Tag: live review

  • DTRASH + Schizoid & Melt Banana in Toronto, 17 May 2015

    DTRASH + Schizoid & Melt Banana in Toronto, 17 May 2015

    In these days of digital music production and distribution my snail mailbox sees a lot less action than my email inbox. In some ways it’s a relief (I ran out of shelf space for my CD collection years ago). But that fact also makes it all the more special when something more tangible does actually show…

  • BRIEFCASEFEST 2015, Toronto ON, June 5

    BRIEFCASEFEST 2015, Toronto ON, June 5

    Night 1 The word “diverse” doesn’t even begin to cut it. This bill was off the beaten path for sure, with a number of acts featured on both nights. Spanning a broad spectrum and encompassing many types of energy, all were dark, some were surprising. I tried to capture some of that energy in pictures.…

  • The exquisite sound and philosophy of a Vile Creature

    The exquisite sound and philosophy of a Vile Creature

    Photo by Adam Wills Commentary by Laura Wiebe Sometimes it’s not till the moment when you hear a sentiment voiced that you realize you hear it far too seldom. I had this revelation most recently at This Ain’t Hollywood in Hamilton as, in the process of introducing themselves, St. Catharines anti-oppressive doom duo Vile Creature acknowledged their experiences with…

  • Not Of in Toronto, ON – April 18, 2015

    Not Of in Toronto, ON – April 18, 2015

    Not Of album release show @ The Magpie Taproom, Toronto, ON – April 18, 2015 It’s only in this day and age of digital music distribution that a band can throw an album release party on Record Store Day with nary a physical album to be found. Up-and-coming noise rock duo Not Of showed up…

  • The Return of Faith No More

    The Return of Faith No More

    Vancouver BC @ PNE Forum, 4/15 Seattle WA @ Paramount Theater, 4/16 When announcing their reunion in 2009, Faith No More described themselves as “… some sort of unique beast: part dog, part cat—its music almost as schizophrenic as the personalities of its members.” Indeed, there is something very special about Faith No More. When…

  • Enslaved and Yob in Toronto – March 19, 2015

    Enslaved and Yob in Toronto – March 19, 2015

    Enslaved, Yob, Ecstatic Vision and Kosmograd Live at the Opera House, Toronto, Ontario, March 19th, 2015 A show like this was by most in the extreme metal community of south-eastern Ontario considered a must attend. There a are a couple reasons, one being that the last time Enslaved was supposed to be in town they couldn’t make…

  • Through Space and Grind Tour in Toronto – Feb 4, 2015

    Through Space and Grind Tour in Toronto – Feb 4, 2015

    Through Space and Grind Tour: Napalm Death, Voivod, Exhumed, Iron Reagan and Black Crown Initiate Wednesday, February 4th, 2015 The Opera House, Toronto Well, this writer was happy the weather had held off for the roads to be safe enough for him to make the long trek to Toronto on a Wednesday. After dinner with a…

  • Housecore Horror Film Festival in Austin TX, October 2014

    Housecore Horror Film Festival in Austin TX, October 2014

    Housecore Horror Film Festival Austin, Texas Review by Jay Gorania Photos Alyssa Herrman The second annual Housecore Horror Film Festival, spearheaded by Phil Anselmo and true crime author/heavy metal journalist Corey Mitchell, showcased an impressive line-up of heavy bands, horror movies and documentaries. The 40th Anniversary reunion of the Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s surviving cast members…

  • Devin Townsend Project, Animals as Leaders and Monuments in Toronto, Nov 30, 2014

    Devin Townsend Project, Animals as Leaders and Monuments in Toronto, Nov 30, 2014

    Devin Townsend Project, Animals as Leaders and Monuments The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto ON November 30, 2014 Many years ago, my first gig as a teaching assistant was grading papers for an introductory university course on popular music. Though he respected my interests enough to invite me to give a guest lecture on metal music,…

  • Death To All and Obituary in Toronto, Nov 27, 2014

    Death To All and Obituary in Toronto, Nov 27, 2014

    DEATH (Death to All Tour) with OBITUARY, MASSACRE, RIVERS OF NIHIL Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto November 27th, 2014 So, I know I’m not one of the lucky thousands to have experienced the very beginnings of the death metal genre itself. DEATH, at any of the many peaks of their long-running lineup, fronted by the legendary…