FOR THE LOVE OF METAL
I cannot speak for the whole audience attending Wednesday’s show, but from where I was standing that night there was a palpable sense of excitement in the minutes leading up to Anathema’s arrival on stage. For many, it was finally the long-awaited opportunity to see them deliver a full-band performance in Toronto. They did not disappoint.
Review by Jonathan Smith; Concert Photos by Adam Wills
On October 8th former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett and his current band played two-and-a-half hours of classic Genesis material at Oakville’s Centre For the Arts. Here is Sean Palmerston’s recap of the night, with live photography by Albert Mansour.
“A smoke-filled backdrop and a barefoot bassist set the stage for vocalist/flautist/keyboardist Alia O’Brien to cast a spell over the crowd. Her seemingly effortless weaving between instruments, combined with undeniable natural charisma, made her a magnetic presence on stage.”
Danielle Griscti reviews the Toronto album release party by Blood Ceremony at the Horseshoe Tavern on Saturday, September 14th, which also featured Biblical and Cauchemar.
On August 23 – 25 the Southern Ontario Metal Fest came to Hamilton’s Club Absinthe and Hellbound’s Laura Wiebe was there to soak it all in. Here is her recap of the festival, with live photography by Adam Wills.
Hellbound’s Justin Richardson took in Finland’s Tuska Open Air Festival this summer featuring bands such as Amorphis, Bolt Thrower, Ihsahn and King Diamond. Here is his review of the first day at this renowned metal festival.
“By this point in the night the press of bodies on the main floor was damn near suffocating. Coupled with the intense heat, it was a sweaty affair indeed. Hair flying and riffs flying faster, Cannibal Corpse set a blistering pace for their 90+ minute, 20 song set.”
Matt Hinch reviews the May 31st Toronto stop of the Decibel Magazine Tour, featuring Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death, Immolation and Beyond Creation. Cannibal Corpse photos by Adam Wills
Hellbound Metal: “Whoa, cleanup on aisle one! Judging by the state of the stairway up to the Rickshaw lobby, this was one of those “party till you puke” kind of shows. Put four hard-rocking bands together on a Friday night, and things are bound to get out of hand for some.”
Live review by Rob Hughes
Hellbound Metal: “I was delighted when they opened the set with an excellent rendition of “The Devil’s Orchard”, but I was absolutely over the moon when they followed it up immediately with “Ghost of Perdition” and, this was a real shocker, “White Cluster” off Still Life. I wasn’t expecting anything that old to be played at all, so witnessing this live was a wonderful thing.”
Live review by Sean Palmerston; Special concert photos courtesy of Mike Bax / lithiummagazine.com
“Though revisiting Schuldiner’s musical legacy meant the sense of collective loss was strong, the sense of fellowship was stronger. In the end it was less for sadness than a cause for celebration.”
Laura Wiebe reviews the April 28th Toronto performance by Death To All and Anciients. Concert photography by Adam Wills.
Hellbound Metal: “As Clutch tore into a blistering rendition of “Crucial Velocity” off of this year’s excellent album Earth Rocker, the crowd began its metamorphosis into one singular entity; a living, breathing cyclone of energy. For the next 90 minutes Neil commanded the stage like a preacher gone mad, pointing his fingers wildly in the air while delivering lines about who stole his rock and roll in a sermon-like fashion.”
Live review by Renee Trotier, concert photos by Albert Mansour.