Wacken Metal Battle Canada Finals 2018 - Metal Master Kingdom Show Review

7/3/2018

Written by Amina Abdelwahab
Photography by Navneet Johal

@ The Opera House
Toronto, ON, Canada
June 9, 2018

CENTURIES OF DECAY

Devin Doucette – Vocals & guitars
Rob McAllister – Guitars & vocals
Matt Hades – Bass
Derrick Doucette – Drums

MOKOMOKAI

John Ellis - Guitars & vocals
Jeremy Pastic - Bass
Bobby Deuce - Guitars
J.J. Tartaglia - Drums

BOREALIS

Matt Marinelli - Guitars & Vocals
Sean Werlick - Keyboards
Trevor McBride - Bass
Sean Dowell - Drums
Ken Fobert - Guitars

HAMMERDRONE

Curtis Beardy - Guitar/Vocals
Rick Cardellini - Lead Guitar
Vinnie Cardellini - Drums
Graham Harris - Vocals
Teran Wyer - Bass

OPERUS

David Michael Moote - Lead vocals
Robin Howe - Cello & backing vocals
Rob Holden - Guitars
Oscar Rangel - Guitars & backing vocals
Wojtek Sokolowski - Bass & backing vocals
JJ Tartaglia - Drums

This year, the Wacken Metal Battle Canada national finals and the Boonsdale Festival became one. With a packed line-up, the Opera House in downtown Toronto filled with supporting fans for both the competing parties and the Boonsdale metal warriors. Centuries Of Decay were to take the stage first, followed by their competitors Hammerdrone and then Mokomokai, Operus and Borealis to close the night. Having seen Centuries Of Decay before, I was curious to see what their competitors would bring to the stage; in addition, I was excited to see Mokomokai for the second-time round at Boonsdale as they had won over my support at the previous festival last year.

First up, Centuries Of Decay. Having seen them a couple of times before, they seemed quite on the edge during the first few songs of their set. While their nerves were understandable, I would have liked to see more confidence despite the pressure of the competition. Apart from the heightened tension on stage, they performed just as well as they would have on any other night – they were rehearsed, tight and solid. While they’re genre of music is not a particular favorite of mine, they performed well in the name of melodic death metal. Apart from their performance, there seemed to be a couple of technical issues where the guitars were nearly unheard, and the drums were a bit over-amplified – regardless, Centuries Of Decay pushed through and performed.

Next up, hailing from Calgary, were Hammerdrone. Despite not being a melodic death metal fan, as I mentioned above, I was surprised by the presence that this band brought to the stage. Lead vocalist, Graham Harris, had impeccable skill, projection and charisma – as did bassist Teran Wyer and guitarist Curtis Beardy. Their stage dynamics exuded chemistry, adrenaline and drive despite the stress that came with competing. Lead guitarist, Rick Cardellini stood out with his intricate solos and expressive musicianship. All in all, Hammerdrone were my favourite band of the night, and – in my opinion – the Wacken Battle winners.

The never failing, 70s metal band Mokomokai from Peterborough took the stage after the competing bands finished their sets. With an extreme sub-genre change, the audience formed with fans from several forms of metal – but they still didn’t fill the auditorium. Yet, even with a less-than-expected turnout, Mokomokai performed as well as they always do. The drum solo – as expected – stole the night, with JJ Tartaglia’s unmatched skill ringing through the auditorium. The bassist, Jeremy Pastic, kept us all on our toes with his constant communication with the audience; and the vocalist, John Ellis left us in awe with his more-than-impressive range.

Next up, Operus – a dynamic, epic metal band from Toronto. At the last Boonsdale Festival, lead vocalist David Michael Moote was unable to make the performance, and so their set was largely lacking. Thus, I was excited to see what sound they would have with a vocalist included – and I was not disappointed. If Opeth met Apocalyptica and had a baby with Dream Theater, it would have been Operus. Take the harmonies of a cello and operatic vocals, add a touch of classical guitar methodology, tie it together with Tartaglia on drums - and you have a recipe for success.

Finally, to close the night, Borealis – a power metal band from Orangeville. Starting with a melodic introduction, the band guided us into their tight, clean sound. Not being a large fan of power metal, I found that they performed well on behalf of the genre. Also influenced by bands like Dream Theater, they brought their own mix of subgenres into their music, and presented their own version of power metal. Stage presence and performance tactics did not seem to be a problem for them, and they ended the night with a solid set.

As the stage cleared, Tartaglia presented the winner of the Wacken Battle: Centuries Of Decay. While they were not the winners in my eyes, I wish them the best of luck in Europe – and send my respects to Hammerdrone for providing impeccable competition. Boonsdale festival again proved itself an annual night for all the true metalheads out there, and I hope to see all you rockers and metalheads out there next year.

GUEST JUDGES

Gustavo Valderrama (Navaja Music, Electric Flow)
Tim Henderson (Bravewords.com)
Andrew Epstein (Zombitrol Productions, Alan Cross' A Journal of Musical Things)
Chris Gonda (PureGrainAudio.com)
Charlie Felix (Sound & Noise, Live Talent)
Oscar Rangel (Operus, Ex-Annihilator)
Wojtek Sokolowski (Wacken Metal Battle Canada)
Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM)

List of sponsors: www.metalbattle.ca/sponsors

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WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2019 / 2018 / 2016