Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall was the epicentre of a metal storm this February 1 , a nights where legends and rising stars collided to deliver an epic concert . The anticipation in the air was palpable as the fans packed the venue, ready for an evening of headbanging, moshing and pure metal bliss.
The night began with Alien Weaponry, a trio hailing from New Zealand who proved that metal knows no borders. Their set was an explosion of energy and cultural pride, as they seamlessly blended their Māori heritage with crushing thrash riffs. Songs like "Raupatu" and "Holding My Breath" grabbed the crowds attention immediately, but it was "Kai Tangata" that truly set the room ablaze. The crowd chanted along to the Māori lyrics, connecting deeply with the bands unique sound. You could see it in their faces they weren’t just performing; they were sharing their soul.
Next came Municipal Waste, and if the crowd wasn‘t already hyped, this thrash-punk powerhouse turned things up to 11. From the moment "Unleash the Bastards" ripped through the hall, the pit transformed into a swirling cyclone of craziness. Tracks like "Wave of Death" and "Sadistic Magician" kept the momentum going, while "Beer Pressure" brought an element of humor and camaraderie that only Municipal Waste can deliver. By the time they closed their set, the audience was sweaty, energized, and begging for more.
And then, it was time for the mighty Kerry King to take the stage.
When King stepped out, the atmosphere shifted. This wasn’t just another show this was history in the making. The moment the opening riff of "Where I Reign" hit, the crowd was pulled into a shared heartbeat, one fueled by intensity and unrelenting power. "Rage" followed, igniting the pit into a storm of fists, bodies, and primal energy.
As the set continued, King delivered each song with an energy that was both ferocious and commanding. "Trophies Residue" showcased his legendary precision, while "Fists" became an instant anthem for the fighters in the crowd. The heaviness of "Idle" allowed a brief moment to catch a breath, only to be launched back into chaos with "Repentless" a Slayer classic that had the entire venue screaming in unison.
The middle of the set was a rollercoaster of excitement . "Toxic Tension" and "Everything I Hate" were deeply felt by the audience, as if King was playing straight into their deepest and darkest emotions. When "Disciple" started , the room felt like it was on the verge of collapse, with every voice screaming, God hates us all! It wasn’t just a lyric it was a shared catharsis, a moment that bound the crowd together.
As the night roared toward its finale, songs like "Purgatory" and "Killers" showcased King’s ability to weave darkness and aggression into pure artistry. The haunting tones of "Crucifixation" were shattered by the relentless power of "At Dawn" and "Shrapnel" leaving the audience breathless.
And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for ,the unmistakable riff of "Raining Blood". The crowd erupted into a frenzy. People screamed, hugged, and threw themselves into the pit with a desperation that could only come from years of love for this song. It was felt in every fiber of the room.The night ended with "Black From Hell" a jaw-dropping finale that left the headbangers stunned and exhilarated. Kerry King gave everything, and the fans gave it right back.
For anyone lucky enough to witness it, this wasn’t just a concert ,it was a reminder of why we live for metal. The sweat, the screams, the riffs that hit harder than life itself. It was a communion of sound and soul, a night no one will forget.
If you missed this show, you didn’t just miss music, you missed a moment. And if you were there? You know you’ll be talking about this for years to come. Share it. Relive it. Because nights like this don’t come around often. It was truly a night to remember.
Full set-lists below:
ALIEN WEAPONRY
1. Raupatu
2. Holding My Breath
3. Buried Underground
4. Ahi Kā
5. Kai Tangata
MUNICIPAL WASTE
1. Unleash the Bastards
2. Wave of Death
3. Sadistic Magician
4. Headbanger Face Rip
5. Beer Pressure
6. The Art of Partying
KERRY KING
1. Where I Reign
2. Rage
3. Trophies Residue
4. 2 Fists
5. Idle
6. Repentless
7. Toxic Tension
8. Everything I Hate
9. Disciple
10. Purgatory
11. Killers
12. Crucifixation
13. At Dawn
14. Shrapnel
15. Raining Blood
16. Black From Hell
