On November 6, 2024, Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre was treated to an intense and unrelenting evening of death metal, with five powerhouse acts delivering a sonic assault that left the crowd breathless. The night saw performances from VomitForth, Angelmaker, Spite, Dying Fetus, and headliners The Black Dahlia Murder—each bringing their own fiery energy to a sold out crowd.
VomitForth:
Kicking things off was VomitForth, whose name alone set the tone for what would be a night of chaotic brutality. They wasted no time in delivering a punishing set, filled with high-speed riffs and guttural vocals that rattled the foundation of the venue. Their energy was infectious, with the crowd quickly catching on to the raw intensity that the band unleashed. Tracks from their album, Terrified of God, were met with enthusiastic reactions, which showcased their signature blend of old and new death metal influences.
Angelmaker:
Next up were Angelmaker, a band known for blending technicality with crushing heaviness. Their set was marked by an intricate balance of punishing breakdowns and melodic elements that kept the audience on their toes. The band’s ability to seamlessly move between brutal deathcore and more atmospheric, melodic passages was on full display. Songs like “Hollow Heart” and “A Dark Omen” had the crowd moshing and headbanging with fervor, cementing Angelmaker as one of the most consistent bands in the modern deathcore scene. The dual vocalists Ian and Casey have a commanding stage presence, and the band’s technical prowess kept the momentum building throughout.
Spite:
Spite followed, and their brand of deathcore is in a league of their own in terms of sheer aggression. Known for their relentless delivery, Spite had the crowd in a frenzy almost immediately. Tracks like “Caved In” and “Kill Or Be Killed” were met with berserk reactions from fans, with pits forming instantly. Frontman Darius Tehrani was a whirlwind of energy, engaging the crowd and spurring them into a frenzy with every guttural growl. Their brutal, no-holds-barred style left no room for breathing, and the atmosphere was pure metal chaos. If anyone was looking for a heavy dose of pure aggression, Spite delivered in spades.
Dying Fetus:
The night began to reach its peak with Dying Fetus, a band that has been a staple in the death metal and grindcore scenes for over two decades. From the first riff, the venue was hit with an absolute barrage of technical precision and relentless riffs. Tracks like “Grotesque Impalement” and “Subjected to a Beating” were the highlights of their set, each breakdown leaving the crowd roaring in approval. Dying Fetus’ mastery of intricate riffs and blasting drum work is a thing to behold live, and they certainly proved why they are considered one of the genre’s elite. The band’s impeccable timing and musicianship were in full display, and their sheer power was impossible to ignore. The crowd moshed and screamed in perfect harmony with the band, making it one of the most intense sets of the night.
The Black Dahlia Murder:
Finally, it was time for the headliners, The Black Dahlia Murder, to close out the evening. The band, who have long been considered one of the most important acts in modern melodic death metal, didn’t disappoint. With their signature blend of speed, melody, and ferocity, they delivered a masterclass in live performance. Kicking things off with “Evening Ephemeral,” the crowd erupted into chaotic movement, and the energy never let up. The setlist was packed with fan favorites, including “What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse” and “Aftermath,” which showcased their unparalleled ability to blend melody with aggression in a way that few bands can replicate. Vocalist Brian Eschbqch’s charismatic stage presence, paired with the band’s tight musicianship, made for a captivating performance. The audience fed off the band’s energy, creating an atmosphere that was as intense as it was cathartic.
The night ended with The Black Dahlia Murder leaving the crowd on a high note, proving once again why they are one of the genre’s most beloved act. It was a wicked conclusion to an evening that had been nothing short of a relentless journey through death metal’s heaviest, most brutal corners.
Final Thoughts:
The Phoenix Concert Theatre proved to be the perfect venue for this monumental gathering of extreme metal acts. The sound was crisp and powerful, allowing every riff, blast beat, and guttural growl to cut through the room with maximum intensity. Each band brought their own flavor to the table, but together they created a night that was a brutal, high-energy celebration of metal’s most intense subgenres. If you were in attendance, there’s no doubt you left the venue with ringing ears and sore limbs, a testament to the unforgettable night that was.
