Paganfest: Epically Amazing
I am sore after an awesome show last night. Of course it’s difficult to imagine a combination of kilts, pipes, and amps being anything but awesome. Four bands that I haven’t taken the time to get really into ripped the shit out of BB King’s in NYC last night. I missed most of Tyr because the venue claimed to be out of tickets and didn’t let me in until after they started, but they had a good sound. But Eluveitie absolutely blew me away. I didn’t have a good view at first because the place was freakin’ packed. No problem – a huge pit opened up and I moshed my way to several good spots during the set. The combination of folk music and metal was perfectly executed for a great show. Bonus points were picked up for two females on stage. Turisas then emerged in warpaint and furs to bring a most Viking onslaught. It was great dancing music – the kind of dancing that knocks you on the floor. Their amazing cover of Rasputin was alone worth the trip. Bonus points were picked up for having a woman on the accordion. Ensiferum, though not as folky as the previous bands, were insanely good. I had great fun with “Into Battle” and “Lai Lai Hei” as well as the section of Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” they played at the end. They also picked up female bonus points. So there are definitely some bands I need to listen to more. If you don’t listen to folk metal, you really gotta fix that.
