Nita Strauss and her band set the stage ablaze in Toronto as the opening act for Apocalyptica. From the moment they took the stage, it was clear that they were ready to rock—and they did just that, delivering a powerful set that not only warmed up the crowd but also showcased their incredible musicianship and chemistry.
Nita Strauss, as always, was at the heart of the performance. Her guitar work was nothing short of spectacular, with each solo filled with technical precision and raw energy. Tracks like Momentum and The Wolf You Feed demonstrated her ability to effortlessly blend speed with melody, and her commanding presence made it clear why she’s one of the best guitarists in the game.
Kelsey Karsen brought an incredible vocal presence, her voice powerful and emotive, perfectly complementing Nita’s playing. She shifted between ferocity and vulnerability, especially on tracks like Scorched and Dead Inside, where her vocal range truly shone. Kelsey’s energy and connection to the crowd were magnetic, adding another layer of intensity to the performance.
Behind the kit, Josh Villalta was the heartbeat of the band. His drumming was sharp, driving, and never let up. Whether delivering hard-hitting beats on Digital Bullets or keeping a steady rhythm on Our Most Desperate Hour, Josh’s playing kept everything tight and energetic, locking in perfectly with the rest of the band . Katt Scarlett, brought a unique layer to their sound, adding atmospheric depth and melodic richness to their already powerful performance. Her presence on stage, seamlessly blending with the energy of Nita and the rest of the band, makes their live shows even more dynamic.
Katt Scarlet brought a unique layer to their sound, adding atmospheric depth and melodic richness to their already powerful performance. Her presence on stage, seamlessly blending with the energy of Nita and the rest of the band, makes their live shows even more dynamic.
And Johnny Young, the second guitarist, added a rich layer of texture to the performance. His guitar work paired seamlessly with Nita’s, filling out the sound and creating an amazing wall of sound. Johnny’s solos and harmonies elevated the music, especially during tracks like Mariana Trench and Victorious, where his playing added a melodic touch to the heavier moments.
Together, this band created an unforgettable opening experience, and they did more than just get the crowd ready for Apocalyptica. They brought their own unique energy and talent to the stage, setting the bar high and leaving everyone excited for the rest of the night. Apocalyptica had their work cut out for them, but Nita Strauss and her band proved they’re more than capable of commanding the spotlight, even in the opening slot. Toronto was lucky to witness this powerhouse performance, and we can’t wait to see where Nita and her band go from here.
Then, Apocalyptica starts
Some shows you watch. Others you feel. Last night, Apocalyptica made sure Toronto felt every note, every strike of the bow, every pulse of distortion that roared through Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
It all started with The Ecstasy of Gold, setting the stage with that familiar rush—the kind that sends chills down your spine before the storm hits. And when Ride the Lightning crashed in, the energy exploded. No hesitation, no easing in—just three cellos, drenched in distortion, tearing into one of Metallica’s most electrifying songs.
That’s what makes Apocalyptica so special. They don’t just cover these tracks—they reshape them, own them, make them hit in a way that feels fresh and yet just as intense as the originals. Creeping Death had the entire venue chanting like it was a battle cry, Batterywas pure chaos, fast, relentless, and heavy as hell. And The Call of Ktulu? Haunting, cinematic, like something straight out of a dark, thunderous dream.
Then came the moment that stopped time. Nothing Else Matters. No one spoke. No one moved. Just three cellos pouring every ounce of emotion into a song we’ve all heard a thousand times—but never quite like this. You could feel it—eyes closing, some lost in the sound, others quietly singing along, completely in the moment.
And just when you thought you could breathe again, Seek & Destroy ripped through the crowd like a shockwave, turning the whole place into a riot of fists, voices, and adrenaline. And then… One. Delicate, devastating, explosive. That machine-gun riff, the sheer weight behind every note—it was the perfect, heart-pounding way to end the night.Toronto had waited too long for this. The last time Apocalyptica played here was in 2022, and last night was a reminder of just how much we needed them back. Because this wasn’t just a concert. It was a statement. A reminder that metal isn’t just about guitars—it’s about power, passion, and the ability to make you feel something long after the last note fades.
Apocalyptica, you left Toronto shaking. Let’s not wait this long again.
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