JESUS PIECE w/ SANGUISUGABOGG, PEELING FLESH & GAG
@ THE OPERA HOUSE, TORONTO
APRIL 8, 2024
Jesus Piece made their return to Toronto on Wednesday evening playing in the largest venue they’ve played in the city so far, proving their reach has grown considerably in the hardcore world since the release of …So Unknown last year. They were joined by Sanguisugabogg, Peeling Flesh, and Gag, a line-up that sounds like it would offer no downtime in the pit, and it didn’t.
A larger crowd than usual gathered for the opening band Gag, and if you were unfamiliar with them, you’d soon find out why. It’s also a good sign when you see all the other bands watching side stage to see what they do. They came out hard and fast, ripping a few faces off and surely making new fans in the process. You don’t see a mic stand get tossed around like that very often. Their set ended with one of the members walking out with a sign that read “Live in the moment.” A touching gesture.
Peeling Flesh making it all the way from Oklahoma offered their flavour of slam and vocalist Damonteal Harris’ guttural squeals were truly remarkable. Drummer Joe Pelletier was an absolute machine as well and many audience members watched him in awe.
Sanguisugabogg provided a lot of jokes for the evening pandering to the crowd giving shout outs to Tim Hortons, Wayne Gretzky, and “the best fucking Canadian death metal band of all time…. Three Days Grace.” They brought out the guitarist from Gag during their set as well to play a song with them but not before playing the classic “Dead As Shit” which brought the crowd into a frenzy.
Whether it was theirs or not, most audience members were covered in sweat but had all saved enough energy for the main act. Jesus Piece took the stage opening with “Tunnel Vision” and nothing could prepare you for how heavy that track sounds live. Shortly after going into “Neuroprison” which was nearly as devastating. Vocalist Aaron Heard is a true marvel to watch on stage. Each word he belts into the microphone causes his veins to bulge more and more. He never stops running around the stage and into the crowd constantly finding new ways to surprise you and make you pay attention to what he’s saying. They closed the show with “Conjure Life” and put the evening to rest.
(Photography by Jacob Vandergeer)
Photos
Jesus Piece Links
Sanguisugabogg Links
Background Photo Credit: Phobymo
