 Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com | Written by: Kirsti Heitz Photography: Rob Botten (C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com @ The Garrison Toronto, ON Canada September 13, 2017 Setting the stage with a dramatic backing tracks, Voodoo Kungfu got into their stage personas and did not falter. They are best known as Chinese heavy metal but this doesn’t even begin to describe their full essence. Vocalist Chinese Cobra gives an intense performance as he comes out in full costume with a monster-esque mask and tribal clothes. As he begins to throat sing, you could almost feel as everyone’s heads snapped to full attention as the unique vocalizations and harmonies hypnotized the crowd. From more traditional growls to high pitches screeching, screaming and singing, the vocals were extremely versatile. Tribal beats and earthy rhythms drew the crowd in and had everyone swaying to the music. The songs were dramatic and unconventional enough that the crowd was never too sure when to clap. Throughout their set Chinese Cobra seemed to be fighting his inner demons onstage as he moved abstractedly and violently, punching the air or slamming his hand against his head. Voodoo Kungfu ended their set with a cover of Slayer's "Angel Of Death", and a fist to palm bow. Next up was Pain, with heavy hitter Peter on vocals and guitars. You may recognize Peter from Swedish death metal band Hypocrisy, or as one of the top producers for big bands like Children Of Bodom, Amon Amarth, Dimmu Borgir and Sabaton. Pain came out with guns blazing and hair wacing as they immediately kicked into a headbanging frenzy. With a danceable yet headbangable mix of electronic, techno and heavy metal, Pain is a big crowd pleaser and had fans singing along to the tunes from beginning to end. As fans began to sweat and the air became steamy, Peter forewarned the crowd that they might suffer through a few heart attacks before the night was out. With tracks like “Suicide Machine”, which I found particularly danceable, the crowd started letting loose and jumping around. Even those few stoic metal fans found themselves drawn into the groovy beats. I love seeing a band that has good chemistry on stage and with guitarist Greger Andersson’s good vibes and bassist Jonathan Olsson’s constant and vigorous headbanging, we received a great performance. Drummer Sebastian Tägtgren and son of vocalist Peter’s, crushed it on the drums proving his place in this tour. Closing off the night with “Shut Your Mouth,” an obvious fan favourite, the Garrison was filled with happy, sweaty fans belting out the chorus from front to back. Last but definitely not least were Israeli heavy metallers, Orphaned Land. Though I had seen them back in 2013 at Summer Breeze, the more intimate setting of the Garrison let me fully appreciate the unique vibe this band gives out. Vocalist Kobi Farhi combines traditional metal growls, with eloquent vocals and Arabic harmonies. Guitarist Chen Balbus was all smiles from beginning to end as he and Idan Amsalem added unique arrangements to the tracks with some Israeli flair. Uri Zelcha is a bad ass with detailed bass additions, adding groovy rhythms on a sick Warwick. Coining themselves as oriental metal is definitely fair, as they use so many folk elements from Jewish, Arabic and West Asian cultures. In between songs, Kobi Fahri would educate the crowd on a bit of history or instruct us on the clapping sequence for the next song. Whether we were told how to sing along or clap along, the crowd was eager to please. Though the tunes were easy to headbang or mosh to, Orphaned Land creates an almost heartwarming atmosphere with uplifting songs that leave you with a positive high. Fans were all smiles as they left, having danced the night away listening to some uplifting and unique metal. |
| Pain Peter Tägtgren - Vocals & Guitar David Wallin - Drums (2003-) Greger Andersson - (2016-) Johan Husgafvel - Bass (2007-) Record Label: Nuclear Blast Records Website: www.painworldwide.com/home/ | Orphaned Land Kobi Farhi - Vocals Chen Balbus - Guitars Idan Amsalem - Guitars Uri Zelcha - Bass Matan Shmuely - Drums Record Label: Century Media Records Website: www.orphaned-land.com/ |
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