A LETTERKENNY Viking metal band are in Valhalla after landing a spot on a major tour of Scandinavia.
Ren Marabou and the Berserkers will support metal legends Vadar during their ‘Final Declaration’ tour in Denmark, Sweden and Norway in September.
The band is made up of singer Ren Marabou (39), drummer Terrence McCann (53) and Michael Casserly (42) on bass.
Speaking to the Donegal News this week Ren, who lives in Meadowbank, said it is a dream come true to share the stage with Vadar who will also be supported by Hate and Thy Disease.
The band formed just a year and a half ago but have already had tremendous success. They have just released their third album ‘Tales Of Rune’ and are signed with American label United Music Mafia.
“It has been a whirlwind of a year and a half,” said Ren.
“The first time we met we made a music video. It was a really nice introduction. From there it has gone from strength to strength.”
Their songs are based on Norse mythology and provide a contemporary spin on Viking metal incorporating traditional instruments like the harp and mandolin.
After a series of lockdowns during the pandemic that badly affected the live music industry touring and seeing the world is exactly what Ren and his bandbands had been hoping for.
“It is unbelievable. We have gone from not being able to gig at all to doing a major tour with bands that we would have listened to for a long time,” said Ren.
“Vadar and Hate are two very big Polish metal bands. They have been going since the ’90s and have illustrious careers spanning decades.
“We are nowhere near as heavy as the bands we are going on tour with but because we have this Viking theme to our music we appeal to people, especially in Scandinavia.”
Not only will the band get to share the stage with the metal legends they will also get to go on the tour bus.
“We are blessed that they said yes. Two weeks ago we got the confirmation, the contract and the go ahead,” said Ren.
“Saying we are excited is an understatement.”
“Thank you to everyone over at Creative Music and Massive Music for believing in us.
“Also, a massive thank you to our management at Split Screen Management, our label United Music Mafia and everyone who has been supporting us so far.”
The lads are now gearing up for the series of Scandinavian gigs from September 8 to 16 and are also thinking about what’s next.
Closer to home they have landed a headline show in the Balor Theatre, Ballybofey, on the August 27.
“America is definitely on the cards for next year. We want to go over and play shows there,” added Ren.
The album ‘Tales of Rune’, which is part of a trilogy that tells the tales of Vikings and Norse Gods, is out now.
Ren Marabou, Michael Casserly and Terrence McCann.
Letterkenny band land spot on Scandinavian metal tour
Posted: 9:05 am July 25, 2022
Posted: 9:05 am July 25, 2022