Iron Kingdom, the legendary old-school metal band, is set to captivate Prince George with their raw, high-energy sound. This cross-Canada tour marks a significant moment for the band, as they celebrate the release of their new album, 'Shadows and Dust'.
What makes Iron Kingdom truly fascinating is their unique approach to heavy metal. While many bands in the genre tend to focus on extreme and aggressive styles, Iron Kingdom embraces a more traditional and unapologetic sound. Their influences are clear, drawing heavily from the iconic acts of the 1970s and 1980s, such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon, and Helloween. But what's truly intriguing is how they seamlessly blend these classic influences with contemporary styles, creating a sound that appeals to a diverse range of fans.
The band's visual aesthetic is equally captivating, drawing inspiration from ancient and medieval imagery, as seen in films like 'Gladiator' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. This unique blend of ancient symbolism and heavy metal has helped them attract a strange and wonderful variety of fans, from the extreme metal enthusiasts who grew up with Iron Maiden to those who might not typically listen to heavy metal.
Iron Kingdom's journey began in 2011, but the members had been playing together for years under a different name. The band officially formed with the intention of releasing music, touring, and taking their craft seriously as a professional business. Their hard work paid off when they appeared on Canada's Got Talent in 2012, earning unanimous approval from judges Stephan Moccio, Measha Brueggergosman, and Martin Short.
Despite their televised audition, Iron Kingdom decided not to return to the show after their appearance. Osterman explains that while the experience reached nearly one million viewers, it came with trade-offs. The band's authenticity and underground credibility might have been slightly compromised, but the exposure was worth it for the awareness it brought.
Prince George holds a special place in the band's hearts, as it remains one of their favorite stops on the tour. The city's energy and the special treatment they receive from the locals make each performance memorable. Osterman highlights the band's signature ending, where they build to a long finale, black out the stage, and then their bass player comes out with 'Are you not entertained!' to kick off the encore, leaving the crowd fired up.
The new album, 'Shadows and Dust', showcases some new influences, with Dio's influence shining through more prominently than before. The album also features stronger Judas Priest influences, including some chromatic guitar work that the band hadn't explored before, making it an extremely varied and captivating listen.
In conclusion, Iron Kingdom's performance at the Prince George Playhouse is a must-see for metal enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Their unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, coupled with their captivating visual aesthetic and energetic performances, promises an unforgettable experience. So, if you're in Prince George, make sure to catch Iron Kingdom live and immerse yourself in the raw, high-energy world of heavy metal!
