Alestorm returns to the US with Gloryhammer and special guests Glyph at the Summit Music Hall in Denver, Colorado 9-26-2025

It had been a few years since I last saw Alestorm and was really looking forward to covering their show in Denver. Joining them were Gloryhammer and Glyph. Alestorm were touring supporting their new album, The Thunderfist Chronicles. I arrived at the Summit about a half hour before doors opened to a line of people down the block and around the corner. The show was sold out, no surprise there and you could feel the energy from hanging out with the crowd. Once inside I made my way to the pit as I always do to say hi to the security guys and stash my gear. Looking at the stage, it was very tight with all three bands set up and ready to go.

Starting the evening off was Glyph and they  didn’t just take the stage—they stormed it. The venue was packed tight, bodies shoulder to shoulder, and the crowd roared as the band emerged under flickering lights and a haze of fog. It was my first time seeing them live, and anticipation buzzed through the room—especially for their new lead singer, Barbara Blackthorn. I’d first heard her with Empress, where her voice cut through like steel wrapped in velvet. Seeing her front Glyph felt like watching a storm find its center.

They launched into “March of the Northern Clan”, the sound was massive—drums like warhammers, guitars slicing through the air, and Barbara’s vocals soaring above it all like a battle cry. Glyph doesn’t just play fantasy-metal—they embody it. Their mythic themes, thunderous riffs, and commanding presence turned the room into a battlefield of sound and story. Glyph topped off their amazing set with “Defy the Night” and set the tone for a high energy to a very very enthusiastic crowd!

Glyph members:

Darin Wall - Bass (2022-present)

Rob Steinway - Guitars (2022-present)

Jeff Black Keyboards - (2022-present)

Damien Rainaud - Drums (2025-present)

Jeff Potts - Guitars (2025-present)

Barbara Blackthorne - Vocals (2025-present)

SetList:

March of the Northern Clan 

Eldenfire 

Rune MasterWhen the World Was Young 

A Storm of Crimson Fire 

Defy the Night

As the lights dropped a deafening roar of Hoots, Hoots, Hoots yelled out by their fans filled the venue. Gloryhammer took the stage dressed in armor and continued a night of fantasy metal as Sozos Michael (Angus McFife) announced in a loud and enthusiastic voice, we will now take you to “The Land of Unicorns”. From this point on, the energy in the venue broke the scale! It was a very packed house and their fans were singing and moving, if they could, along with the band. Throughout their set of amazing music and great stage presence, Gloryhammer powered through a great set of songs, “Wasteland Warrior Hoots Patrol”, and “Keeper of the Celestial Flame of Abernethy”. 

The volume in the venue was as unreal as the energy poured out from the crowd. I don’t remember a time when I heard a crowd this loud and energized! Gloryhammer finished with “Hootsforce” which their fans went crazy over and “The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee”. Their fans wanted more but it was time for Alestorm to take over the night.

Gloryhammer members:

Christopher Bowes (Zargothrax) – keyboards, backing vocals (2010–present)

Paul Templing (Ser Proletius) – guitars, backing vocals (2010–present)

James Cartwright (The Hootsman) – bass, backing vocals (2010–present)

Ben Turk (Ralathor) – drums (2010–present)

Michael Barber (Zargothrax) – keyboards, backing vocals (2016–present), guitars (2024–present)

Sozos Michael (Angus McFife) – lead vocals (2021–present)

Setlist:

The Land of Unicorns

He Has Returned

Fly Away

Wasteland Warrior Hoots Patrol

Gloryhammer

On a Quest for Aberdeen

Keeper of the Celestial Flame of Abernethy

Universe on Fire

Hootsforce

The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee

When the stage set, it was something to see, (see pics below). With the keyboards and drums set up high, you can’t miss the giant yellow duck set between them, adding to the silliness of what was to come. And If I thought that Gloryhammer made things crazy, Alestrom took it up about 10 notches! Let the mosh pit and pirate metal begin. Opening their set with, “Keelhauled” taking you back to 2009, the craziness began and it only got crazier as the night went on. Frontman Christopher Bowes took over the stage AND the crowd as Alestrom took their fans in a time capsule of their music. From 2011 came, “The Sunk'n Norwegian”, “Under Blackened Banners” from 2022 and they couldn’t forget, “Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship” from 2020. On command, a mosh pit opened up and it wouldn’t be a metal show without the crowd surfers.

From their new 2025 album, The Thunderfist Chronicles came, “Frozen Piss” yes, I mean sarcasm was a big part of the night so why not! And “Voyage of the Dead Marauder”. It was indeed a night of silly humor, when you have songs titled, “Nancy the Tavern Wench” from 2006 and “Shit Boat” from 2020. An exasperating, crazy, but fun night came to a close as Alestrom finished with a 3 song encore topping it off with “Rumpelkombo” from 2011.

What an amazing night of music! The three bands played their hearts out and it was obvious by the reactions from everyone there. There are 12 shows left on this tour and I can’t recommend seeing them highly enough! Get a good night's rest before you go, you’ll need it!

Alestorm members:     

Christopher Bowes – lead vocals, keytar (2004–present), keyboards, tin whistle (2004–2011)

Gareth Murdock – bass, backing vocals (2008–present)

Peter Alcorn – drums, percussion (2010–present)

Elliot Vernon – keyboards, unclean vocals, tin whistle (2011–present)

Máté Bodor – guitars, backing vocals (2015–present)

Setlist:

Keelhauled 2009

Killed to Death by Piracy

The Sunk'n Norwegian 2011

Uzbekistan

Mexico

Frozen Piss 2025

With Glyph

Under Blackened Banners 2022

Banana

Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship 2020

With Glyph

Voyage of the Dead Marauder 2025

With Glyph1

Hangover (Taio Cruz cover)

Nancy the Tavern Wench 2006

Alestorm 2017

Over the Seas 2008

The Storm

P.A.R.T.Y. 2022

Shit Boat 2020

Encore

Drink 2014

Fucked With an Anchor 2017

Rumpelkombo 2011