Richmond, VA – My last night in Richmond brought a power metal trifecta with Richmond’s Symphony Of Destiny, Nashville, Tennessee’s Valkyrie’s Fire and Washington, D.C.’s A Sound of Thunder.
I’m not as plugged into the Richmond metal scene as I used to be, so this is the first time seeing Symphony of Destiny live. They have been playing the Richmond area for just under a year and have been making their mark. Their set was short, long enough to know that I would like to hear more from them. If you live in the Richmond area, check them out.
The surprise hit of the show was Valkyrie’s Fire who just simply kicked everybody’s ass with a killer set of songs from their November 8th, 2024 EP “Ascension”. For me this is the second time in as many weeks that a band from Nashville played an area show and blew the crowd away, and I’m thinking I may need to plan a weekend trip to take in some bands!! There is a lot to like about Valkrie’s Fire, incredible vocals, shredding guitar and lots of energy. If you haven’t seen them live, you definitely need to check them out!!!
Last, but not least my friends in A Sound of Thunder closed out the night. I have not seen them live since their drummer Chris Haren retired and was replaced with Justin Finger as well as the addition of a second guitarist Sebastian Ochoa, adding a new dimension to their sound. For all intents and purposes, this is the band I have been following for thirteen years and I love them for they can be heart attack serious and funny all at the same time. They are always on point live and their set list gives you a taste of that they have done as a band. If you haven’t seen them, what is wrong with you!!!! If you are going to be at the Mad With Power festival, they will be there!!!
SET LIST:
It Was Metal
A Sound of Thunder
Chainsaw Witch
Lifebringer
Tremble
Fortuneteller
Legion of Thunder
Lord Shiteater
Queen of Hell
Udoroth
A Sound of Thunder: Website|Facebook|Instagram
Show Date: 3.21.2026
