The sold-out concert at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall did not disappoint.
Doors opened at 5:30 p.m., and Atlanta’s Alluvial took the stage at 6:30 p.m.
The venue was already filled to capacity when Alluvial performed. Their energy was exceptional, and the audience enthusiastically embraced their music. An early circle pit and a wall of death were notable highlights of their set, which lasted 30 minutes. Their sound incorporated thrashy, sludgy, and brutal elements, drawing influences from Metallica, Alice in Chains, and early death metal.
Alluvial Setlist:
1. Exponent
2. Thy Underling
3. Sarcoma
4. The Putrid Sunrise
5. Area Code
6. Fogbelt
7. Bog Dweller
Band Members:
Kevin Muller – Vocals
Wes Hauch – guitar and vocals
Tim Walker – Bass
Zack Dean – Drums
Following Alluvial’s performance, Cleveland’s 200 Stab Wounds took the stage. Their fast and heavy sound reminiscent of speed metal captivated the audience. Singing along to most of their songs, the crowd engaged in lively circle pits and stage dives. Their sound echoed the styles of Exciter and Venom. Their set also concluded after 30 minutes.
200 Stab Wounds Setlist:
1. Hands of Eternity
2. Masters of Morbidity
3. Fatal Reality
4. Defiled Gestation
5. Drilling Your Head
6. Gross Abuse
7. She Was Already Dead
8. Phallic Filth
9. Skin Milk
10. Tow Rope Around the Throat
Band Members:
Steve Buhl – Vocal and Guitar
Lance Buckly – Guitar
Ezra Cook – Bass
Owen Pooley – Drums
Toronto’s Brand of Sacrifice (BOS) were next. This band is a must-see live experience. Vocalist Kyle Anderson (Demon King) electrified the crowd with his exceptional stage presence. After the first three songs, Anderson halted the performance due to a medical emergency involving a fan in the audience. Medical staff promptly attended to the fan, transporting him in a wheelchair. Anderson expressed gratitude to the medical and security teams for their prompt response. During the intermission, it was evident that Anderson was concerned about the fan’s well-being. Upon the resumption of the concert, the pit and crowd surfing resumed.
Toronto's Brand of Sacrifice (BOS) had not released a new album in four years. During their performance, they played a new song that will be featured on their upcoming album. The audience eagerly anticipated hearing the album. As a native of Toronto, Kyle, the lead vocalist, expressed his childhood dream of performing at Danforth Music Hall. His dream came true, and he graciously invited fans to meet him after the set. This humility showcased his down-to-earth nature.
I returned to meet Kyle, and he was exceptionally friendly and accommodating. He signed a photograph for me, further emphasizing his humility. I am highly anticipating their new album and would love to witness this band perform on a larger stage. Their rise to prominence is evident, and their music can be heard on SiriusXM Liquid Metal. The performance lasted approximately 50 minutes.
Brand of Sacrifice setlist:
1. Dawn
2. Demon King
3. Lifeblood
4. Altered Eyes
5. Exodus
6. Purge
7. Blinded
8. New Song
9. Charlotte
10. Millennium
11. Eclipse
Band Members:
Kyle Anderson (Demon King) – Vocals
Liam Beeson – Guitar
Michael Leo Valeri – Guitar, Keyboard and Percussion
Andrew Kim – Bass
Chason Westmoreland – Drums
Next, the headliners were Whitechapel, a band from Knoxville, Tennessee, who were supporting their new album, “Hymns in Dissonance,” released on March 7, 2025, through Metal Blade Records. I must commend this album as an exceptional piece of work. It will undoubtedly be included in my top 2025 albums list. Prior to their performance, the crowd erupted in cheers for Whitechapel, chanting their name for approximately five minutes. The band took the stage with renewed energy, launching into the opening track of “Hymns in Dissonance,” “Prisoner 666.”
The lead singer, Phil Bozeman, commanded the stage with his powerful vocals, captivating the audience. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, and security personnel were on high alert due to the rampant crowd surfing.
Whitechapel is a band that should not be missed live. Their fans were incredibly passionate, singing along with the band throughout the performance.
The entire performance, including three songs from their new album, was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Whitechapel’s set concluded after approximately 60 minutes.
Whitechapel Setlist:
1. Prisoner 666
2. Hymns in Dissonance
3. Brimstone
4. A Bloodsoaked Symphony
5. Forgiveness Is Weakness
6. I, Dementia
7. A Visceral Retch
8. Hate Cult Ritual
9. Prostatic Fluid Asphyxiation
10. Possession
11. This Is Exile
12. Let Me Burn
13. Our Endless War
14. Saw Is the Law
15. Doom Wood
Band Members:
Phil Bozeman – Vocals
Ben Savage – Lead Guitar
Alex Wade – Rhythm Guitar
Zach Householder – Third Guitar
Gabe Crisp – Bassist
Brandon Zackey – Drums
This evening provided an exceptional experience for the Toronto live music scene, featuring four remarkable bands dedicated to the genre of deathcore.
The only individuals who experienced disappointment were those who chose not to attend. We highly recommend experiencing this tour, as live music consistently surpasses recorded performances. By supporting the band and purchasing merchandise, you contribute to their success and enhance your own enjoyment.
Remember to always Listen to Metal!
