EIHWAR NORDIC RITUAL NIGHTS TOUR with Guests FRAYLE at THE MARQUEE THEATER, TEMPE AZ
As soon as I arrived at the Marquee Theater in Tempe it was evident that this was not going to be your normal concert crowd. The fans arriving early were dressed up in viking attire with everything from face paint to horns on their heads - many in kilts, heavy boots and looked like we were attending a renaissance fair rather than a concert. These fans were passionate, talking about what they were looking forward to seeing on this tour. As soon as the doors opened, many headed straight to the merch booths to grab both Eihwar and Frayle shirts, while others headed towards the stage to grab a prime spot.
These two bands could not be more opposite, with Eihwar performing an upbeat modern take on Nordic tribal music, and Frayle bringing a very dark, haunting witch doom sound. Both bands are duo groups, but the show was mesmerizing and the crowd collaboration really made the show come alive.
FRAYLE began the eclectic night, doom metal witch-rock with the core band of vocalist Gwyn Strang and guitarist/instrumentalist Sean Bilovecky, and touring members Jon Morgan on drums and Tim Long on bass. The members are dressed in all black - the band in floor length black hooded robes with black face masks, while Gwyn is striking onstage in her black floor length dress and gloves, and feathered crown. The entire show is very theatrical and, and the music heavy and low, the fans captivated by the aura of the show.
Frayle's latest release was the 2025 album Heretics & Lullabies on Nuclear Blast Records, a testament to their occult driven melodic sound. The set included "Heretic" from the album, and a interesting cover of Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness". More on Frayle and their music HERE
The show changed from a doom and ethereal Frayle set to a pagan party atmosphere, as EIHWAR began the headlining set. This was not just a musical event - it felt like you were in a Viking village and a massive celebration was about to take place. Dark red lights bathed the stage as the French tribal electronic musical duo Eihwar took shape, Asrunn on vocals and drums and Mark on drums, guitar and keys. Both wear masks and tribal attire, to "hide identity" and to create ritualistic energy, Asrunn in animal skins and skull headgear, while Mark in a more classic viking helmet and cloak.
Asrunn plays a shamanic drum while dancing and singing energetically back and forth, non-stop across the stage, and the crowd joined in the dance as the band started their set with "Heill Óðinn" off their new album Hugrheim (Season Of Mist) released in March of this year, just one gem in the intense 13-song set, that included tracks from Viking War Trance and Hugrheim, and a highpoint of "Freyjas Calling" also off the new album.
Every now and then Asrunn would take a quick break, sitting on one of the risers and talking to the fans, and with Mark would play a more subdued acoustic number for an intimate feel. They also traded placed late in the set, with Asrunn taking drums and Mark on guitar, and finale'ed the set with war dance song "Berserkr". But more was to come - after teasing the crowd to cheer for more, the fans got their wish - Asrunn sat crossed legged on a riser with Mark joining her on acoustic guitar for more music before ending the night to cheers, a intimate way to close out a unique and great show.
This was one of the most entertaining shows I have seen this year; it is not the mainstream but it was great to check out something different, unique, and provocative. The tour continues through most of September, and it's definitely worth the ticket. More on the band, music and tour HERE.
Eihwar Slideshow Photos Harold Mountain / JustAFanPhotos
Frayle Slideshow Photos Harold Mountain / JustAFanPhotos
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