FOR THE LOVE OF METAL
Post-ambient shoegaze drone doom duo (for lack of a better term) Nadja make their triumphant return to Toronto at The Garrison this Sunday. This is literally the only NXNE gig I’m attending this year. Yes, it’s that worthwhile.
Ain’t No Night is a spectacular record, unique and eclectic. Its rewards are deep, but they are demanding.
“Kylesa have many weapons: a percussion section with a kick like a neutron bomb; thick and lovely guitar tones; a pair of excellent vocalists in Philip Cope and Laura Pleasants; licorice-dark bass work; keyboards; and even a damn theremin.”
Hellbound’s Natalie Zed reviews the recent Toronto visit from KYLESA, supported by ROSETTA and FIGHT AMP.
France’s Alcest have weaved a memorable album that manages to straddle the fence between black metal catharsis and ambient relaxation.
For the first time in a great many shows, I actually sat down during a performance. I sat not because I was bored, not even because I was tired. I sat because the energy it took to operate my legs felt like energy I could be directing towards my ears. I sat on a table top with my eyes closed, rocking back and forth unconsciously, entirely consumed.
Natalie Zed reviews the April 23rd Toronto debut of France’s Alcest. Also sharing the bill were Quebec black metallers Monarque and Thantifaxath.