Oh my god! So many good performances today. So far, among our various interviews, we’ve managed to see Huntress, Finntroll, Amon Amarth, and Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals… and now we’re missing August Burns Red to bring you this update.
First up, Huntress. What an amazing show. This band has come a long way in the last year. We first saw them open for Dragonforce, and I’ve said it before, but they absolutely stole the show. Today, however, there is stiff competition, so I can’t exactly say the same thing. They were spectacular nonetheless, and if you ever have the chance to see them live, I command you to do so. Jill Janus’ theatrics might turn you off, but keep in mind that it’s all a part of the show. With a sophomore album to promote, Starbound Beast, their set expanded to include many more songs. All I can say is that this is a straight-up metal band in the vein of Judas Priest, despite what you might have heard about their being a pagan band. Yes, Jill is a witch and that obviously influences the lyrics, but that’s about it. While on stage, Jill anounced the upcoming release of the first video from the album, and in true pagan style stated, “pack your bowls now, because it’s going to blow your minds.”
For more on Huntress, look for our upcoming video interview with Jill Janus.
Of all the bands all weekend long, I personally have been looking forward to Amon Amarth. I was only able to see the second half of their set because we were interviewing Jill from Huntress. But when I arrived, chills ran up my spine and goosebumps covered my arms. Amon is among the most wicked bands in the galaxy. Perfect sound, perfect stage presence, and perfect audience command from Johan Hegg, and not much can top a statement like, “this one’s a kick in the face; let’s see some violence out there.” Again, Amon Amarth has an album to promote, Deceiver of the Gods, so their set was a mix of brand new tunes and the staples they gotta play, like “Twilight of the Thunder God” and “Pursuit of Vikings.”
For more on Amon Amarth, look for our upcoming video interview with Ted Lundström.
And finally, I know I’m skipping Finntroll, we have Phil H. Anselmo & The Illegals. I wish I could say that Amon Amarth stole the show today, but unfortunately, that honor goes to the ex-Pantera legend so far today. After a humble welcome to the audience, Phil & The Illegals broke into their first song, which was mind-numbingly heavy. Half way through this song, I really wish I could tell you which one, Phil stood at center stage and crossed his arms as if to say, “Yeah, motherfuckers, that’s how heavy is done.” And he’s right. Heavy school is in session to every band out there that thinks they’re heavy. A blend of hardcore, thrash, groove, experimental… it all just adds up to extreme metal. Before that first song concluded, Phil opened his arms to receive praise and love from an audience that largly has never heard any of the material. At one point, Phil made a point to ridicule those in the stands by calling them the, “Pathetic assholes in the stands.” He had a few other moments that proved he could have pursued a career as a standup comic. Phil is undoubtedly fucked up; the intensity with which he performs is unmatched and I’m not even sure he’s aware when he beats his forehead with his microphone, drawing blood.
As always, Phil concludes just about every song with his trademark, “Make some fucking noise.”
It will be hard to compete with this legendary performance, and festival debut, by Phil & The Illegals.
Check back with Yell! Magazine as we bring you more from Heavy MTL 2013.
Rock Hard \m/
