Portia McGroarty
Valient Thorr took the Roxy by storm Thursday night proving that metal still holds a place in the hearts of many.
Much like a tailgate party for a long awaited football game, a gathering of Valient’s most loyal fans crouched in a Sunset strip parking lot during the pre-show hours.
The resident ‘Hollywood Chapter Thorriors’ could be spotted in the crowd by their cut-off jean vests which were equipped with the band’s namesake plastered in thick paint across the back.
Riverboat Gambles and Year Long Disaster, also on the Volcom Tour, opened for Valient Thorr.
Both sets carried the crowds focus steady, but in terms of fire works, they fell short.
The crowd remained polite and patient as they anticipated the greatness of Valient Thorr approaching.
When the time came, vocalist “Valient Himself” lit up the stage with his red main-like hair, beard and matching red boots, but his voice and his strong political undertones were what really set the stage on fire.
His head bobbed every direction possible and simultaneously drenched the crowd in sweat, but they didn’t seem to mind.
Not only does this band combine the speedy guitar and raspy take charge vocals of others like Iron Maiden with a 70s Skynyrd style break-down, but during their show they also proved that they weren’t just another group of alcoholic rockers.
At one point, when a group of hooligans took the fun out of the mosh-pit by trying to start a fight, Valient Himself chose to stop their shenanigans with words, proclaiming “Stop that! We’re all love here.”
After being called out of the crowd and placed on public display, the instigators and other partakers calmed down.
The lyrics of songs like “Exit Strategy” and “Goveruptcy” places them in the same realm as politically charged punk bands like NoFx, Pennywise and Anti-Flag, but their feel is all metal.
To their fans’ dismay, the clock struck 12, marking closing time three songs shy of Valient’s planned ending.
One perturbed attendant, Richard L. Fine, 22, proclaimed
“Uncool, that crappy band before took too long of a set; I mean we all came for Valient Thorr!”
The greatness that is Valient Thorr rocked like it was going out of style; with switches from the high-pitch guitar works of the fast-fingered Eiden Thorr to the steady ominous drum beat held by Lucian Thorr.
This band built the crowd up and never once let them down.
All in all the show was amazing; it was fast and loud, like a great rock show ought to be.
Overall Rating: A+
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