Brothers Of Metal / Roof Of The O2 Academy Islington Raised

Metal brothers and sisters squeezed into the O2 Academy Islington for a night of Viking celebration and raucous Power Metal delight – squeezed being an understatement, for the crowd that gathered for Brothers Of Metal was nothing short of a small army. Whether you arrived before or after the German support band Grailknights, you needed the strength of Odin and the wit of Mimir to be in with a chance of getting anywhere close to the stage.

Brothers Of Metal – Grailknights

O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024

Photography: Artur Tarczewski

Words: Lucy Dunnet

Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

The Norse God strength and wit came into play when Grailknights left the stage as it was time to battle our way closer to the stage. Success was ours, and with beers in hand, we were ready for Brothers Of Metal to overwhelm us with Viking power.

The seven brothers of Metal and one sister of Metal swaggered onto the stage with undeniable charisma, fantastic battle outfits and warpaint. If ever there was a band that merely looking at them made you wish you were a member, Brothers Of Metal are it. 

Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

Most bands have one vocalist, many have two, but Brothers Of Metal have three. For the first time, I now question why all bands do not have three.

The set began with the title track of Brothers Of Metal’s new album Fimbulvinter, a mighty, god-filled power track that has a climax-building effect despite being the album closer. Prophecy Of Ragnarök and Ride of the Valkyries had heads banging, fists pumping and war bellows coming from the crowd. 

Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

Not only was Mats Nilsson (support vocals) a charismatic, sweaty entertainer, but also a Swedish teacher. To break up the constant chanting of “skål” (cheers), the frontman taught us three new words, which I have entirely forgotten despite chanting multiple times.

But as soon as Fire, Blood and Steel came on, we belted the lyrics in English anyway. Nice try, Professor Nilsson, but the only Swedish word we Brits need is one that encourages drinking.

Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

Ylva Eriksson’s vocals, simultaneously powerful and angelic, came out in full force for To The Skies And Beyond, following a dramatic coming together of the band where they got in line and waved their hands around.

Whoever choreographed this giant centipede impression deserves a pint of beer. 

The Brothers Of Metal fandom would never let the band live if they did not play the emotive epic, Yggdrasil. Tears were brewing in eyes and ears were ringing from how loud the crowd’s enthusiasm was, but it was a magnificent, life-restoring performance.

No wonder the band thought it was the perfect song to pretend to end on. 

Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

Following chants of “one more song”, which quickly escalated to “ten more songs”, Brothers Of Metal returned and bashed out three more absolute treats in the form of mosh pit-inducing Berserkir, Defenders Of Valhalla, and the borderline-cheesy One.

The energy was battle-ready until the very last moment. The entire O2 Academy Islington, with arms around each other, were full of love for this outrageous Power Metal outfit.

Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

Brothers Of Metal know how to create catchy songs, but they know even better how to perform them in a fun, can’t-take-your-eyes-off-them way. 

Grailknights - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Grailknights – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

Grailknights

The power rangers crossed with medieval knights crossed with the galactic superhero aesthetic of the German Power Metallers Grailknights made for a bizarre yet brilliant experience.

One of the highlights for my short ass was when they raised five lightsabers in the air, colour-coordinated with their superhero capes, that could be seen even from the back wall of the venue behind all of the 7ft Vikings in the crowd. 

Grailknights - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Grailknights – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

Grailknights gruff Superhero Medley was an epic mashup from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Spiderman, with riffs worthy of the most badass Metal heroes and villainous growls to match.

When the synth intro for their final track, Pumping Iron Power, blasted into the crowd, the excitement for our headliners, Brothers Of Metal, was matched with the disappointment that Grailknights were soon to be over.

Grailknights - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Grailknights – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

Their colourful stage presence, over-the-top themes and Power Metal wizardry place Grailknights high up on our list of bands to see again. Soon.

Grailknights - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Grailknights – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Brothers Of Metal – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Grailknights - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Grailknights – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Grailknights - O2 Academy Islington - 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski
Grailknights – O2 Academy Islington – 20 November 2024. Photo: Artur Tarczewski

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