Weeks of video teasers and anticipation finally paid off on Saturday night at Mavericks at the Eagleson CD release party. The Ottawa heavy hitters pushed out a two song EP that is bound to rock your socks off.

Opening was Ottawa troublemakers Hellbros who never disappoint with their energetic party rock and in between songs banter between front man Peter Yurt and drummer Josh Roy. Guaranteed to get the mosh pit going, the band included tunes from their first album Goodtime Machine combined with newer tracks from their latest, Calling All Giants, and crowned their short set with the legendary Motorhead cover Ace of Spades.

Hellbros at Mavericks. Photo by Laura Collins.

Second on stage was Ottawa/Toronto’s bluesy rock trio Old James, who had been called in to cover for Say Yes, who sadly had had to cancel their appearance due to a family emergency.  Old James is one of those bands that one could watch for a full headlining set over and over. Singer Brian Stephenson’s amazing vocal range along with his magnetic charisma on stage work wonders seamlessly with the support of drummer Chris Stephenson and guitarist Andy Thompson.

Old James at Mavericks. Photo by Laura Collins.

I last saw the power trio Eagleson at Babylon this past June opening for CKY and already then I was drawn into the maturity and the raw energy of the band. Their newest tunes Chasing the Sun and Vice from the newly released EP, offer heavy riffs and hooks for the listener’s hearing pleasure.

Eagleson at Mavericks. Photo by Laura Collins.

Singer Tom Edward’s powerful vocals and passionate stage presence combined with bassist Ryan Wolves’ bouncy enthusiasm and drummer Daniel O’Brien’s dynamic drumming made the show enjoyable to watch and the fans and family were sure to give all their love to Eagleson.

The band included a Rage Against The Machine cover and finished the show with Ozzy Osborne’s Crazy Train with Old James’ Brian Stephenson in vocals as well as carrying Edward on his shoulders for a guitar solo.

Overall, this was a night for the Eagleson family, new beginnings and kickass rocknroll. We will be patiently waiting for more new material from the band!

By Laura Collins.