Reviews – Live

Children of Bodom/ Eluveitie/ Revocation/ Threat Signal @ Sound Academy, Toronto ON, February 27, 2012

“I’ve always credited Finland’s Children of Bodom with helping to further my interest and involvement in metal, and in all those years I’ve seen them live a countless number of times. Somehow though, this show felt different. It felt special. Whether it was the ravenous crowd, my nostalgic mood, or the fact that this was the band’s 15th anniversary tour, the moment I heard the opening riffs of “Sixpounder” I just couldn’t stop smiling.”

Renee Trotier reviews the February 27th Toronto performance by Children of Bodom, Eluveitie, Revocation and Threat Signal. Live photos by Albert Mansour.

Deep Purple

Deep Purple @ Hamilton Place, Hamilton ON, February 13, 2012

“Veteran hard rockers Deep Purple are either insane or still some of the hardest working musicians in show business – there is no other explanation to describe their decision to tour Canada coast to coast in February. Even the most grizzled tour dogs usually avoid going nationwide in our frozen home and native land, but with its members now well into their sixties the quintet stopped down in my current hometown, Hamilton ON, for an early week show on Monday, February 13th that was nearly halfway through their Canadian only tour.”

Live review by Sean Palmerston; Concert photos by Albert Mansour

Scott Kelly/ John Baizley/ Craig Radford/ Desbot @ SFBH, Wellington, New Zealand, February 3rd, 2012

A small, passionate, vocal crowd greeted Neurosis’ Scott Kelly and Baroness’ John Baizley for their show in New Zealand’s capital on their current solo acoustic tour. With able support from an NZ rock icon, Craig Radford, the night was filled with heartfelt, intense performances.

Craig Haze reviews the February 3rd performance by Scott Kelly, John Baizley and more in Wellington, New Zealand. Live photos by Greg Parsons.

Lamb of God/ The Acacia Strain/ Manahan @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto ON, January 27 2012

“The entire floor of the Phoenix eventually became a pit, the area right on front of the stage was like a maelstrom, with little eddies and whirlpools breaking out all the way to the very back wall. The venue eventually threw the rear doors open to ease the infernal heat, and people’s bodies near the exit gave off visible steam when the cool air hit them. It was exhausting and sweaty and exultant, the most love concentrated into a single performance that I have seen in a long time. ”

Natalie Zed reviews the sold out performance by Lamb Of God at Toronto’s Phoenix on January 27th. Live photos by Adam Wills