Gloryhammer / Dominum / Fellowship @ Epic Studios, Norwich // 03.02.25

Gloryhammer makes their triumphant return to Norwich [photo: Riley Edmett]

The power of Hoots makes a triumphant return to Norwich, accompanied by a high calibre of folk and power metal.

There's something quite cool about Epic Studios, the name itself sounding perfect for a gig venue. Easily blending in on Magdalen Street in Norwich, it could easily be ignored and go unnoticed by anyone in a rush. However, tonight sees the venue in full force as a blistering hub for power metal enthusiasts, as lore-driven fantasy quintet Gloryhammer makes their return to the city after almost three years. And much like any good Dungeons and Dragons campaign, they've brought a party with them.

First on is Fellowship. Hailing from the magical land of Harwich, the band are the perfect fit for kicking things off, capturing the classic fantasy metal sound and leaving the crowd appropriately warmed up. Ending with a cover of "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" (complete with Lion King background) caps off a set full of fast, uplifting power metal.

Fellowship - joyous fantasy metal [photo: Riley Edmett]

Next up is Germany's Dominum. Frontman Felix Heldt leads the band as Dr Death, his long black coat and commandeering demeanour coming off like an even more deranged Riffraff. The band consists of Heldt's "metal zombies", mindless creatures whose only known instruction is to play dark, heavy music.

Stand out tracks include "The Dead Don't Die" and "Frankenstein", and an unsuspecting cover of "Rock You Like A Hurricane" is played like it's nothing. Rather appropriately, it goes down a storm.

For a band still very much in their infancy, the bar has been set high.

One of Dominum's "metal zombies" [photo: Riley Edmett]

A cardboard cut out of Tom Jones makes a quick appearance, prompting an entire venue full of metalheads to belt "Delilah", and then Gloryhammer takes the stage.

It's been four years since vocalist Sozos Michael took the Angus McFife mantle, and the energy and confidence he exudes continues to show why he was the right choice. The band are incredibly tight, and it makes for a fantastically fun set. New track "He Has Returned" fits seamlessly into the setlist, and it's nice finally getting to hear material from their latest album live.

Behold! Gloryhammer returns [photo: Riley Edmett]

There is still reliance on backing tracks, adding symphonic and orchestral accompaniment, but it doesn't detract from the performance.

By the end of their set, chants of "Hoots!" ring through the venue. This may be Gloryhammer's night, but the audience have just as big a part to play.