Wacken Battle of the Bands Round 3

Wacken Battle of the Bands round 3 took place last night at Muninn's Post here in Kelowna. This was yet another sold out show for the popular Viking feast hall. We had judges present including Byron Stroud from Strapping Young Lad fame and his most recent project Imonolith.

Northern Steel

The first band up were our friends travelling all the way from Prince George. This three piece metal act put on a really nice show. It was a pleasure listening to their intense but melodic songs. Lots of memorable licks. The first few songs were quite short and felt more like ideas that were in the midst of being fleshed out into songs. But their last few songs were really well done.

I had the pleasure to talk with the guys later on through the night. Really awesome people who are struggling to help the Prince George metal scene flourish. Good luck Northern Steel! When they are back in town we'll be sure to have them on the podcast.

Northern Steel Playlist (2 songs)

Death Machine

Spencer and the boys rip. That's all I can say about these guys. Their blend of old school and technical death metal is such a pleasure to listen to. Dylan and Chandler playing off each other with the solos and Dylan just nailing some of them. Sounding so tight. Spencer's presence on stage is huge and menacing. Pairing so well with his vocal style. Taylor destroying it on the drums as per usual.

Kelowna will be left a smoldering crater when Death Machine releases studio recordings.

Death Machine Playlist (2 songs)

Eden Echo

Eden Echo played last weekend and tonight they sounded even tighter than that set. A difference in the confidence in the live performance could be noticed already and the crowd was so supportive. I really dig their style of European folk melodeath. The fantasy themes to the songs are right up my alley and I dig all the vocal styles.

ArkenFire

The only reason ArkenFire didn't win tonight is they'd be giving all the other NWBHM/power metal bands a run for their money at Wacken Open Air. Not only is it cool af that we have a local power metal band but damn are they tight and have some really good material. Jacob's vocal style is similar to Bruce Dickinson and his onstage presence is second to none. He's having a blast up there as the band grinds out their riffs. Randy and Ian rip solo after solo.

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Apollyon

WACKEN BATTLE OF THE BANDS ROUND 3 WINNERS!!!

Congratulations to Apollyon for absolutely destroying Muninn's last night. Anyone who has seen this band live knows they deserve the victory. Matt's vocals and stage presence is so good and a lot of fun to watch. Shout out to his Emperor shirt. Horns up! They debuted a new song titled Wretched Grandiose. An intense and incredibly fast track which undoubtedly kicked everyone's ass.

They will be representing the Okanagan well at the BC Finals taking place in Vancouver at The Red Room on April 28th. There is a chance I may miss it but you don't want to!

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This was a really great night. I met some new people and made new connections. Got lots of footage to share with local fans and the Internet. This will most likely be brought up a number of times but I just love what's going on in Kelowna right now. This little scene is producing some great talent and people.

Friday Tzimani is in town with ArkenFire and Indecipherable Noise. Cover is only $10 which is a steal for the type of entertainment provided. Come out and support the local metal scene!