Photography Reviews

Concert Review: Eluveitie at the Opera House in Toronto, ON on 3/9/23

By Taylor Cameron / March 12, 2023

On a brisk Thursday night, Toronto metal fans made their way down to The Opera House for a night of live music. With Seven Spires, Omnium Gatherum and Eluveitie on the bill, it was guaranteed to be a high energy show. As the doors opened promptly at 7:30pm, fans made their way towards the front of the stage to claim the perfect spot, as well as line up at the merch booth to support their favorite bands. Songs from Bon Jovi, Ratt and Motley Crue played over the PA, the perfectly curated playlist pumping up the crowd as they excitedly waited for the show to start.

As the clock hit 8:30pm, the house lights went down and the crowd erupted into cheers as Seven Spires hit the stage. Adrienne Cowan with her aggressive vocals at the helm, had the crowd in the palm of her hands within seconds as the band ripped into the title track of their 2021 release, “Gods of Debauchery”. Jack Kosto on guitar, Peter de Reyna on bass and Chris Dovas on drums, the talented musicians delivered a top notch performance, their sound loud and bold. Although the set only consisted of five songs, Seven Spires commanded the stage as their own and treated the set as though it were a headlining gig. Their energy not wavering for even a second. Closing the set with the heavy but melodic “Dare to Live”, the crowd held their horns high in the air. Taking a bow before leaving the stage, the crowd roared, not wanting their set to end.

Up next were the Finnish Melodic Death Metal rockers, Omnium Gatherum. High energy right out of the gate, they kicked off the set with “Frontiers”, an aggressively heavy track off their 2016 release “Grey Heavens”. Markus Vanhala and Nick Cordle wielded their axes with ease, their heavy riffs and melodic solos blending perfectly together. Heavy bass lines played by Mikko Kivistö and thumping drum beats played by Atte Pesonen held the band in time and added depth to their sound, while Jukka Pelkonen’s growling vocals held the audience’s attention from start to finish. It was undeniable that Omnium Gatherum had put on an unforgettable show. The energy within the venue continued to rise with each song, the audience chanting “hey” with their fists raised high in the air each time they were asked. No short of crowd participation throughout the entire night. As their set came to a close, guitar picks were thrown into the audience and the setlists that were taped to the stage handed to a few lucky fans.

The crowd entirely pumped up and ready for more, Eluveitie, the Folk Metal band hailing from Switzerland, closed out the night of unique heavy metal. With lead vocalist Chrigel Glanzmann currently out due to personal reasons, Fabienne Erni stepped up and delivered lead vocals on her own, doing an outstanding job. Opening up the set with the powerful “Exile of The Gods”, the entire band was on fire from start to finish.

Mixed with guitar solos, violin solo’s and the use of unique instruments such as a hurdy-gurdy, a harp and bagpipes, this band does not play around in their incredible performance. Erni stepped forward as the rest of the band left the stage, a spotlight shined on her, simulating sunlight. Belting out a beautiful vocal, the crowd roars in approval, she did not disappoint. Bringing on Adrienne Cowan of Seven Spires and Jukka Pelkonen of Omnium Gathering to help out on lead vocals for a few songs, stepping in for Glanzmann. Both vocalists added their own touch on the songs while staying true to the band’s sound.

Eluveitie put on a fantastic set, this band being one you don’t want to miss. Their unique sound and incredible stage presence makes for a show you won’t forget. Although they were down an important member of the pack, it did not alter their performance. Every member being on the top of their game the entire set. 

This triple bill is filled with three different and aggressive sets, all bonded together by their love of metal and live music. This night was definitely one for the books and if this tour comes to a venue near you, it is one you do not want to miss.

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