Concerts Photos
Gwar at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver
In typical fashion, GWAR turned the Vogue Theatre into a full-blown war zone on October 29, soaking the Vancouver crowd in gallons of fake blood and alien fluids during their Return of Gor Gor Tour. The intergalactic shock rockers, now 40 years deep into their reign of absurdity, proved once again that no one blends satire, metal, and gore quite like they do.
Led by Blöthar the Berserker (Michael Bishop), the band exploded onto the stage immediately baptizing the front row in red spray. From there, the carnage only escalated and many puppets all met their grisly ends as the crowd screamed for more. Fans came prepared in white T-shirts, ready to leave looking like extras from a horror movie, which, frankly, they were.
The set leaned heavy on new tracks from The Return of Gor Gor, including “Lot Lizard” and “Tyrant King,” alongside cult favourites like “Saddam a Go-Go,” “Bring Back the Bomb,” and the closer “Sick of You.” When the monstrous T-Rex Gor Gor appeared mid-show, the place erupted in pure chaos.
Under all the slime and shock, GWAR remain killer musicians. The riffs from Balsac the Jaws of Death and Grodius Maximus were razor-sharp, and Jizmak da Gusha’s drumming hit like artillery fire. Four decades in, the Scumdogs of the Universe still deliver the wildest, weirdest spectacle in metal.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Upcoming Tour Dates:
10/30 Penticton, BC – Penticton Trade & Convention Centre
10/31 Calgary, AB – MacEwan Hall
11/01 Edmonton, AB – Fan Park @ Ice District
11/03 Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
11/05 Denver, CO – Summit
11/06 Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
11/08 San Antonio, TX – Vibes Event Center
11/09 Dallas, TX – House of Blues
11/11 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
11/12 Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall
11/13 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
11/15 Orlando, FL – Warped Tour
11/16 Tampa, FL – The Ritz Ybor
11/18 Baltimore, MD – Nevermore Hall
11/19 Worcester, MA – Palladium
11/20 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
11/21 New York, NY – Palladium Times Square
11/22 Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
More information here.
GWAR
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Buffalo Traffic Jam at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto
There is something magical about voices matching the season. The excitement of walking up to the Danforth Music Hall on the perfect autumn night, only to be engulfed in raw, emotive rasp.
Lydia Maes really pulled me in. There’s such an emotional quality to her voice. The way she incorporates the saxophone and the way she hypnotizes the crowd. She played a beautiful set and then later came out with her fiddle, to join Buffalo Traffic Jam.
Colin Lynch completely caught me off guard, with a voice that sounds like he sells out stadiums. He’s young, but that soulful, raspy, depth speaks to every age.
Then came the one and only Buffalo Traffic Jam. Gritty, earthy harmonies took over the Danforth and the crowd was electrified. There’s something about their sound that feels both stripped down and warm at the same time, and the moment they started, we were all at their mercy.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
BUFFALO TRAFFIC JAM
COLIN LYNCH
LYDIA MAES
All Photo Credit: Bailey Morgan
Concerts Photos
Sabaton Bring Fire and Fury to Vancouver on North American Tour Finale
After many many years away from Vancouver, Sabaton returned to the PNE Forum on October 8 for a fiery night of heavy metal, military-themed theatrics and massive sing-alongs. The Swedish metal band chose the city to close out its North American tour, and it went out with a bang.
Opening the night was Pop Evil, whose modern hard rock offered a different sound from the headliner’s power metal. Tracks like “Trenches” brought plenty of energy, giving the crowd a reason to get moving before the main event. Their heavier riffs and commanding stage presence made for a solid start to the evening despite the low lighting.
Sabaton wasted little time making its return count. Kicking off with “Ghost Division,” the band delivered a wall of sound backed by pounding drums, sharp guitar riffs and bursts of fire that lit up the Forum. The stage, complete with military-inspired hardware, gave the performance the feel of a full-scale production rather than a standard metal concert.
Frontman Joakim Brodén led the charge with his unmistakable voice and natural sense of showmanship. Songs like “The Last Stand,” “Stormtroopers” and “Night Witches” showcased the band’s knack for turning historical stories into anthems built for thousands of voices. The crowd happily did its part, singing along throughout the night.
The spectacle never distracted from the music. Flames punctuated the band’s heaviest moments, adding extra intensity to “Bismarck,” “Fields of Verdun” and “The Attack of the Dead Men.” For the latter, the band leaned into the song’s subject matter with gas masks, adding another theatrical touch to an already explosive set.
The closing stretch was pure Sabaton. “Swedish Pagans” brought another huge audience sing-along before “Primo Victoria” and “To Hell and Back” sent the Forum into the night at full volume.
After seven years, Sabaton gave Vancouver plenty of reasons to welcome them back. Closing the North American tour with a performance this tight, loud and entertaining was a fitting end to the run. With commanding vocals, memorable choruses and enough pyro to warm the entire Forum, the band left little doubt that its next visit cannot come soon enough.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
SABATON
POP EVIL
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer