Battle Ballads: Toronto’s Metal Faithful Gather for Epic Night of Folk Metal

As the doors swung open at the iconic Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto’s metal faithful flooded in, eager for a night of Norse-inspired revelry. Tonight, the stage was set for an epic clash of folk metal titans as Týr’s Battle Ballads – North American Tour 2024 rolled into town, accompanied by Trollfest, Æther Realm, and The Dread Crew of Oddwood.

I arrived early, greeted by a line snaking its way to the merch table. In line, fans were swapping stories of past shows and eagerly eyeing the array of souvenirs on offer. It was clear: tonight, with over 400 fans in attendance, was going to be something special.

The evening kicked off with The Dread Crew of Oddwood, who wasted no time in transporting us to the high seas with their raucous blend of pirate-inspired tunes. Dressed to the nines in swashbuckling attire, they had the crowd hooked from the first chord. With Peter de Reyna of Seven Spires lending his talents on bass, their performance was a rollicking good time that set the stage for the mayhem to come. Adding to their swashbuckling charm, they showcased tracks from their latest album, Rust & Glory, released on March 15, 2024

Next up was Æther Realm, hailing from the heart of North Carolina. As they took to the stage, the energy in the room surged to new heights, igniting a fervent mosh pit that sent the temperature soaring along with the crowd’s escalating excitement. With a sound that defies easy categorization—melding elements of melodic death metal and folk influences—they tore through their set with infectious enthusiasm. From the blistering riffs of “Tarot” to the anthemic chorus of “The Sun, the Moon, the Star,” they proved why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal.

But it was when Trollfest stormed onto the stage, dressed as pink flamingos no less, that the night truly kicked into overdrive. With their unmistakable blend of folk melodies and Norwegian flair, they had the crowd in the palm of their hand from the get-go. Songs like “Dance Like a Pink Flamingo” and “Kaptein Kaos” had us dancing and headbanging in equal measure, as the mosh pit erupted into a whirlwind of bodies.

And then, finally, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived: Týr took to the stage amidst a deafening roar of applause. With their upcoming album, Battle Ballads, set to drop in just a few weeks, expectations were high—and they did not disappoint. From the anthemic “By the Sword in My Hand” to the haunting melodies of “Mare of My Night,” they delivered a performance that surged with the thunderous power of a Viking horde. With each chord and beat, they summoned the primal forces of Valhalla, leaving the crowd in awe.

Highlights of their set included the premiere of new tracks like “Dragons Never Die” and “Hammered,” which showcased their evolution as musicians while staying true to their Viking roots. And as they closed out the night with a thunderous rendition of “Hold the Heathen Hammer High,” the crowd roared their approval, knowing they had just witnessed something truly special.

As the final notes faded into the night, I found myself reflecting on the power of music to unite us, even in the face of adversity. In a world that often feels divided, tonight was a reminder that, for a few hours at least, we were all part of the same tribe—bound together by our love of folk metal and the shared experience of live music.

And as I made my way out into the rain-soaked streets of Toronto, merchandise in hand and a smile on my face, I knew that this was a concert I would never forget. For in the heart of the city, amidst the thunder of guitars and the roar of the crowd, we had found something truly special—a community united by the power of music.

Until next time, horns up and onward to the next adventure!

Thank you so much, Lucy Sky from Looters for the accreditation.

The Dread Crew of Oddwood

Æther Realm

Trollfest

Týr

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Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.