As the summer sun dipped below the horizon, the Abbotsford Centre in British Columbia came alive with the resonating riffs of Danish rockers Volbeat on their "Servant Of The Road" tour on July 22, 2023.
The evening opened with a fiery performance by Halestorm, a band well-known for their grit and resilience. The Grammy-winning Pennsylvania quartet, fronted by the charismatic Lzzy Hale, offered a set that was equally abrasive and melodious. From the haunting rhythms of "I Miss The Misery" to the explosive energy of "Love Bites (So Do I)," Halestorm proved to be the perfect warm-up act for the main event. Their dynamic performance reached a fever pitch as they concluded with a stunning rendition of "Here's to Us," leaving the audience primed and eager for more.
Then, with the collective anticipation of the crowd hovering palpably in the air, Volbeat took the stage. Emanating a raw, untamed energy, the quartet effortlessly drew in the audience with their unique blend of heavy metal and rockabilly.
Kicking off the night with the pulse-pounding track, "The Devil's Bleeding Crown," Volbeat set the stage for an evening that was to be a roller coaster of emotion and adrenaline. This was followed by the more recent "Temple of Ekur," showcasing the evolution of their sound.
Throughout the night, fans were treated to a range of Volbeat's repertoire. "Seal the Deal" and "Lola Montez" got the crowd singing along, while "Die to Live" showcased their powerhouse performance style. "Sad Man's Tongue" provided a nostalgic nod to Johnny Cash with a snippet of the famous "Ring of Fire" woven in.
From there, they launched into "Shotgun Blues," demonstrating their unique fusion of genres. This was followed by an electrifying performance of "A Warrior's Call / I Only Want to Be With You," and the catchy "Black Rose." The pre-encore part of their set closed on an explosive note with "The Devil Rages On" and "Becoming."
As the crowd cheered for more, Volbeat returned to the stage for their encore. They opened with "Fallen," a moving track that allowed for a moment of reflection among the adrenaline-filled set. This was followed by the upbeat "Wait a Minute My Girl" and then "For Evigt," a song that brilliantly captures Volbeat's poignant storytelling.
The evening ended with a crowd favourite, "Still Counting." This performance was a testament to Volbeat’s strength as a live band, and a powerful close to a thrilling night.
Volbeat's "Servant Of The Road" tour offers a unique combination of rock 'n' roll dynamism, emotional resonance, and relentless energy, making it an unforgettable experience for all who attend. It's a triumphant testament to their enduring appeal and relentless energy. Abbotsford witnessed a night of power and passion, a stunning display of musicianship that will reverberate in the hearts of fans long after the last guitar chord has faded. As they say in rock and roll, the show must go on, but this one, without a doubt, will be hard to follow.
