There is nothing like turning up an hour early and expecting to have to wait an hour to get in for the interview, especially in chilly Southampton. At this point very little makes you feel better than being told, go on in and watch the sound check. So in we went on our jolly metal way, sat upstairs watching Turisas, and Norther’s sound check when we stumbled upon Alestorm sat around being rather quiet in a corner and had a little chat about how the tour’s going, their transport and their lack of merchandise. All in all very fun little chat. A sound check is a very interesting experience, not only is it basically a personal gig but it also gives you a chance to watch people swear at each other in languages which you don’t hear much. (And if you do, it’s because Vikings are raiding your village!) 

First to the stage were Scottish Pirate Metallers Alestorm, greeted by the now sizeable crowd wielding the Rum given to them by myself just half an hour previously. Upon seeing the lead singer hit the stage with that most awesome of metal instruments, the Keytar, I knew I was in for a good set. Launching into their set like pirates boarding an enemy ship the Scots tore through six songs from their album, Captain Morgan’s Revenge each greeted by rapturous applause (and one annoying guy who wouldn’t shut up shouting Wenches and Mead in an annoying voice). Finishing off the set with Nancy the Tavern Wench and the title track Captain Morgan’s Revenge Alestorm left the stage having set a very high benchmark for the next two bands. 

Admittedly my only knowledge before this gig of Norther was that they had been at Wacken last year, as was I, but sadly I had missed seeing them on that occasion. I had seen around thirty seconds from a video of the band on YouTube during which time I had branded them a band incredibly similar to Children of Bodom. However, having seen them live, I'm now a fully fledged fan though my main criticism would be the lack of any movement from the band bar the bassist. Overall though a thoroughly enjoyable set which the crowd seemed to love this is ultimately what it’s all about. 

Like awesome war gods Turisas took the stage to the thunderous applause of the massed ranks of metal warriors who had long awaited the emergence of their gods. Turisas had come to Southampton. Opening with the fan-adored ‘To Holmgaard and Beyond’ Turisas began their set which lasted for eighty whole minutes, overrunning their billed time, but the crowed didn’t care. Turisas have a particularly engaging stage presence and perhaps Norther could learn something from them.

Throughout the whole gig the single chant that ran round The Brook was  “Battle, Metal, Battle!” and at the last the fans got their wish, but not without an outstanding session of Oompa, preformed by the highly skilled violinist Olli Vanska and  the new accordionist which the crowd truly enjoyed. Their set was pleasantly surprising however in its lay out, the whole of the newer Varangian Way was expected to be played as a whole (songs for song), but there was a mix of both Battle Metal and the afaorementioned Varangian Way. Basically Turisas preformed excellently, and had more than enough stage presence to command the audience. Truly exceptional and there couldn’t have been a single person in the audience who wasn’t fully satisfied with the night’s entertainment.  

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