GOJIRA

Although Opeth and Gojira and fastly becoming part of our regular rotation of coverage, they don’t seem to bore or disappoint us. First Gojira, who all look like babies, suddenly find themselves among the more seasoned artists in metal. A consistent tour schedule, massive exposure from the record company (Roadrunner), as well as a devoted fanbase will do that for you. And though they are mature now, they don’t perform like tired old men.

Even though the mix of complicated time changes and killer riffs can only be bested by Meshuggah or the concert’s headliners, Opeth, Gojira doesn’t allow that to stop them. Apparently, Gojira has mastered the art of keeping their fans on their toes and for this show the crowd was delighted by Gojira’s efforts.

Playing favorites such as Stranded, Silvera, and The Cell, Joe and company wowed the crowd with a strong forty-five minute set. The movement from those in attendance made the floor shake and their rousing show seemed to blow the roof off the Old Egyptian Centre.

In all the times I’ve seen Gojira, I’d have to say this ranks as one of their best shows. They always come with energy which some bands lack. Fortunately, they don’t and given that they’ve already been around over a decade and a half, they show no signs of slowing down.

SETLIST

Only Pain

The Heaviest Matter of the Universe

Silvera

Stranded

Flying Whales

The Cell

Backbone

L’Enfant Sauvage

The Shooting Star

Toxic Garbage Island

Pray

* * * *

OPETH

As I mentioned in the aforementioned Gojira review, Opeth are one of the masters of complex and technical. Being a headliner seems to suit Opeth who continue to bring their A game.

Opeth is supporting their latest release Sorceress and they opened the night with that track. They also played a medley as they did the last time we saw them, getting us excited for older tracks without actually completing them, which annoyed many including me.

However, not enough to say the show was a failure. It wasn’t. Anytime seeing Opeth is a joy because although the list may be small due to the duration of songs, you always know Mikael and company will play every song flawlessly.

SETLIST

Sorceress

Ghost of Perdition

Demon of the Fall

The Wilde Flowers

In My Time of Need

The Devil’s Orchard

Cusp of Eternity

Heir Apparent

Era

Deliverance