OBITUARY, IMMOLATION, BLOOD INCANTATION, INGROWN

May 7th, 2023

Toronto, ON @ The Phoenix

Photos By: Kim Baarda

Words By: Jason Deaville

INGROWN

When you think of Idaho, the first thing that likely comes to mind is potatoes. The state is just a sea of potatoes… fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Tonight, there was not a potato to be found. Ingrown hit the unsuspecting early arrivers with a performance filled with a powerful and raw display of their unique brand of experimental extremity. At their core, the three-piece deliver a crushing blend of hardcore, d-beat, and powerviolence, with a bit of old-school death metal thrown in for good measure. Their youthful energy and uncompromising, technically brilliant performance situates Ingrown as the perfect opening band for this tour.

BLOOD INCANTATION

Opening with ‘Starspawn’ from 2016’s album of the same name, Denver, Colorado’s Blood Incantation immediately grabbed the near-capacity crowd’s attention and didn’t let go for the remainder of their set. Seemingly warmed-up, the guys jumped into the reverb-drenched ‘Chaosplasm’ (also from the Starspawn album), which featured a brutality-driven groove that instantly erupted into a circle pit. With the throngs of death metal-starved fiends begging for more, the band launched into the Nile-like ‘The Giza Power Plant’ and ‘Slave Species Of The Gods‘ (both taken from their brilliant 2019 album, Hidden History Of The Human Race). The guys ended their crushing set with Hovering Lifeless, a romp into cosmic horror territory (from their 2015 EP, Interdimensional Extinction).

IMMOLATION

Yonkers, New York death metal legends Immolation have been riding a high ever since the release of their 2022 studio album, Acts Of God. The album made the year-end lists of many a metal fan, often taking the number one spot. Everything aligned perfectly for the band on the album, and, if tonight was any indication, the same can be said of Immolation on the live from in 2023.

With the lights dimmed, the ominous, foreboding cinematic-like intro of ‘Abandoned’ filled the now-capacity venue. This was immediately followed-up with ‘An Act Of God’ and ‘The Age Of No Light’ – this triumvirate of songs are the very same songs – in the same order – that appear on Acts Of God. The guys then took things all the way back to 2005, with the unsettling, off-kilter death metal swagger of the title track from Harnessing Ruin (an underrated album and song, imo).

At this point, the denizens of old school death metal fans in attendance were surely waiting to hear something from the band’s legendary debut, Dawn Of Possession. The guys didn’t disappoint, launching into the immediately-recognizable sounds of ‘Despondent Souls’. The guys then brought it back to 2022 with the song ‘Blooded’, easily one of the best songs off of Acts Of God.

In a pleasant surprise, the guys then unleashed three songs that I don’t believe I’ve ever heard them play live, which included ‘World Agony’ (from 07’s Shadows In The Light), ‘Destructive Currents’ (off of 2017’s Atonement), and ‘Providence’ (from the incredible EP of the same name, released back in 2011).

Frontman, Ross Dolan, then surprised the crowd by introducing the one and only Danny Lilker (of Nuclear Assault and Brutal Truth fame), who came out onto the stage and took a bow amongst the cheering, appreciative fans. The guys then immediately launched into ‘Under The Supreme’ from the band’s sophomore effort, Here In After, and ended their set where they began, with ‘Let The Darkness In’ from Acts Of God.

Apart from the first three songs of Immolation‘s set, this was a completely different setlist from their last stop in Toronto back in November 2022 (on their headlining Acts Of God North American Tour). I appreciate the effort in bringing fans a completely different experience this time around. As always, a crushing set from the true masters of American death metal.

OBITUARY

Is there more fitting of an intro than Pat Travers’ ‘Snortin Whiskey’ for Floridian death metal legends Obituary? As the sounds of the aforementioned track faded, Obituary exploded onto the stage with the brutally addictive groove that is ‘Redneck Stomp’ from their 2005 album, Frozen In Time. The first thirty seconds of the song is all it took to get the at-capacity crowd whipped into a frenzied mass of hair, sweat, and horns held high! From that point on, Obituary had the crowd hypnotized with their very own redneck stomp. There is no doubt these guys wear their redneck roots with pride!

