Windrose at the The Nile Theater

If you’re a fan of high fantasy and heavy metal, Windrose is the one band you simply can’t afford to miss. Windrose doesn’t just deliver concerts; once The Dwarf King enters the theater, the entire venue gears up to embark on an epic adventure together. On April 2nd, Windrose (comprised of Francesco Cavalieri, Claudio Falconcini, Federico Meranda, Cristiano Bertocchi, & Federico Gatti) transported those at the Nile Theater in Mesa, Az to a realm where dragons soar, battles rage, heroes rise, and power chords rule the realm. Their music is a blend of heavy metal and storytelling, and they manage to do each with a prowess that ignites the imagination and gets the entire crowd moving. JRR Tolkein himself never could have imagined a group of Dwarven warrior bards so enthralling.

What sets Windrose apart and keeps them from being a gimmick isn’t just their commitment to creating an immersive experience for their fans. Sure, jumping on stage dressed in attire reminiscent
of Dwarven warriors, replete with intricately crafted armor and robes, is certainly going to get the attention of those in any crowd. The fact that each member sports a beard which would make the hardiest of mountain dwellers proud, only adds to the immersion. No questions asked, Windrose brings fantasy to life on stage. However, it is their musical prowess which keeps the audience coming back for more. Windrose’s intricate musicality is effortlessly on display the entire the show, with lead singer Francesco Cavalieri stalking across the stage, a king holding court. Beyond the theatrics and the costumes, Cavalieri is supported by a band of incredibly talented musicians. From soaring guitars and bass by Claudio Falconcinito & Cristiano Bertocchi (respectively), thundering drums managed by Federico Gatti, and electrifying yet haunting keys by Federico Meranda, Windrose’s music is as powerful as it is transportive. Each member of the 5-piece band brings years of skill and flair to the stage, crafting a sounds that’s as tight as the knots in a dwarven beard. Each concert feels like a journey through distant lands, with the band members as your guides. Whether they’re singing of ancient legends, visiting the King Under The Mountain, or rallying the audience for battle, their passion and energy are infectious, turning every show into an unforgettable adventure. The dual dedication to their music and their aesthetic not only adds to the spectacle but further cements their status as true bards of metal. Standout tracks from the night include: Mine Mine Mine, Together We Rise, The King Under The Mountain, and Diggy Diggy Hole (an absurdly popular cover of the Minecraft standard).

In the wide world of metal, where bands often strive to outdo each other in terms of aggression and intensity, Windrose stands out by offering something different and something fun to their audience:
an epic journey through music filled with myth (as well as blow up axes, which were an absurdly popular item at their merch booth). Windrose is currently touring North America, with shows getting close to selling out.

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Joe Abbruscato

Joe Abbruscato is photographer, educator, and editor based out of Tempe, Az. Specializing in concerts and live events (from local dive bars to multi stage festivals to destination weddings and every comic convention between), he has been putting his lens and pen to work throughout the southwest for well over a decade.