Attention Metalheads!
Prepare your necks for the whiplash because this Sunday, Dec 8, Nagoya will be rocked to its core by none other than the Winged Warriors Fest at Holiday Next! With nine spectacular metal acts on the lineup, this night promises all the headbanging, moshing, and air-guitar glory you can imagine. It's not just a gig; it's an epic metal journey. So sharpen your battle axes, don your most epic band tees, and let's dive into what makes this gig unmissable.
The headliners? Oh, they're no ordinary bands. It's none other than the symphonic powerhouse Seven Spires and the mythical warriors of metal, Lords of the Trident! All the way from the United States, these bands are ready to shake the roof off Holiday Next with their ferocious guitar riffs and crowd-slaying energy.
Seven Spires
Bringing Dark Fantasy to Life
Hailing from Boston, Seven Spires isn't just a metal band; they're an emotional journey into the depths of a dark fantasy world. With the powerful Adrienne Cowe at the helm, her melodic serenades lull you into tranquility, only for her blackened screams to rip you right back into the chaos. Their latest music video, "Architect of Creation," is a taste of the epic tales they weave (check it out if you're not convinced—seriously, it's brutal).
Tip for the crowd:
Don't let the melodic openings fool you. Be ready for a shift from soaring vocals to heart-pounding screams. If you're wondering if you need earplugs, the answer is yes—unless you think tinnitus is metal.
For fans of Epica, Amaranthe, Fleshgod Apocalypse
Lords of the Trident
Power Metal Warriors
Imagine if knights from a fantasy novel decided to form a band—that's Lords of the Trident. Straight outta Madison, Wisconsin, they've got the shredding solos, the epic vocal highs, and even battle armor to prove their power metal status. These guys are proud nerds, and they don't care who knows it. Expect songs about epic battles, D&D references, and clean vocal belts that would make Freddie Mercury smile. Catch them in their full armored glory as they ride into Nagoya.
Question from the crowd:
"Will they actually fight a dragon on stage?"
Answer: "Only if the dragon buys a ticket."
For fans of Dragonforce, Firewind, Blind Guardian
Homegrown Heroes & Rising Stars
We're not done yet, folks—not by a long shot! The lineup features a hearty mix of Japanese acts that'll have you moshing, chanting, and generally losing your mind.
Hell Freezes Over
They're young, they're wild, and they're bringing that authentic '80s thrash and speed metal sound straight to you. Expect the pit to go absolutely berserk. Get ready to hit the keg and then hit the pit—the order is up to you.
For fans of Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax
Fathomless Skywalker
Pirate metal from Tokyo, but don't let the name fool you—they're not Star Wars-themed (though lightsabers would be cool!) Instead, think operatic vocals and a swashbuckling symphonic twist. Grab your eyepatch and prepare to board this shaking ship.
For fans of Nightwish, Alestorm, Within Temptation
Temple
Straight from Osaka, Temple is heavy enough to shake the Earth. This band combines every form of heavy imaginable—death, doom, sludge, hardcore. They're here to chew bubblegum and break necks, and they're fresh out of bubblegum.
For fans of Fear Factory, Goatwhore, Power Trip
Shady Glimpse
One more out-of-town band is Shady Glimpse, who will be bringing their raw, heavy sound from our metal scene neighbors in Shizuoka. Just take a look at these guys and you’ll understand the vibe: dirty and unpredictable. Shady Glimpse combines elements of thrash and melodic death metal to bring you a heavy assault of fun metal the size of Fujisan himself. Save your energy for the middle part of the show, because we might have two mosh pits back to back.
For fans of: At the Gates, Shadows Fall, Pantera
Nagoya's Own Metal Champions
The night wouldn't be complete without some local flavor.
Cran Arcanaria
The pride of Nagoya's visual-kei scene, with dual-guitar arpeggios that'll melt your face and nonstop double bass to pound you into oblivion. Don't miss them—seriously, show some love for the locals!
For fans of Lovebites, Bridear, Unlucky Morpheus
Jealous Wild
Aichi's very own power metal tribute to the 80s! These guys know how to bring a touch of glam and a lot of kickass to the stage. Just don't be too distracted by the hair—focus on the shredding!
For fans of Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Helloween
Amusie
Otherwise known as the "Heavy Metal Doctors" (yes, they're *actual* doctors). They've got the prescription for metal—so if you pull a neck muscle headbanging, you're in good hands!
For fans of Sonata Arctica, Twilight Force, Heavenly
About the Promoters
Cicada Live is a booking agency run by two metalheads who are all in on the Japanese metal scene.
Travis Finch and Matthew Chima work tirelessly to bring epic shows to Japan, and Winged Warriors Fest is their biggest project to date. These guys started in a Brazilian rock bar, and now they're bringing U.S. bands to Japan. Give them a shout-out if you see them—just don't interrupt a circle pit to do it.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to laugh, scream, and bang your head off—the Winged Warriors Fest is here, and it's not taking prisoners. Nagoya's about to get loud, and we're all in. Remember, wear comfortable shoes, hydrate (beer counts, right?), and make sure your battle vest is prepped and patched. See you in the pit!
The Details
The Venue: Holiday Next
Located in Sakae, nestled between Shirakawa Park and Yaba Park.
Just look for the big red exterior—you can't miss it.
When: Sub, Dec 8
Doors Open: 16:30
Start: 16:30
The first band takes the stage at 14:15!
That's not a typo—the headbanging starts early, so don't be late!
Tickets
Advance: ¥5,500
At The Door: ¥6,500
VIP Tickets
Feeling extra fancy? Snag a VIP ticket for the chance to eat lunch with Seven Spires and Lords of the Trident at a pirate-themed restaurant. If that doesn't sound epic, what does?
MAP
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