Blind Guardian – Varsuty Theater – Minneapolis MN – December 3rd 2025

Live Nation and The Varsity Theater present Blind Guardian with special guests Seven Kingdoms and Ensiferum

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Walking into the Varsity Theater on a frozen December night felt like stepping into a sanctuary for metal fans who didn’t mind braving Minnesota’s early winter. By the time Seven Kingdoms took the stage, the room was buzzing with the unmistakable energy that only a tightly packed club and a passionate fanbase can create.

Seven Kingdoms kicked off their set with the kind of tight rhythmic punch they’ve built their reputation on. The first riffs sliced through the air with clarity, the guitars locked perfectly in harmony before exploding into full-throttle power-metal velocity.

Vocalist Sabrina Valentine strode onto the stage like she owned it, and within seconds the crowd was locked in. Her voice was in top form — bright, powerful, and soaring effortlessly above the band’s twin-guitar assault.

Despite being the opener, Seven Kingdoms immediately commanded the room. Fans pushed toward the barricade, fists pumping in time with the double-kick drums. Between songs, the band kept banter to a minimum but still connected with the audience — a quick “Minneapolis, you guys showed up tonight!” was all they needed to crank the energy up another notch.

The guitar duo delivered the highlights of the night. Their harmonized leads were tight enough to impress even the most cynical shred fan, but what stood out were the melodic hooks — bright, confident, and crafted for rooms exactly this size. Solos were clean but emotional, and the players seemed genuinely thrilled to be on that stage.

In the middle of the set came a fan-favorite anthem that sent the front rows into full sing-along mode. Even people unfamiliar with the band were nodding along by the second chorus.

The drummer laid down a relentless foundation — steady double-bass runs, sharp cymbal accents, and fills that never felt show-offy yet always exciting. The bass sat deep and warm in the mix, filling the space without mudding the guitars.

The standout moment was a mid-set ballad-turned-anthem that showcased the band’s dynamic range. It started with Sabrina in near-isolation, her voice echoing across the theater, before the full band came crashing in. The crescendo hit hard enough to pull cheers from the entire room.

Seven Kingdoms wrapped their set with one of their faster, heavier tracks — a full-speed power-metal blitz that left the room buzzing. The last note barely faded before the crowd erupted into a surprisingly loud ovation for an opening act.

Several fans shouted “One more!” — the truest compliment for any support band.

Seven Kingdoms delivered the kind of opening performance that turns casual listeners into fans. The set was tight, high-energy, and played with a professionalism that shows why they’ve continued to rise in the North American metal scene.

Ensiferum stormed the stage at the Varsity Theater on December 3rd, delivering a fierce and confident set that reminded the Minneapolis crowd why the band has remained a cornerstone of folk metal for decades. As an opening act on a stacked bill, Ensiferum didn’t waste a second easing into the night—they came out swinging, immediately igniting the floor with galloping riffs and battle-ready choruses.

From the first song, the band’s energy was undeniable. Tight rhythm guitars and thunderous drumming filled the room, while the blend of harsh vocals and melodic leads struck a balance between aggression and melody that translated especially well in the Varsity’s intimate setting. Even fans unfamiliar with the full catalog were quickly pulled in by the anthemic structure of the songs and the band’s commanding stage presence.

One of the strengths of Ensiferum’s performance was their ability to feel epic without feeling distant. Despite the mythic themes and heroic tone of their music, the band remained engaging and grounded, frequently hyping the crowd and encouraging movement in the pit. The audience responded enthusiastically—heads were banging across the floor, and a modest but energetic pit formed early in the set.

Sound-wise, the mix was generally solid, with the guitars cutting through clearly and the drums hitting with satisfying weight. Some of the folk elements felt more implied than prominent at times, but the core metal attack was strong enough that it hardly mattered. The overall effect was raw, loud, and effective—exactly what an opening set should be.

By the time Ensiferum wrapped up, they had successfully set the tone for the rest of the evening. Their performance wasn’t just a warm-up; it was a statement. For longtime fans, it was a reminder of the band’s consistency and power. For newcomers, it was an invitation into a world of swords, storms, and sing-along battle hymns—one that many seemed happy to accept.

Verdict: A high-energy, well-executed set that proved Ensiferum remains a formidable live band and an ideal catalyst for a night of heavy metal at the Varsity Theater.

Blind Guardian transformed the Varsity Theater into a cathedral of power metal on December 3rd, delivering a triumphant performance that balanced precision, emotion, and pure fan service. From the moment they took the stage, it was clear this wasn’t just another tour stop—it felt like a celebration between band and audience, fueled by decades of shared history.

The band sounded remarkably tight, especially given the complexity of their material. Twin guitar harmonies rang out clearly, locking together with driving rhythms that never lost momentum. Hansi Kürsch’s vocals were a focal point throughout the night, cutting through the mix with strength and clarity. Even in the more demanding passages, he maintained control, guiding the crowd through soaring choruses and dramatic storytelling.

One of the standout aspects of the show was the crowd participation. Blind Guardian’s music thrives on communal energy, and the Varsity audience delivered. Sing-along sections were loud and passionate, often continuing even after the band pulled back. The intimate size of the venue amplified this effect, making the performance feel personal despite the epic scale of the songs.

The setlist leaned into the band’s most beloved material, blending speed, melody, and atmosphere. Faster songs whipped the crowd into motion, while mid-tempo epics allowed the band to stretch out and build tension. The pacing of the set kept energy high without feeling rushed, and each song felt deliberately chosen rather than obligatory.

Visually, the show was straightforward but effective. Rather than relying on elaborate stage production, Blind Guardian let the music and crowd connection do the heavy lifting. This stripped-down approach worked especially well at the Varsity, where sightlines are close and every gesture is visible.

By the end of the night, Blind Guardian had done more than headline a concert—they reaffirmed their legacy as one of power metal’s most enduring and beloved bands. The December 3rd show wasn’t just impressive for its musicianship; it was memorable for the sense of unity in the room, a reminder of how powerful live music can be when band and audience are fully in sync.

Verdict: Epic without excess, powerful without pretense—Blind Guardian delivered a commanding and deeply satisfying performance at the Varsity Theater.