Valient Thorr at The Crowbar
Valiant Thor – The Crowbar – 10 June 2009
Words by Rant Chick / Photos by Warren Zanin
Tonight Soho’s Crowbar was packed to the max with ‘Thorriors’ who came to witness the guitar-lashing provided by self-proclaimed extraterrestrials Valient Thorr. The band’s old school rock n’ roll sound blasted out as sweat and enthusiasm permeated all and sundry. The small space allowed the band to interact with the fans and the energy in the room was palpable. Before the gig, band members were hanging around chatting to friends and fans, selling some merch and drinking some beer – all in the name of metal and good times.
Favourite songs of the evening included Red Flag and Tomorrow Police – an ode to Peter Weller’s character in Robocop, which is not as cheesy as it sounds. I promise. The song discusses a world currently struggling against corruption and lies, often propagated by governments and individuals in positions of influence. The premonitory tone of the song is personified by the “tomorrow police” who represent a world consumed by hate and pain. It is a fair warning. Tomorrow Police reflects the attitude of a band that aims to draw its listeners’ attention to the surrounding world and its encompassing issues. Yet the song leaves its listeners with words of hope: “Before the flying Segway can chase you out-a town / Explore the halls of justice / where the rules are written down / Study all those law books to ensure that there is peace / Help prevent the bad cops from becoming the Police”. Be aware and make a change – Valient Thorr’s message is loud and clear. The anti-authority statement is not unfamiliar territory within the metal genre but a band that can suggest a solution warrants an extra thought. Although band members hail from a far away place, they certainly have a good understanding of earthlings, which in turn inspires the ability to put on a great show and deliver a worthwhile message.
