Fishnets, ripped and cut up clothing, band t-shirts, and coloured hair as far as the eye could see – also in the mirror for this punk rock fan – and still living on the high from Billy Talent’s performance the night before, Day 2 of the All Your Friends Festival kicked off and we all could not wait for the line up that was performing that day.
Burl’s Creek’s Flags Waving Never Meant The Same After All Your Friends Festival Takeover: Day 1 Review
When All Your Friends Festival announced they would be putting on one of Canada’s largest Punk Festivals featuring some of Canada’s very own punk-rock and pop punk bands, it struck all our hearts like the piano G cord introduction to “Welcome To The Black Parade”. Taking place at the famous festival grounds of Burl’s Creek – famously known for their Boots & Hearts Festival which took place just 2 weeks prior – All Your Friends Festival designed the perfect Friday and Saturday to heal the hearts of the pop-punk kids who have grown up alongside the bands taking the stage. The only way to describe it would be 48 hours of pure nostalgia.
The Metal Crushes All Tour Desecrates Vancouver
The Metal Crushes All Tour descended upon the PNE Forum in Vancouver like a berserker raid, leaving no eardrum unscathed. Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, and Frozen Soul forged an unholy alliance of metal mastery, transforming the venue into a cathedral of headbanging worship.
From the moment the doors swung open, the air crackled with anticipation, and the crowd surged forward with rabid energy. Eager metalheads from all walks of life mingled in anticipation, ready to sacrifice their comfort to pay homage to their musical overlords.
As Frozen Soul took the stage, the icy grip of their glacial riffs shook the entire venue sending shivers down spines and setting the tone for the night.
Obviously excited to return back to one of their favourite Canadian scenes, the band encouraged mayhem and feasted off their fans energy. The pit erupted into chaos, with over 300 bodies colliding in a whirlwind of limbs and one of the biggest circle pits I have ever seen.
Obituary followed suit, delivering a masterclass in old-school brutality. Their relentless assault of crushing riffs and grueling vocals ignited a frenzy of moshing madness.
Several mosh pits opened like gaping maws, devouring anyone foolish enough to stray too close to the edge.
But, to the surprise of no one, it was Cannibal Corpse who truly brought the carnage to the forefront. With a ferocity unmatched, they unleashed a barrage of sonic ruthlessness that left no skull uncrushed.
The crowd, caught in the grip of their gore-stricken metal fury, responded with an intensity that bordered on madness. Bodies soared overhead as crowd surfers rode the waves of chaos, while the audience lovingly berated each other grinning from ear to ear.
And then came the Viking horde known as Amon Amarth, whose melodic death metal anthems struck like thunderbolts from the gods.
Horns raised in salutations, the floor opened up to welcome a hoard of rowing fans, singing at the top of their lungs. Everywhere you looked, you would see someone adorning ruins, fake swords or chainmail, a true testament to the unity forged by the power of this iconic band.
In the end, as the final chords faded into the night, the Metal Crushes All Tour had left its mark on Vancouver, and for those lucky enough to bear witness, it was a night that would be remembered with reverence and awe for years to come.
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PBR Canada’s Elite Cup Series Returns to Ottawa, Ontario, for First Time in Six Years
Tickets for the PBR Ottawa Classic at Canadian Tire Centre, on-sale Friday, February 16 at 10:00 a.m. EST
Boots and Hearts open submissions for the 2023 Emerging Artist Showcase
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR CANADA’S LARGEST CAMPING AND MUSIC FESTIVAL AUGUST 10-13
GLOBAL SUPERSTARS NICKELBACK, KEITH URBAN AND TIM MCGRAW TO HEADLINE MAIN STAGE AT BURL’S CREEK EVENT GROUNDS
CANADA’S OWN TIM HICKS HEADLINES THE THURSDAY NIGHT KICK-OFF PARTY
Carcass Crush Vancouver
Extreme metal pioneers, Carcass, brought their unique brand of Death n Roll to Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on Wednesday, bringing together a myriad of metal heads.
