Live shows are something that I live for. Something that brings energy into me and makes me feel light and happy. And on June 22 I was happy to be heading to the Hatebreed show at The Opera House here in Toronto. Now, it would be a night of firsts for me all around. I have never been to a show at The Opera House so I was very excited to be able to see the venue and what it was like.

We arrived later then I do to most concerts. Most times i'm that person in line vying to get in front, the one leaning on the barricade and dying with the heat, but not moving an inch because its where I want to be. However, that night was a little different, my friend was with me that had never been to a metal/rock concert in her entire life, which made things a little more interesting.

DUe to it being her first show we kind hung back a little and relaxed in the over 18 area of the venue. Upon arriving we were threw upon the opening band which was Dead to Rights from the Burlington/Hamilton area, and the three piece band put out a loud heave sound that totally blew me away and had my head moving to the beat as I stood there on the riser in the back watching the floor fill up and the band play on. Then after a brief break and a smoke break, we came back inside to have the second band of the night start. Threat Signal, who also hail from the Hamilton area blew me away.

I had heard of them beforehand, however, it being my first experience of seeing them live I was pretty impressed with what I did hear. I so reccoomend that if you are ever able to see them that you take the time out to go, trust me when I say it will be worth it. Now, we took a break as they set up for the next band. If you have read my bio on our mainpage, you will notice that the band I am not a complete fan of is Three Inches of Blood. They were the next band on the set list. I am not one to not give a band another chance, I always always give a band more then one or two listens because honestly? People have off nights. I guess you can say that after seeing them for the fourth time, I can still say that i'm not a fan. I mean I Know a lot of people are, and I will never judge them for that, because of the fact music is freedom. I guess you can say that they are not my thing. I did notice however, that their lead wasn't who I had seen the first few times when they opened for Avenged Sevenfold. So, like any curious person I did my research, and found out about Jamie Hooper's voice problems and that he is taking off 2007/2008 from touring with the band. The vocals were being taken over by guitarist Justin Hagberg. They might be your choice, and if so check out the links below for more information on the band.

During the set of THree Inches of Blood, me and my friend spent some time just checking out the small venue. We walked past the merch booth where I spotted none other then Mick Morris, bass player for the former Eighteen Visions. Mick was touring with Hatebreed for the current tour taking over the tech duties for the band. That was when Three Inches finished and it was time for the main event.

Me and my friend made our way back up to the balcony and watched as the drumkits got uncovered and everything got tested and checked. The crowd was going nuts. Then someone played Walk by Pantera and the whole place exploded. A circle pit started and the whole place started singing. It was kinda a surreal feeling standing there and watching everyone united by one song. However, the best part of the night, and of standing on the balcony with an overview, was seeing the people in the circle pit picking up anyone who feel down and helping them back up.

That is something that I always like hearing at shows. People helping other people. Then came the moment when Hatebreed, who hail from Bridgeport and New Haven, Connecticut and had been formed back in 1994 to get back to the basics hardcore punk band. This is was my first time seeing them live, and it was completely amazing and blew me away. I've been listening to them for a while and have wondered what it was like see them live on stage. I was not dissapointed in any way whatsoever.

I spent the entire set jamming and stamping my foot, letting my head fall back and forth and just enjoying the feeling of the music slamming against my body and running through it. The feeling of the bass running up through my foot and all through my back. It was amazing an enjoyable. They played an amazing set, with a mix of music. I would reccomend anyone and everyone going to see this band live. Go live the Hatebreed experience.

Dead To Rights
Myspace

Threat Signal
Official Website
Myspace

Three Inches Of Blood
Official Website
Myspace

Hatebreed
Official Website
Myspace
Last FM

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