Manitoba Metalfest Day 2 started as soon as some people got to the venue from work - with local band Wilt starting their set at about 5:50pm. That did not stop the entire room being filled in mere minutes after the sounds of a few chords hit. The incredible lighting set the mood immediately and their atmospheric black-doom metal style set the theme for what was to come on this night - an array of experimental, progressive death metal.
Sadistic Embodiment from Edmonton was next to play, playing a headbanger's ball of old-school influenced, pure death metal which didn't let up. Tyler Augusto (of Winnipeg metal bands Entity and Cell) filled in on bass for their performance.
Next, to start the tour off proper was Allegaeon, with an album released in 2022 and another one in the pipeline, potentially coming very soon, the band is back with a ton of new material. Their performance - which was nearly a year after their last show in Winnipeg - was extremely impressive. Noted highlights include their excellent stage presence, with vocalist Ezra Haynes acting as a conductor for the audience, like an orchestra performance. The technical ability that Allegaeon puts on display is also nothing short of impressive, with guitarist Greg Burgess shredding complicated scales. Keep your eyes peeled for new Allegaeon music within the upcoming months!
Kataklysm's return to Winnipeg proved that Canadian death metal is not dead, performing a great selection of material from their recent release "Goliath", as well as older material from their large discography, including from their Juno award-winning release "Of Ghosts and Gods"
Greek symphonic death metal outfit Septicflesh were up next with a breathtaking, eyecatching performance - many thanks in part to frontman Spiros Antoniou's commanding stage presence and a fantastic stage prop design and light show. Septicflesh drove through their 50 minute set with sheer power, technical display and shared material from both new and old albums alike, including their latest, "Modern Primitive", released in 2022.
Poland's Decapitated ended the night with their signature brand of technical and groovy death metal. Commonly described as one of Europe's top death metal bands, they showcased their versatility in both groove and technicality.
Touring in support of 2022's "Cancer Culture", the setlist included a great mix of old and new, and vocalist Rasta is great at working a crowd.
Having the Cancer Culture tour come to Winnipeg was a blessing, with some great local music to start it. The weekend doesn't stop here, as NinjaCats Productions Manitoba Metalfest 2024 had another great tour roll around the next day - the Dying Fetus/Full of Hell "Maryland Rampage" tour, with special guests Kruelty and 200 Stab Wounds. Read my review of that show here.
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