Onesti Entertainment and The Arcada Theater presents… Saxon with Borealis.
To say I have been waiting a long time to see Saxon would be an understatement. 26 years ago they played First Avenue in Minneapolis and I have waited that long to see them again. So yes I was excited.
The Arcada Theater itself is something to see. Absolutely gorgeous design and structure and the feeling inside feels like you’re in a mini castle. With the smaller seating area it is perfect for a show.
Please if you have the chance it should not be missed. Check out their web page for up coming shows.
Opening the evening was Canadian Metal act Borealis. Formed in 2005 they had a different sound with a opera singer at the front. They have since changed their sound to a more modern metal band. They released World of Silence in 2008 and Fall From Grace in 2011. They are a strong power metal band in the vain of Dream Theater and Savatage. Fans of any progressive power metal sound are going to really enjoy this band. The guitar melodies and licks are incredible. I really enjoyed seeing them and wish them all the best in the future.
Borealis is
Matt Marinelli - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Ken Fobert - Lead Guitar
Sean Werlick - Keys
Jamie Smith - Bass
Sean Dowell - Drums
www.borealismetal.com
SAXON…SAXON…SAXON… the crowd was chanting when Borealis left the stage. With the over excited crowd rushing the stage before the band went on, the guards had to let everyone know “Please return to your seats”. Well that did not stop anyone. Set change was quick and Saxon took the stage right at 9. Opening with Hammer of the Gods from the new album Call to Arms and then right into Heavy Metal Thunder. Biff Byford has kept his voice perfect for 35 years. He sounds so good. Never Surrender, Chasing the Bullet(New), Motorcycle Man, Back in ’79(New) tribute to the band starting in 1979. 79 reminds me a little of Denim and Leather. Paul Quinn on guitars and Nigel Glockner on drums are original members. Rounding out the band is Doug Scarratt on Guitar and Nibbs Carter on bass. Man Nibbs is on crazy fellow with that bass guitar. Kicking back into the set list And The Bands Played On, Battalions Of Steel, Call to Arms(New), Rock n Roll Gypsy, Misfits of Avalon(New), This Town Rocks, When Doomsday Comes(New), Denim and Leather, Afterburner(New) and Princess of the Night. WOW like if that’s was not enough we still have the encore to go. The crowd was great for only being about 300 of us there. We were loud and they said they felt like they were at home with the theater and the crowd.
Encore - Crusader, 747 Strangers in the Night, Power and the Glory, Strong Arm of the Law, and Wheels of Steel.
If you are a Saxon fan go pick up Call to Arms. It is an instant classic and you will not be disappointed. The digi-pak in the US also includes a bonus cd of the 1980 Donington classic.
Bonus interview to follow.
