Female fronted Los Angeles electronic hard rock band Hail Sagan brought their Beauty and the Beast Tour to Cafe Dekcuf Ottawa this week giving the fans the experience they came for and more.

Lead singer and songwriter Sagan Amery walked slowly onto the stage, already active with special effects and kicked off the set with her version of Faith No More‘s hit song Epic which launched fans into the musical journey they were about to embark. People want to come to a Hail Sagan show and have a good time and that’s what they got. Both Amery and guitarist Nick Quijano were interactive with the crowd creating the sense they were part of the show and there’s no better feeling than that. The light show was spectacular and served up its distinctive sound and style flawlessly.

Sagan’s vocals are very honest meaning that they don’t sound over-worked or produced, but rather hovers in a comfortable area that I felt easily conveys a sense of truth and with an ability to go where she wants to go with it. An uplifting experience from start to finish.

Nick used to be in a group called Powerman 5000 but now assumes the role of guitarist with Hail Sagan. Any fan of guitar playing will appreciate his extreme talents of being very accurate and meticulous in is work – with his arsenal of techniques and an intense feeling of passion and confidence he nailed it tonight. He and Amery owned the stage and with a 10/10 performance.

After the show I had the opportunity to interview Sagan Amery and and Nick Quijano and it was one of the most interesting interviews I can recall.  They two are very real and down to earth which is always nice to see in this industry.  Amery explained that they aren’t really trying to do anything artistically outside-the-box but because they live outside-the-box and believe that beauty and art are truly in the eye of the beholder that’s just where some might see they end up.  When it comes to art she “does her own thing” to get the results she is looking for. They explained that they have taken some criticism for not using a bass player and opting to go with programming computer tracks instead but at the end of the day Amery says she will “do her own thing” regardless. I’m confident the fan base agrees with her and will follow where they go. I asked them what song they thought was the best song they’d put out was and I got two difference answers. For Amery it was Doors Will Open who says the songs is about the search in finding doors and opportunities to get where you want to go and for Quijano it was The Mirror which is much more mellow and radio friendly.  That’s what a good team is about – bringing the differences together.

Opening the night up was Ottawa’s own Stoby who entertained us with their rock alternative style of music.  My favorite was Centipedes which was a good strong song with vocals that fit nicely and clearly.  Their song Armoir added a nice drum beat and cool quick guitar licks demonstrating what they are all about.

Up next was Dead Air Republic from Vanier.  These guys came out strong and ended the same.  There was some serious metal, guitar licks and riffs coming from the stage that kept us glued the entire set.  A rasping vocal quality with expression and power suited for their rock and metal based sound.

Second last before Hail Sagan was the American Grim from Hillsborough, New Jersey.  These guys brought their high energy pulse racing brand to the show and front-man Ryan Grim and the guys gave everything of themselves into a dominant and polished performance. From guitars to drums to vocals I thoroughly enjoyed this performance and highly recommend you get on board too.

The verdict.  A perfect night of music with each demonstrating their uniqueness making it highly entertaining and refreshing. Get out and see Hail Sagan the Beauty and the Beast Tour.

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