The first three bands, Summoner’s Circle, Wolfheart, and Swallow The Sun were great openers for Children Of Bodom. They were a perfect combination of doom, progressive, and black metal. Summoner’s Circle captivated the audience with their theatrical metal, and even had those coming in stop and listen before heading to the bar. Wolfheart’s Tuomas Saukkonen engaged with the audience as he commented that Toronto is known for having weak circle pits, however they were exceeding his expectations. Their setlist was full of songs that were fast and energetic, and they really elevated the atmosphere of the room. The last band before Children Of Bodom: Swallow The Sun, had more of a calming effect. The songs were slower and melodic, almost reminiscent of HIM, and they used red and orange lighting to set the mood. WOLFHEART Photo credit: Rob Botten / (C) 2019 www.metalmasterkingdom.com | Written by Ananda Pratt Photography by Rob Botten (C) 2019 All rights reserved by www.metalmasterkingdom.com @ Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, ON, Canada March 16, 2019 Presented by Inertia Entertainment On Saturday March 16th, Children Of Bodom played the Phoenix Concert Theatre located in Toronto. They were joined by Summoner’s Circle, Wolfheart, and Swallow The Sun. Although not sold out, the room was completely packed with die-hard Children Of Bodom fans, all of which were wearing COB merch. That’s one of the many things I love about metal fans – they wear the merchandise of their favourite bands everywhere, especially at the bands’ show. This is generally a faux pas for shows I normally attend, so it’s a nice change. SUMMONER'S CIRCLE Photo credit: Rob Botten / (C) 2019 www.metalmasterkingdom.com As soon as Swallow The Sun finished their set, the crowd’s energy heightened and continued to grow. The set change was relatively quick, especially considering how intense the drums were, and Children Of Bodom soon took the stage. They started the set with ‘Are You Dead Yet?’ and the entire room erupted in energy. I was a bit upset that they didn’t play "Needled 24/7", as this was my first time seeing them and was hoping to finally catch it live; however, they did play "Angels Don’t Kill" which is my second favourite Children Of Bodom song. The crowd, and band, kept the same energy for the entire duration of their set. Everyone around me was wholeheartedly engaged, and it was noticed by Alexi Laiho, who continuously kept thanking the crowd for their energy and dedication. Although the show wasn’t sold out, it seemed as if it was above capacity through the duration of Children Of Bodom’s set. Overall, it was a great night with a combination of various forms of metal that worked cohesively to keep all attendees engaged and entertained. The bands complimented each other, and the event was extremely enjoyable. The tour continues until April 19th. |
SWALLOW THE SUN Photo credit: Rob Botten / (C) 2019 www.metalmasterkingdom.com | CHILDREN OF BODOM Photo credit: Rob Botten / (C) 2019 www.metalmasterkingdom.com |
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SUMMONER’S CIRCLE Blind - Vocals and Incantations Gog - Lead Guitar Absalon - Rhythm Guitar Y'takt - Bass Guitar Hex - Keys, Organ and Scary Sounds Frix2 - Drums Label: Pavement Entertainment Website: www.summonerscircle.com | SWALLOW THE SUN Mikko Kotamäki - Vocals Juha Raivio - Guitars Juho Räihä - Guitars Jaani Peuhu - Keyboards, Vocals Matti Honkonen - Bass Juuso Raatikainen – Drums Label: Century Media Records Website: www.swallowthesun.net |
WOLFHEART Tuomas Saukkonen - Guitar, Vocals Mika Lammassaari - Lead guitar Joonas Kauppinen - Drums Lauri Silvonen - Bass, backing vocals Label: Napalm Records Website: www.wolfheartofficial.com www.facebook.com/WolfheartRealm | CHILDREN OF BODOM Alexi Laiho - Lead vocals & lead guitars Jaska Raatikainen - Drums Henkka Blacksmith - Bass & backing vocals Janne Wirman – Keyboards & backing vocals Daniel Freyberg - Rhythm guitars & backing vocals Label: Nuclear Blast Records Website: www.cobhc.com |