Concerts Photos
Set It Off at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
On November 11, American rock band Set It Off brought their tour to the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC in support of their Self-Titled album.
After three high-octane openers (Autumn Kings, Vana, and Fame on Fire) you’d think the crowd might’ve been running out of gas. Not a chance. The room buzzed with anticipation as a voice over the speakers counted down from 30 seconds. Then, in a flash of lights and smoke, Set It Off stormed the stage and kicked into “Rotten.”
Frontman Cody Carson wasted no time commanding the audience like a ringmaster in his own twisted carnival. Between leaping across the stage, pumping his fist in time with the crowd, and somehow still hitting every note, Carson’s energy was relentless. Guitarist Zach DeWall’s bright riffs gave the band’s darker material a pop-rock shimmer, while drummer Maxx Danzinger, framed by an elaborate light display, played with wild precision that made it impossible to look away.
Early in the set, Vana’s Romy Flores joined Carson for a fiery duet on “Partners in Crime,” making the fan-favourite track feel fresh and unpredictable. Later, Danzinger swapped places with Carson to take over vocals on “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead,” a chaotic and charming highlight.
By the time the encore rolled around, the crowd still had plenty left to give and “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing [REBORN]” closed the night with explosive energy.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Nov 12 – Seattle @ Showbox SoDO
Nov 14 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Nov 16 – Los Angeles @ The Regent Theater
Nov 17 – Santa Ana, CA @ Observatory OC
Nov 18 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
Nov 20 – Houston @ House Of Blues
Nov 21 – Dallas @ South Side Music Hall
Nov 23 – Orlando @ House of Blues
Nov 25 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
Nov 26 – Detroit @ St. Andrew’s Hall
Nov 28 – Indianapolis @ Egyptian Room At Old National Centre
Nov 30 – Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo RiverWorks
Dec 1 – Toronto @ Danforth Music Hall
Dec 2 – Boston @ Paradise Rock Club
Dec 5 – New York City @ Irving Plaza
Dec 6 – Allentown, PA @ Archer Music Hall
Dec 7 – Philadelphia @ The Fillmore Philadelphia
Dec 9 – Baltimore @ Nevermore Hall
Dec 10 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
More information here.
SET IT OFF
FAME ON FIRE
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