Power metal supergroup Demons & Wizards brought their first-ever North American tour through Vancouver on Wednesday night.

The group is a side-project by vocalist for Blind Guardian, Hansi Kürsch, and the guitarist for Iced Earth, Jon Schaffer.

Opening the show was Faroese folk metal band Týr. Their lead singer Heri Joensen is involved in traditional whale hunting back home in the Faroe Islands. Because of this, there were protesters outside the show, which was a first for me. They put on a polished, heavy set but when they finished it was met with an anti-whaling chant from a few members of the audience. Strange way to protest, by buying a ticket, which supports the artist. Regardless, their set was pretty killer.

American heavy metal outfit Lizzy Borden stole the show. Their eponymous lead vocalist prowled about the stage, making various costume changes throughout the set. The music was chock-full of that delightful eighties power shredding and screeching vocals. Definitely a band I am thrilled to finally cross off my bucket list.

Demons & Wizards were top notch. Heavy-hitting guitars, pounding drum work, and rock-solid vocals. The band relied on their music, no dramatics or stage accoutrement. They stirred the crowd into a frenzy and had an intense mosh pit pumping fists at them throughout the night.

The lighting was amazing for the headliners and decent for Lizzy, but Týr was bathed in reds most of their set, which makes for difficulty when shooting.

Thanks to all three bands and their teams for a great night out.