FOR THE LOVE OF METAL
Jonathan Smith reviews the Feb 26th Toronto performance by Cradle of Filth, Nachtmystium, Daniel Lioneye and Turisas. Live photos by Albert Mansour
“The crowd, still frothing from Baptists’ frantic set, boiled over for Kylesa from the get-go when they opened with “Hollow Severer”. The band was in fine form throughout their set, which was mostly balanced between Static Tensions and Spiral Shadow.”
Kyle Harcott recaps the December 2nd performance by KYLESA, HAGGATHA and BAPTISTS at Vancouver’s Media Club. Live photos by Ted Wilson
“As Darkest Hour vocalist John Henry pointed out: “Some of you have been supporting us all along, and some of you here tonight weren’t even born when we started out! That’s crazy!” While they definitely seemed more interested in hosting a celebration (with as many circle pits as possible) than performing a perfectly programmed and orchestrated set, their performance was definitely entertaining and their musicianship tight.”
Natalie Zed reviews the November 17th appearance by Darkest Hour, Veil of Maya, Periphery and Revocation at Toronto’s Mod Club.
“Soon enough, all ceremonial flames were lit and out strode the dread beast Watain to perform their black mass. What a show. From the opening strains of “Malfeitor”, Watain held the Rickshaw rapt with satanic attention. Their reputation preceding them, the band completely revel in malevolence and black theatrics, from coating themselves in pig’s blood to utilizing flame as the major light source onstage.”
Kyle Harcott reviews the November 14th Vancouver debut by WATAIN. Also on the bill were Goatwhore, Black Anvil and local support from Galgamex.
I originally wrote the following review for Exclaim! and it appeared in their February 2009 issue. I thought it would be a good accompanying piece to Adrien’s AC/DC book review that we posted today…
“Everything about this show was carefully planned out, meticulously orchestrated. The sound was excellent and the lighting choices novel and interesting. Every aspect was carefully chosen to enhance the experience. Devin had a stark white light pointing upwards toward his face, catching every crease and shadow, emphasizing every ridiculous expression he contorted his unique features into. I’ve never before seen a man who could appear so scrumptiously handsome one moment then so cartoonishly grotesque the next.”
Natalie Zed reviews the recent Toronto appearance from The Devin Townsend Project, supported by UK’s TesseracT.
Scythia, are nothing short of incredible particularly when you consider that the band had only been together for a few weeks prior to taking off on tour (member changes)! Leader of the pack David Khan is very much at home on the stage and leading his tribe through some of the best folk metal I’ve heard in a long time. Not only do they perform in costume but David takes on the role of the bard and speaks just as his character would have in between songs.
Jason Wellwood provides a glimpse at the triumphant showing of Scythia, joined by Marching Mind in Thunder Bay.
“I was immediately struck by the rawness of their sound, distorted and fuzzy and positively enormous in scale. The chemistry between all four members is undeniable when experienced live, and the crackling energy that passes between them combines to create a deadly force field you can actually feel hanging in the air.”
Hellbound’s Renee Trotier caught the Toronto performance of Bison B.C., and lived to tell the tale…
“Yes, the glory days are behind them. Yes, they are not the young men they once were. But this show was not about recreating the past. It was about proving that the fighting spirit of Suicidal lives on. Their drive, their energy, their relentless positivity comes through in every single performance, every single song.”
Cara Cross reviews the recent Seattle performance by reinstated So Cal crossover act SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
“Nearly impossible to describe, they hit me like a crazy gothic metal version of cabaret/gypsy music, which a great deal of dark, psychotic carnival thrown in the mix as well. The violin took centre stage for me, running the gamut from classical trills and traditional Roma fiddling to dark, screeching black-metal wailing.”
Natalie Zed witnessed the recent Toronto stop of Montreal’s Unexpect, with Stream of Passion, Manahil and more.