“Pausing only to remind the crowd to not take flash photos and to thank people for coming out, the band tore their way through three other songs (including a particularly inspired rendition of “I Will Lay Down My Bones Among The Rocks and Roots”). One of the appeals of a Wolves in the Throne Room performance is their ability to put their music where their mouth is and concentrate solely on creating a wall of atmospheric, ambient noise as opposed to highlighting individual performances.”

Jonathan Smith reviews the September 6th Toronto performance by Wolves In The Throne Room, Thou and more.

“Also hailing from Norway, black metal unit Vreid filled the headlining position and performed what was unquestionably the strongest set of the night. In contrast to the theatricality of the other bands’ appearances, Vreid adopted a simple, almost military look for their style and dress. They performed with much more energy than the other acts and were very much in control of the stage and the audience from the moment they stepped out.”

Natalie Zed reviews the August 25th Toronto performances by VREID, KAMPFAR and NECRONOMICON at the Annex Wreckroom

“Predictably, Toxic Holocaust delivered on the challenge laid down by Inepsy. Their set was a riot — pure, dirty thrash glee. The band are touring to support new album Conjure and Command, an excellent full-length with no pretensions and profoundly catchy songs.”

Natalie Zed reviews the August 21st Toronto performance by TOXIC HOLOCAUST, INEPSY, HOLY GRAIL and KOMMANDO at the Annex Wreckroom. Live photos by Albert Mansour.

“The attention Mares of Thrace have received has not only been deserved, but they’ve carried it with an incredible amount of grace. The doom-lady duo have taken their exposure and used it as motivation to become even better performers. Their sound, even at its most droning, is now more elegant, the explosions of energy more accurate and precise. They have retained an organic roar to the music, especially the immense “General Sherman,” which evokes blood pounding through a body.”

Live concert review by Natalie Zed, Photos by Adam Wills

“While the Stanley Cup Riot of 2011 will be neither forgiven nor forgotten any time soon, it was heartening to see Vancouver’s metal scene step up and do their part to help soothe some of the sting the city’s been feeling since that night. I also got my eyes opened – there are a lot of incredible bands in this city”

Rob Hughes and Kyle Harcott review the July 13th RIFFS NOT RIOTS festival that happened in Vancouver. Concert photography by Ted Reckoning.

Renee Trotier reviews the July 22nd show by Torche, Big Business and Helm’s Alee at Buffalo NY’s Mohawk Place.

On July 9th, a special arts event happened in Toronto called The Wrecking Ball, which was half literary event, half metal show.

Hellbound’s Laura Wiebe was there to soak in the evening’s festivities, which featured poetry readings alongside live performances by the likes of Sylvus, Vilipend and Ein Traum.

All photography by Adam Wills.

“Lake of Blood’s performance was entirely mesmerizing: guitarists Nordic and Samael, and bassist Krajavic appear to weave themselves into trances through the set. And singer Haagr is a man possessed, tearing his throat out baying at the sky. The music is full of nuance and subtlety at times too, and I hear definite hints of Xasthur in what Lake of Blood does, at least atmospherically.”

Kyle Harcott reviews the June 11th Vancouver performance by Lake Of Blood and Tempest at Garbage Mountain. Live concert photography by Siamak Amini.