With a vast discography, ranging from grindcore to melodic death metal, and everything in between, revolutionaries Bill Steer and Jeff Walker, force-fed fans all of the best parts of Carcass throughout a 16-song set. And man, were we feasting.
From classics like “This Mortal Coil” And “Corporal Jigsore Quandry” to “Kelly’s Meat Emporium” and “316L Grade Surgical Steel” – the set list catered to fans of every Carcass era, despite it being dubbed the Torn Arteries tour. The band breezed through the song’s technicalities with ease and flair.
Though Walker and Steer are far from on their way out, you’d think after four decades of trailblazing they’d of slowed up. However, that’s far from the case. The pair, and their newest lineup additions, performed with such tenacity and prowess that if you closed your eyes you’d think it was their 20-year-old selves on stage.
Not only was the precision of the set a highlight, but the energy radiating from each member was truly remarkable. It didn’t feel like one of those “make-a-buck” tours, that you’ve come to expect from bands 40 years into their careers. The gratitude and love for their craft, and fans, was palpable. Not just from Carcass, but every band.
Each act to hit the stage commanded the room, creating a unifying ambiance that one really can only experience at a metal show. While Carcass was undoubtedly the highlight, one of the coolest things about this show was the diversity in the lineup. Sure, these bands all played some form of metal, but they were also fantastic representations of their niche sub-genre and Carcass’ influence on the genre as a whole.
Supported by party thrash legends, Municipal Waste, the groove-stricken Sacred Reich, and Texas death metal titans, Creeping Death, the attention to detail of this bill cannot go unnoticed. Every band delivered a crushing set, leaving the audience rabid and famished for more.
Whether we were headbanging to the point of whiplash with Creeping Death and Sacred Reich or guzzling beers and crowd surfing with Municipal Waste – this show and all the musicians who were a part of it, was not only perfection but an incredible look at the growth of metal music.
Chicago Brings The Brass To Rama
Neil Donell Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
On Saturday April 8th the band knows as Chicago brought the endless hits to Casino Rama Canada. With over 55 plus years in the business it doesn’t seem like they’re slowing down anytime soon, with over 100 shows this year already planned. With some new additions to the band this year, the main core founding members consisting of Robert Lamb and James Pankow still leading the charge every night with long time member Lee Loughnane on trumpet.
Ray Herrmann Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
For those who aren’t familiar with the band (those who live under a rock), Chicago is know for not only their brass section to their music but their stunning compositions with brilliant vocalists to boot. Each member of the band almost has a vocal to be heard, majorly Robert Lame and their Canadian boy, Neil Donell. But don’t kid yourself, Chicago brings the brass to rock music when they aren’t serenading us with one of their many famous ballads that millions have used as wedding songs all over the world for decades.
James Pankow Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
Chicago is best known for their hits “If You Leave Me Know”, “You’re The Inspiration”, “Hard To Say I’m Sorry”, “25 Or 6 To 4” and “Saturday In The Park”, it’s hard to not believe that with 38 albums that they have cracked the code on songwriting. Both Lamb and Pankow in the songwriters hall of fame. Having sold over 100 Million albums world wide, they are one of the best selling groups of all time, and longest touring too. If you haven’t seen them I would recommend doing so, with grace they show you live mastery of music at it’s best. A must see in my opinion for starting musicians wanting to learn how to compose a song.
Ray Yslas Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
The Piano Man Rolls The Dice At OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
On Saturday February 25th Billy Joel crossed north of the boarder into Canada for the first time in nearly 10 years, making his stop at Fallsview Casino, Niagara. His performance was the crown jewel on the official celebratory opening of the brand new OLG Stage here in Ontario. The 73 year old New Yorker put on the performance of a lifetime, still holding his title as “The Entertainer”.
Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
Opening the show with “My Life”, the patiently awaited crowd rose to their feet once the first piano key was struck, and the hits followed as the night went on. Still playing like had something to prove, Joel captivated everyone in the room, not a soul left the venue until the balcony lights came on. Prior to showtime it’s always amazing the things you hear as you walk down what I like to call “Storyteller Alley”. Storyteller alley is the bee hive of noise and conversations of the fans in line as they make their way through security. Hearing competitive people telling one another how many times they have seen Billy Joel, some 5, some 15, even hearing 45 times from one gentleman. And for some it being their very first time after over hearing one lady tell the person next to her that she’s been waiting 45 years for this moment, it’s one of those reasons why I think he still tours, for the fans. For some couples it was their first date and for others their first date was at a Billy Joel concert 35 years ago!
Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
Creating the songs that many got married too, Billy doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Soft spoken in-between many songs, Joel has that “lets have a conversation at dinner vibe”. Telling stories and making jokes, everyone was delighted to get that one-on-one chance with him as he made everyone in the audience feel front row. Billy is known for leaving the front row empty and non for sale, and selecting those at the very back, as high as you can get and bringing them front row as he states “these are the real fans”, he really gets it.
Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
Billy Joel, Carl Fischer, Mark Rivera / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
You might not find it hard to believe but Joel isn’t the only famous musician in his band, travelling with world class musicians like Carl Fischer, Mark Rivera, David Rosenthal, Andy Cichon, Mike DelGuidice, Chuck Burgi and Crystal Aliefero. Having the chops like Joel does it’s a no brainer that he has a band that could support anyone with their talent and performing capabilities.
Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
Overall Joel won’t be with us forever so if you get the chance to see him, don’t pass it up. Life is too short to not treat yourself or someone you know so head into town, try a new local restaurant, “grab a bottle of white, or a bottle of red” and then make your way to the venue for a night of timeless hits. You’ll be surprised with the smile on your face as you leave the building because he’s just, that, good!
Billy Joel / Photographer- Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
Richard Taylor, Joseph Soper, Jim Diodati, Jim Warren, Jody Madigan / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
Before the headliner Billy Joel, Sound Check Entertainment was graciously invited to the grand opening ceremony at the brand new 5000 seater venue at Fallsview Casino and Resort, OLG Stage! Starting off the evening was an introduction brought by Devo Brown, following him was President of Niagara Casinos Richard Taylor, Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati, Chair of the Board of Directors Jim Warren and Jim Madigan COO Mohegan.
Hands down one of the nicest if not the nicest soft seated theatres in Canada, where the farthest seat is only 150ft away, it truly is a stunning work of art. Hard to believe the size of the venue let me tell you, standing on the street outside you wouldn’t know that there was this huge and stunning theatre on the other side of the buildings walls. Fallsview and OLG did an amazing job taking care of us and making sure that our evening was well taken care of, on top of having world class staff that will and some of the best in the industry attend to every need. OLG stage is putting Niagara back on the map with yes of course bringing Billy Joel to town but to follow him in the upcoming months like Bret Michaels of Poison, Pit Bull, Kevin Heart, Dane Cook, Billy Idol, George Thorogood, Cheap Trick, Daughty, Steve Miller Band, John Fogerty, Kane Brown, Rod Stewart, Kenny Loggins and many many others. Who will you be seeing?
Richard Taylor, Joseph Soper, Jim Diodati, Jim Warren, Jody Madigan / Photographer: Elliott Deseure / OLG Stage Fallsview Casino
Larkin Poe: Blood Is Harmonious
Larkin Poe’s “Blood Harmony” is rich and full of everything you want from sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell. Rock, blues, southern jams and even a power ballad.
Osyron: New Wave Of Prog Metal
These days there is a lot of new music being released and it’s becoming harder to stand above the noise. A new form of metal is also being created, part symphonic, part thrash, part power and a huge dash of NWOBHM thrown in for good measure. Well up on this list is Osyron.
