 | Written by: Amina Abdelwahab Photography: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com @ The Opera House Toronto, ON Canada July 14, 2017
Operus David Michael Moote - Lead vocals Robin Howe - Cello & backing vocals Rob Holden - Guitars Oscar Rangel - Guitar & backing vocals/growls Wojtek Sokolowski - Bass & backing vocals J.J. Tartaglia - Drums Label: Darkstar Records |
| Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com Next up, Mokomokai. Within the first few moments of their show, this band proved that they were not only masterful musicians, but that they were also impeccable performers. With John Ellis as their front man with a guitar in hand, Jeremy Pastic raging on bass, Bobby Deuce shredding his guitar, and J.J. Tartaglia majestically powering through his second set of the night; Mokomokai stole the night – and they couldn’t have done it without Ellis. Displaying Plant-type stage dynamics, accompanied by spot-on vocals, and wicked guitar solos; the triple-threat owned the stage. Playing originals like “Heavy Metal Sky” and covers like “Holy Diver”, in addition to an unforgettable drum solo by J.J., Mokomokai brought an onslaught of metal aristocracy. Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com As the night raged on, so did the drinks – and it was time to mosh. Skitzo Da Clown, Final Tigger’s hype-man, did not disappoint. Dressed in a Slipknot-style costume, Da Clown did everything from shoving us into the pit to diving off the stage, getting the night’s first – and only – mosh-pit going. As J.J., now going by 2 JAYS, slayed through his fourth (and final) set, he became the talk of the crowd. Originally the drummer for Skull Fist, J.J. took on four other bands in order to pursue music full-time; setting a true, heroic example for all aspiring musicians. As for Final Trigger’s front man, JRoc; there stood none as metal as him on the stage. With a treacherous top-hat, a grenade etched into his microphone stand, great intra-song interaction and solid vocals, JROC had us at “Just A Freak”, endlessly moshing at his mercy. These innovators of “Skrap-Metal” set the bar high for future hip-hop infused metal bands. Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com | For the classically trained and the operatically inclined, Operus opened up the night with an ode to the roots of music. With a well administered light show accompanied by pre-recorded eerie operatic tones, the band took to the stage in order. First, the drummer, J.J. Tartaglia, followed by Robin Howe on the cello, and then the rest of the band – minus their vocalist, David Michael Moote, who could not make the performance due to being out of the country. As the rest of the band took off into their first song, they faced a few technical issues; yet, they boldly persisted to make it through the song – a sign of true artistry. When technical issues were resolved, the band set us into a trance with musicality reminiscent of Nightwish, infused with heavy basslines evocative of Opeth. They also brought out a phantom disguised man to get us hyped! Between Tartaglia’s wild drumming and Howe’s mad cello playing, the night was off to a spectacular start. Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com Following Mokomokai, were Zeroscape – a reggae infused band bringing a sweet, upbeat twist to your usual angry, dark metal tunes. The band premiered the release of their latest album Finish Dem, out August 28th. The album includes ten tracks of raga-metal rhythms, just like the ones that got us jumping at Boonsdale fest! Vocalist Binski and guitarist Speshalizt manned the audience, encouraging us to not only head-bang, but to also “get your ass up on floor”. Also, let’s not forget J.J., now going by Jizzle, who rocked on through his third set of the night, impressing us all with his perseverance and talent. Overall, Zeroscape was astounding by individuality, setting themselves apart from the rest with their unique musical antics. Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com The final act of the night, Axxion, did not shun shy of theatrics. Dressed in 80’s inspired wrestling costumes, putting on scripted acts between songs, and bringing a woman to her inhumane demise at the end of the show, Axxion brought metal and drama together. With the epitome of girl power: Emily Anne, on the drums; and D.D. 'Dirty D' Kerr’s Lou Gramm-reminiscent vocals, the band aroused a melo-dramatic metal mayhem. Some of the tracks they played included “Highway Knights”, “Sinner” and “Back In Time” from their recent album, and “Hard Rockin” from their previous release. Closing the night with a display of strength, fervor and passion; we trekked home with electrocuted hair, boiling blood, and an aching for more Axxion. |
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