 | Written, and photographed by: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved www.metalmasterkingdom.com @ The Mod Club Toronto, ON Canada December 5, 2017 |
Right upon entering the Mod Club, I could tell this was going to be an intense night; the energy was already building with the early concert goers, the merch table was crowded with fans, and the props on stage for the first set left an eerie feeling. The night’s lineup consisted of Panzerfaust, Cryptopsy and headliners Belphegor. Three bands I have listened to for years but never had the chance of seeing live. I went into the show with an open mind not quite sure of what to expect, but I must admit that I was blown away and would happily argue this show might just have been one of the best I’ve ever been to.
| Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 www.metalmasterkingdom.com | First up was local band Panzerfaust, and were we ever lucky to have them on stage here in Toronto. On December 1st they were in a major accident making their way through the Northern Pass from Vancouver B.C. to Edmonton Alberta. From their Facebook page they talked of how their van had rolled over, pinning them beneath surrounded by freezing water – the image of the wreck looks nasty. Thankfully none of them were injured, and like true showmen just days later they joined us at the Mod Club for one insane performance. With the candles on stage lit, the crowed erupted in cheers as they made their way onstage and began to play. Just about everyone began to head-bang as the first song started up putting pure energy and passion into every note. Vocalist Goliath was up on a candle lit pulpit dressed as the grim looking down on everyone. I have to say the imagery and symbolism behind this setup was amazing, personally I loved it and in combination with the music it was enough to make the hairs stand on the back of my neck. Here for just the music, they went from one song to the next with no hesitation. Just as though things were really going, their set was done, and felt like it was over way too soon. One guy beside me when the stage was being cleared said: “That set was awesome!” The death-metal heavyweights out of Montral, Cryptopsy, came on to stage next and really set the bar to a whole new level. Soon as these guys started playing, you could feel energy shift into high gear. That only went up even more when they got the mosh pit started, lasting the whole set. Those of us right at the very front fell victim to the odd bump or push from the madness as the pit took up most of the floor space at the Mod Club. Just by looking around you could tell everyone absolutely loved the Cryptopsy set. However, they didn’t do a whole lot on stage; they mostly stayed to their positions at one spot of the stage, but owned it by working every part of their body to each song. When they announced it was their last song for the night, the thought “Already?” entered my head. I guess myself and everyone else was having too much fun. It really did feel like they were on stage for a very brief period of time that was insanely awesome. It was now time for Belphegor, and man was the crowd ever ready to see them. People around me were talking about how they can’t believe they are finally seeing these guys live, or how they have been waiting a long time for this very night. The whole set was Belphegor at their very best, playing songs mostly from their new album Totenritual. Opening with “Sanctus Diaboli Confidimus” things only got more intense as the night progressed playing “The Devil’s Son,” “Totenbeshwörer,” “Stigma Diabolicum,” and more. Not only are Belphegor amongst the very top of extreme metal, they also know how to really put on a show that will stick with you for hours, maybe even days after. Their actions and body movement alone really set a mood for their performance. Helmuth was the highlight of the night when took over the stage with his vocals and movements almost as though he was possessed. Everyone loved their performance, and at the end, an eruption of cheers and chants of “Belphegor! Belphegor!” took over the concert hall. Personally I was completely blown away that night, and am still feeling that same feeling a couple days later. The combination of the band’s performances, the stage lighting, the energy from the crowd and that crazy mosh pit left me with a surreal feeling. I’m sure any concert goer has felt that, |
where you walk away almost in awe of what you just experienced and slightly confused as to how it all happened way to fast. That Tuesday night will be one to remember for sure, and it was a perfect way to begin the end of 2017.
| Belphegor Helmuth - Vocals & guitars Serpenth - Bass & backing vocals Bloodhammer - Drums Impaler - Guitars Label: Nuclear Blast Records Website: www.belphegor.at | Cryptopsy Flo Mounier - Drums & vocals Chris Donaldson - Guitars Matt McCachy - Vocals Oliver Pinard - Bass Label: Century Media Records Website: www.cryptopsy.ca | Panzerfaust Goliath Vocals Kaizer Guitars Morbid Bass Lord Baphomet Drums Label: Avantgarde Music Website: www.facebook.com/PANZERFAUST.BM.OFFICIAL/ |
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