After a short reprieve from the insanity that just unfolded, the guys pulled two songs from their 2017 self-titled album in ‘Sentence Day’ and ‘A Lesson In Vengeance’. It was at this point that the bodies went up – body after body in a sea of crowd surfing. It was obvious that this display of love from the pit amped the band up to a fevered pitch, hitting back with ‘Visions In My Head’ (from 2015’s Inked In Blood), ‘The Wrong Time’ and ‘Barely Alive’ (the latter two off the band’s latest album, Dying Of Everything).

With barely time to breathe, the guys dropped another one from Frozen In Time, this time hitting like a punch to the throat with the percussive, bottom-end heavy ‘Slow Death’, and immediately following that up with the first truly old-school song of the night thus far in ‘Find The Arise’ (from the band’s classic Cause Of Death).

After a quick return to their latest album, Dying Of Everything, with the groove-heavy ‘Weaponize The Hate’ and ‘My Will To Live’, the guys once again pleased the old-school in attendance with a mash-up of ‘Chopped In Half’ and ‘Turned Inside out’ (both from Cause Of Death).

The crowd not eager to see the night end, the guys returned to the stage after a short break to drop four more songs as part of their encore. The first two songs, ‘War’ and ‘Dying Of Everything’ were once again pulled from their latest album. The last two songs took things all the way back, with ‘I’m In Pain’ (from the band’s ’92 album, The End Complete), and the legendary ‘Slowly We Rot’ (from the band’s debut album of the same name).

If tonight was any indication, Obituary are at the top of their game. Truly an amazing feat for a band that has been at it for nearly four decades. At this point, I can’t imagine a world without Obituary. Let’s hope they can keep the redneck stomp alive and kicking for another forty years!

Album Review: AVATAR

Dance Devil Dance

Review Score: 10

Reviewed by: Georgina Strilakos

Avatar’s ninth studio album, “Dance Devil Dance,” is finally here and it does not disappoint! This album is an exciting mix of different genres, with 11 new songs that showcase the band’s versatility. From melodic death to power metal, metal-core, groove, country, and even nu-metal shades, Avatar explores all possible avenues to create a truly captivating sound. Each member of the band brings their unique skill set to the table, allowing their musicianship to shine through in every song. They are not afraid to take risks and try new things, which is what sets them apart from other bands in the genre. Their open-minded attitude and willingness to experiment have allowed them to create a sound that is truly their own on “Dance Devil Dance.”

The album is very vivid, with a sound that is in sync with the visual aesthetics of the group. The songs are intense and crazy, yet there are also moments of introspection and calmness. Avatar has managed to overcome many of the clichés of the heavy music scene by creating an album that’s unapologetically diverse. Many consider “Dance Devil Dance” an excellent new work and one of the band’s best records in recent years. It is undoubtedly a great follow-up to their 2020 release “Hunter Gatherer,” which also received great feedback. Overall, this highly anticipated studio work offers a very kaleidoscopic and unexpected sound that is truly captivating. This album clearly depicts Avatar as a group of talented musicians who have a deep appreciation for metal in all its shapes, and are constantly pushing themselves to new heights. Watch out for their 2023 US Tour and be sure not to miss them live!

https://avatarmetal.com/

https://www.facebook.com/avatarmetal

https://www.instagram.com/avatarmetal/

https://twitter.com/avatarmetal

Album Review: THE 69 EYES

Death of Darkness

Review Score: 8.5

Reviewed by: Georgina Strilakos

Helsinki legends The 69 Eyes, is a band with a truly distinctive vision. The group has finally released its highly anticipated new album, “Death of Darkness.”

Renowned for their ability to blend classic rock with the darker tones of alternative metal and goth, the group’s latest album offers ten thrilling tracks that capture the pure essence of Goth’N’Roll in a way that no other band can. Despite being on the scene for over 30 years, The 69 Eyes continue to impress with a record that draws inspiration from a variety of musical influences. From gothic glam to post-punk, there are no limits to the group’s creativity. While the album boasts some unforgettable riffs, the music is surprisingly upbeat and groovy, adding a sunny touch to the otherwise gothic vibe.

The 69 Eyes also pay tribute to the local Finnish music scene with a cover of “Gotta Rock” by Boycott – a classic that is sure to delight fans of Finnish rock music. With this album, The 69 Eyes once again prove that they are masters of their genre. Each song is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that only gets better with every listen. Fans and critics alike consider this the best album from the band in years, and it is easy to see why! The production of the album has a very modern flair to it. Still, there is room for many retro-inspired tones, including chorused guitars and crooned vocals with an old-school vibe.

http://69eyes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/the69eyes/

https://www.instagram.com/the69eyesofficial/

Album Review: ENFORCED

War Remains

Review Score: 8.0

Reviewed by Blake Mossey

All you need to do is listen to the first 15 seconds of this album to know what your in for. It starts out on full speed. No cute little intro just straight ahead in your face thrash and riffing madness.

