularly fascinating. Monet’s impressive vocal range demands undivided attention. Notably, tracks like “This Is Personal” establish the band’s unique sound from the get-go.
The Italians NanowaR of Steel are considered by some as a parody band. Their distinctive take on the genre is noteworthy, as they infuse humor into their set. With songs like “Disco Metal” and “Norwegian Reggeaton,” they add a light-hearted touch to their performance. NanowaR’s set is entertaining, despite the playful antics on stage.
Amaranthe wasted no time in delivering their signature wall of sound, instantly rekindling the enthusiasm of their fans with hits like “Digital World,” “Strong,” and “The Nexus.” Impressively, they seamlessly blend different vocal styles, creating a harmonious and powerful performance. Their upcoming album, The Catalyst, slated for release on February 23rd, 2024, via Nuclear Blast Records, is one to watch.
Dragonforce emerged at a time when the Power Metal genre was facing uncertainty. Their debut “Valley of the Damned” outshone anything the genre had produced in recent years, leaving a lasting impression on the metal community with their electrifying guitar work. Through the years, Herman Li and his bandmates have steered through challenges, retaining a dedicated fan base and releasing eight studio albums. The fervor from the crowd during their set was evident, as they performed old favorites and newer tracks. Notably, “Cry Thunder,” “Power of the Triforce,” and “Valley of the Damned” resonated particularly well with the energetic audience. Additionally, their rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” had a distinct Dragonforce twist, making for an epic performance.
It was an exceptional night, catering to both casual metal fans and longtime supporters of these remarkable metal bands. Additionally, it was a rare opportunity to catch bands that hadn’t toured North America in some time, such as Amaranthe. If you get the chance to attend one of the remaining shows on this tour, consider bringing a friend along for a memorable experience.
North American Tour 2023
w/ Amaranthe, NanowaR of Steel + Edge of Paradise
Oct 20 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater*
Oct 21 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel*
Oct 23 – Austin, TX – Empire Garage
Oct 24 – Dallas, TX – The Granada
Oct 25 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Oct 27 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues
Oct 28 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
Oct 30 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade – Heaven
Oct 31 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
Nov 01 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
Nov 03 – New York, NY – Palladium Time Square
Nov 04 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
Nov 05 – Montreal, QC – MTelus
Nov 06 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
Nov 08 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theater
Nov 09 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic
Nov 10 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Nov 11 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
Nov 12 – Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater
Nov 14 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
Nov 15 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
Nov 16 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
Nov 18 – Berkeley, CA – UC Theater
Nov 19 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
* no NanowaR of Steel
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