Reviews – Live

Cauldron/ Diemonds/ Flying Fortress/ Tiger Star @ Sneaky Dee’s, Toronto ON, February 11th 2011

“By the time they began their set, shortly after midnight, Dee’s was as packed as I have ever seen it. More than one of my fellow-concert goes expressed concern that the floor might collapse due to the size and ferocity of the stomping, screaming, appreciative crowd.”

Natalie Zed reviews the February 11th hometown album release party for CAULDRON at Toronto’s Sneaky Dee’s.

Motörhead/ Clutch @ Vogue Theater, Vancouver BC, February 7, 2011

“There’s nothing like the rush of adrenaline at a Motörhead show, and from my vantage point at the back of the room, watching the packed floor go off was half the fun. As soon as the song finishes, there’s barely a second’s respite, then Mikkey Dee’s giant fill tears open “Stay Clean” and the entire theater roars for the perennial classic. Thirty-two years on and the song still packs a punch. Motörhead Forever.”

Kyle Harcott reviews the February 7th show by Motörhead and Clutch at the Vogue Theater in Vancouver, BC.

Eluveitie/ Death Angel/ 3 Inches of Blood/ Holy Grail/ Lazarus A.D./ System Divide @ The Opera House, Toronto, ON, February 6, 2011

If the large crowd at The Opera House on Sunday night was any indication then it would be fair to assume that metal heads aren’t really into football. It’s either that or the allure of two very different tours meeting up for one show right here in T.O. was too intriguing to pass up, or at least more intriguing than commercials and chilli. Death Angel vs. Eluveitie? Now there’s a matchup to sink your teeth into! If you couldn’t make it, never fear because Hellbound’s own metal insiders Natalie Zed and Renée Trotier were on hand to bring you the play by play. With photos by Adam Wills

70000 TONS OF METAL Cruise Recap Part 4

This marks the final part of our coverage of the 70000 TONS OF CRUISE festival, recapping the activities of day four on the boat. This was a full day at sea with music from early morning until the late hours of the evening.

In our fourth installment, Adrien, Kevin and Sean review live sets by SANCTUARY, VOIVOD, RAVEN, DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT and more. Live photos by Albert Mansour.

70000 TONS OF METAL Cruise Recap Part 3

Day three of our trip started out with the arrival at our boat’s destination: Cozumel, Mexico. It was a day off from music and a chance to go onshore in Mexico to check out the local surroundings and shops.

For our third installment, Adrien, Kevin and Sean describe the day spent in Mexico before another full night of musical performances onboard, including sets by Epica, Exodus, Iced Earth, Marduk, Saxon and more.

70000 TONS OF METAL Cruise Recap Part 2

Last week the inaugural 70000 TONS OF METAL cruise sailed from Miami, FL to Cozumel, Mexico and back and featured live performances by forty-two metal bands. Hellbound.ca was lucky enough to have been able to send four of its contributors on the cruise and here is what they had to say about the performances that took place on Day number two.

Live reviews by Adrien Begrand, Albert Mansour, Kevin Stewart-Panko and Sean Palmerston. All photography by Albert Mansour unless listed otherwise.

70000 TONS OF METAL Cruise Recap Part 1

Last week the inaugural 70000 TONS OF METAL cruise sailed from Miami, FL to Cozumel, Mexico and back and featured live performances by forty-two metal bands. Hellbound.ca was lucky enough to have been able to send four of its contributors on the cruise and here is what they had to say about getting to Miami and the first evening’s performances.

Introduction by Sean Palmerston with live reviews by Adrien Begrand, Albert Mansour, Kevin Stewart-Panko and Sean Palmerston. All photography by Albert Mansour unless listed otherwise.

Kylesa / Rosetta / Fight Amp @ The Annex Wreckroom, January 22nd 2011

“Kylesa have many weapons: a percussion section with a kick like a neutron bomb; thick and lovely guitar tones; a pair of excellent vocalists in Philip Cope and Laura Pleasants; licorice-dark bass work; keyboards; and even a damn theremin.”

Hellbound’s Natalie Zed reviews the recent Toronto visit from KYLESA, supported by ROSETTA and FIGHT AMP.

Wolves in the Throne Room / Shibboleth / Northern @ Sons of Norway Hall, Victoria BC, Jan. 7, 2011

“The stage is cast in smoke and shadow. Spotlights scale black tapestries depicting nature’ s creatures: wolf, owl, crane. At centre stage is an altar holding candles and a human skull, hemmed in by trimmings from an aromatic pine. Behind it is the drummer, bathed in a warm yellow light. The silhouettes of two guitarists flank the stage, eerie streams of blue light emanating from their instruments.”

Cara Cross reviews the recent Victoria performance of Wolves in the Throne Room.

Wolves in the Throne Room / Ahna / Gyibaaw / Sick @ Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver BC, January 6, 2011

“Nathan Weaver began by briefly thanking the crowd for coming and admonishing them to please refrain from flash photography, and also from moshing – something the majority in attendance seemed to appreciate. This band and all their trappings are an experience in the live setting, and the mood the stage sets seems as important and intricate as the music – taking your eyes off of them to smash into each other seems to miss the point – or maybe they just think moshing is stupid.”

Kyle Harcott caught the recent performance from Wolves in the Throne Room at their Vancouver, BC stop.