Concert Review: Exmortus, Darkest Hour, Incantation, and Decapitated
February 13 at The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto
Metal fans in Toronto were in for a treat on February 13, when four titans of heavy music—Exmortus, Darkest Hour, Incantation, and Decapitated—took the stage at The Phoenix Concert Theatre. Despite the frigid winter weather outside, the crowd packed into the venue early, ready for an onslaught of riffs and guttural growls. The energy in the room felt electric even before the first note rang out.
Exmortus
Kicking off the night, Exmortus wasted no time in showcasing their blistering blend of thrash and neoclassical shred. Their set opened with “Oathbreaker,” immediately setting a breakneck pace that had heads banging from the first riff. “For the Horde” and “Storm of Strings” highlighted the band’s signature guitar wizardry, seamlessly weaving melodic leads with pummeling rhythms. Frontman Jadran “Conan” Gonzalez delivered soaring solos and fierce vocals in equal measure.
Mid-set, “Warrior of the Night” and “Let Us Roam” kept the energy high, with the crowd responding to every shreddy breakdown. By the time Exmortus closed with “Metal is King,” it was clear they had earned a legion of new fans. Their musicianship, combined with anthemic hooks, made for a memorable opener that set the bar incredibly high for the rest of the evening.
Darkest Hour
Next up was Darkest Hour, bringing their melodic death metal meets hardcore style to the stage. They opened with “Societal Bile,” unleashing an immediate barrage of riffs and ferocious drumming. The set list pulled from various eras of their discography, from the fan-favorite “Sadist Nation” to newer cuts like “Rapture in Exile.” Vocalist John Henry’s raw screams cut through the mix, driving the pit into a frenzy.
One of the highlights was “Stand and Receive Your Judgment,” which showcased the band’s knack for balancing melody with unrelenting aggression. The crowd erupted when they launched into “Convalescence” and “With a Thousand Words to Say But One,” two tracks that encapsulate the band’s melodic yet brutal sound. Closing with “Goddess of War,” Darkest Hour left the stage with fists in the air and the audience chanting for more.
Incantation
The atmosphere shifted to something darker and more ominous when Incantation took over. Performing (essentially) their “Mortal Throne of Nazarene” material, they delivered a set steeped in old-school death metal riffs and punishing doom-laden passages. The haunting intro riffs of “Demonic Incarnate” set the tone, and from there, it was a relentless dive into Incantation’s cavernous sound.
Frontman John McEntee’s vocals were as guttural and forceful as ever, echoing through The Phoenix with unholy resonance. Songs like “Nocturnal Dominium” and “Blissful Bloodshower” showed why Incantation remain icons in the death metal underground—combining bone-crushing heaviness with eerie, unsettling melodies. The band’s stage presence was intense yet understated, letting the sheer weight of the music do most of the talking.
Decapitated
Finally, Decapitated closed out the night by performing their classic album “Nihility” in its entirety—an absolute gift for longtime fans. They tore into “Perfect Dehumanization,” “Eternity Too Short,” and “Mother War,” demonstrating technical precision without sacrificing raw aggression. The crowd went wild for “Spheres of Madness,” arguably one of the band’s most iconic tracks, chanting along with every riff.
After finishing the album, Decapitated treated fans to a few additional surprises: a crushing cover of Napalm Death’s “Suffer the Children,” plus newer material including “Cancer Culture,” “Never,”“Kill the Cult,” “Suicidal Space Programme,” and “Iconoclast.” Each track showcased the band’s evolution while remaining true to their tech-death roots. It was a triumphant performance, capping off an already legendary evening of extreme metal.
Final Thoughts
From Exmortus’s jaw-dropping guitar work to Decapitated’s masterful run-through of Nihility, this show was a celebration of all things heavy. The Phoenix Concert Theatre’s intimate setting only amplified the intensity, leaving fans sweaty, sore, and euphoric by the end of the night. For those who braved the cold, this was a show that delivered on every front: technical prowess, unrelenting energy, and a communal sense of metal camaraderie. If this tour rolls through your city, do not miss it.
