On September 15th, Toronto’s Lee’s Palace hosted a crushing night of metal headlined by the legendary Deicide, supported by Brazilian death machine Krisiun, technical death metallers Inferi, and black metal legends Cloak. The diverse lineup attracted a full house, eager to witness the brutality and precision of some of the genre’s finest.
Cloak opened the night and ripped Lee’s Palace a new one with their black metal riffs. Although their sound leans more towards atmospheric and melodic elements, they came clutch by setting the tone with a dark, spiritually empowering energy. From the head banging in sequence, to their stage props/ decor they put on an equally enjoyable visual experience as they did auditable. Not to mention their merch spread also rules!
The band opened their set with “Ethereal Fire,” immediately casting a spell over the crowd with their eerie yet driving rhythms. The stage was bathed in dim, red lights, matching the mood of their music. Cloak’s live presence was UNDENIABLE; frontman Scott Taysom held the crowd in rapt attention with his commanding vocals, snarling out dark incantations while the rest of the band created a melodic wall of sound.
Guitarists Max Brigham and bassist Billy Robinson wove together intricate harmonies, alternating between cold, tremolo-picked riffs and anthemic leads reminiscent of classic black metal. The band’s ability to fuse the cold, raw elements of black metal made their set dynamic and unique. Tracks like “In the Darkness, the Path” showcased this blend perfectly, with the haunting melodies washing over the audience before the crushing, rhythmic pulse of the drums by Matt Morris propelled the song into full force. Special mention to Matt for being one of the most talented drummers in the game. His talent and skills speak for itself but his performance is interactive and high energy which is beyond phenomenal to watch live and I imagine equally as hard to master / multitask.
Throughout the set, Cloak maintained an air of mystery and ritual, with minimal interaction between songs, allowing the music to speak for itself. Their pacing was flawless, building tension with slower, moodier sections before unleashing bursts of intense, blackened fury. The haunting tones of “Seven Thunders” brought a more melodic yet still sinister energy.
Cloak’s closing song, the fierce and driving “The Holy Dark,” left a lasting impression. The audience, fully entranced, erupted in applause as the band thanked them and quietly exited the stage, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with the residue of their dark enchantment.
Overall, Cloak’s performance was a captivating balance of darkness and power, and atmospheric black metal. Their ability to seamlessly navigate between haunting melodies and ferocious aggression created an experience that resonated with the audience long after the last note faded. Cloak is a band that not only delivers sonically but also knows how to craft an immersive and unforgettable live experience.
Next up was Inferi, who delivered a set filled with technical brilliance and unrelenting speed. Their razor-sharp riffs and intricate compositions left the audience in awe. Every song was a whirlwind of guitar solos and rapid-fire drumming, yet the band managed to keep everything tight and coherent. Tracks from their album *The Path of Apotheosis* and newer material from *Vile Genesis* highlighted their ability to merge melody with sheer brutality. The pit swirled in response to their sonic assault, and Inferi earned a roaring ovation.
The South American powerhouse Krisiun stormed the stage next, turning the energy up another notch. Their performance was a masterclass in relentless death metal, with the band’s tight precision and ferocity cutting through the air. From the first crushing notes of “Scourge of the Enthroned,” Krisiun dominated the crowd, unleashing a barrage of blast beats, guttural vocals, and riffage that left no room for breathers.
The trio’s chemistry was palpable, and they fed off the crowd's energy as mosh pits opened wider. Their blistering set left the crowd primed and ravenous for the headliners.
Finally, **Deicide** took the stage to deafening cheers. Glen Benton, flanked by his bandmates, commanded the room with his demonic presence. The setlist was a perfect blend of the band’s classic material and newer tracks, opening with “Once Upon the Cross” and rolling into fan favorites like “Dead by Dawn” and “Scars of the Crucifix.” Benton’s snarling growls were as menacing as ever, and the dual guitar work of Taylor Nordberg and Chris Cannella shredded through the air with blistering solos and punishing riffs. The audience sang along to every blasphemous lyric, feeding off the unholy atmosphere. Deicide’s tight and unrelenting performance proved they still reign supreme in the death metal world. The pit was at its most chaotic during their set, with bodies flying in every direction, a testament to the visceral power of their music.
In the end, the night at **Lee’s Palace** was a pure celebration of metal’s varied shades—from Cloak’s atmospheric approach to Deicide’s unforgiving onslaught. Every band brought their A-game, and Toronto metalheads were treated to a night of headbanging, moshing, and metal camaraderie that won’t soon be forgotten.