Out April 28th on Century Media Records.

ENFORCED with their 3rd studio album. Hailing from the home of Lamb of God, Richmond, VA. And they are just as heavy with their thrash/cross over attack. The whole album clocks in at just 32 minutes. No surprises on this release. They just whip through the 10 tracks with the classic heavy riffing thrash style. They would definitely fit along sides of the Exodus and Kreators of the world. So if your a thrash fan you will not be disappointed. Each track has a distinctive sound and feel to it but your not going to not know each song is a thrash fans delight.

Produced by Richmond, VA based Ricky Olson. The band looked to capture their live energy and rawness and they did just that. They barely let the foot off the gas for a breath. 10 songs that just rip right through you. Stand out tracks are AVARICE, crushing opener Aggressive Menace and Nation Of Fear.

Lyrics stick with the aggressive nature of the music. Title track WAR REMAINS about the difference between War and Peach and how they’re ultimately the same. MERCY KILLING FIELDS deals with singer Knox Colby’s personal experiences dealing with the death of a cousin. And the dilema of deciding if they should of ended her pain earlier. Not your partying type of thrash metal.

So in summary if your a thrash fun you will love it and it will fit right into your collection. My only wish would be that it was longer.

Enforced line-up:
Knox Colby – Vocals
Will Wagstaff – Guitars
Zach Monahan – Guitars
Ethan Gensurowsky – Bass
Alex Bishop – Drums

Enforced online:
https://www.facebook.com/enforcedrva
https://www.instagram.com/enforcedrva/
https://twitter.com/enforcedrva
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7vZV2UPiXQMVesiAxQmvBp?si=-BraWuN_R_e8Pabl52jlDA

Album Review: ARCHON ANGEL

II

Review Score: 9

Reviewed By: Jason Deaville

Formed in 2019 by former Savatage and Circle II Circle frontman, Zak Stevens, and guitarist Aldo Lonobile from the Italian power metal band, Secret Sphere, Archon Angel has quickly established a reputation as one the most exciting acts in progressive metal. Having worked together on Zak’s solo album, Circle of the Seven Serpents, it was immediately telling that the two musicians shared a musical vision that they wished to explore further with Archon Angel.

The band’s name was inspired by the concept of archangels in Judeo-Christian theology. The band took this theological idea and incorporated it into their music using creative expression with complex arrangements, heavy riffs, and soaring vocals that explore the multi-faceted spectrum of heavy metal and progressive rock. This culminated in Archon Angel‘s debut album, Fallen, which was released in 2021 to overwhelming critical praise. The album featured guest appearances from notable musicians such as Jeff Plate (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Savatage) and Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring Of Fire).

Wasting no time, the band’s most recent album, II, further establishes Archon Angel‘s reputation as one of the most exciting new acts to emerge on the progressive metal scene in quite some time. The guys explore a wide range of genres that again includes progressive rock and traditional heavy metal, and everything in between.

The superb production quality of this record immediately leaps out. The sophisticated instrumentation and vocals are delivered with a clarity, strength, and a crispness you would expect with musicianship of this caliber. In fact, this thing is so clean and concise, that the individual skills of each band member are highlighted in equal fashion, with no one instrument being the star of the show. As such, the band have forged a seamless and captivating musical journey, showcasing the group’s chemistry and expertise in the process.

The album highlight comes in the form of ‘Fortress’, showcasing a ridiculously powerful rhythm and one of the most memorable riffs I’ve heard from a band of this ilk. Arguably, it also features perhaps one of the best progressive metal guitar solos I’ve heard in a very long time. The grandiose and atmospheric ‘Lake of Fire’ and ‘Afterburn’ demonstrate the band’s innate ability at crafting engrossing and theatrical soundscapes that catapult the listener to fantastical, sprawling, mythical realms.

Overall, II is a fantastic sophomore album that effortlessly displays Archon Angel‘s extraordinary compositional ability. It exudes a synergy from every single note that is palpable and incredibly infectious. In fact, you’ll likely find yourself subconsciously humming riffs days, even weeks later. Highly recommended.