Iron Kingdom is known for its energetic live shows. The band is pictured performing in Vancouver at the Rickshaw Theatre, earlier this year. PHOTO: James Weekes / courtesy of Iron Kingdom
In the beginning, there was Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Motörhead, arguably the three most important bands in the history of metal music. The 1970s saw the rise of a dominant new scene, referred to as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, or NWOBHM. Decades later, metal music and culture has grown into a global phenomenon, with many new forms of the music taking charge over generations. One band with a mission to keep the sound of traditional heavy metal thriving is Iron Kingdom.
“Traditional heavy metal is what we grew up admiring and falling in love with,” said Chris Osterman, who sings and plays guitar for the quartet. “There’s something about the sounds and vibes, the stage shows and the raw energy of it all. We want people in today’s age to be able to experience that type of performance from a young and hungry act.”
Hailing from Vancouver, Iron Kingdom will be travelling up to the Yukon for the third time, to play four concerts on their Enter Eternity 2018 tour—two in Whitehorse and two in Dawson. Osterman and other Iron Kingdom members pride themselves in being the band “leading the charge of the Rising New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal movement.”
In addition to Osterman, the band consists of bassist Leighton Holmes, drummer Amanda Osterman and current fill-in guitarist, Brad Wengranowski. While staying true to the spirit of heavy metal’s roots, Iron Kingdom brings its own elements and novel approach to the genre.
“People should be able to go see a show that’s reminiscent of what it was like in the glory days of the 1970s and ’80s, but also with that twist of something fresh and new!” says the commanding frontman.
Since its formation in 2011, Iron Kingdom has seen some triumphant feats and mighty conquests, including touring South America with one-time Iron Maiden vocalist, Blaze Bayley, who replaced Maiden’s classic lineup’s singer, Bruce Dickinson, from 1994 until 1999. Iron Kingdom is a band that fits well on a tour with a Maiden frontman, as, according to Osterman, at least one fan has described the band’s sound as a child of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
“… It’s a strange concept, I know, but Iron Kingdom would be born from it,” he says with a laugh.
After playing in the Yukon twice before, Osterman feels he knows what to expect from the crowds the band will draw in. A territory with a surprising number of metalheads lurking about is a safe bet for any touring headbangers to draw in a good crowd and share the energy of an electric show.
“We’re expecting to see everyone having a great time, but, honestly, I don’t think the people of the Yukon have any trouble with that, haha!” said Osterman.
Iron Kingdom will be performing at Epic Pizza on Thursday, July 19 and Sunday, July 22, as well as at The Pit in Dawson City on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21. Tickets are available at www.bandsintown.com, and more information can be found at www.iron-kingdom.com and on Iron Kingdom’s Facebook page.
