JANUARY 14th 2023
METAL-FEST BIRTHDAY BASH & CHARITY

Review By: Metal Mom Rita
Photos by: Char Tupper
http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/metal-fest-birthday-bash-charity/

Metal Mom Rita reviews Metal-Fest Birthday Bash Charity for All Ages at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Abbotsford, BC, also a show that was supporting the Abbotsford Food Bank, happily accepting donations of non perishable foods to help those in need.

I am usually a little hesitant to cover a local band shows, only because I have been doing this since 2010 and it is usually the bigger bands due to high demand of shows per month, the pandemic has changed the scene, and sadly not nearly as many shows come north of the border these days, so with more time available, and no commute involved,was nice to support the locals in this case. Plus, being asked to do so, and having a friend (including birthday celebration) in one of the bands, well, I just needed to get out and see what was local these days. Let me tell you I was not disappointed, each band put on a terrific set. They knew their stuff and when they hit that stage, I enjoyed each and every one of them. All were different styles too.  So I will tell you right now, if you missed this show, you missed one hell of a night with great music from local communities.
The headliner tonight was CALM LIKE A BOMB (Tribute to Rage Against The Machine), out of Vancouver, BC. Sadly by the time they hit the floor, most had gone home, what a shame, people missed out. They were an amazing tribute band, they sounded pretty damn close to the real thing,  they did it exceptionally well. I hope they get out more so others can enjoy. Tribute bands are sometimes not the best idea, but these guys would prove you wrong. Terrific set.

Between Calm like a Bomb and Dirty Audio machine's sets, they did the raffle prizes, ranging from the local band shirts, to a tattoo certificate giveaway, to the big prize, a free guitar !

DIRTY AUDIO MACHINE, from Abbotsford, BC hits the stage to a pretty packed room, I think everyone came to see them play. This was a first for me too, wasn't sure what to expect, but holy geez, these guys will be going far. Their singer had an exceptional voice for belting out those groove metal songs. I was impressed at the talent behind each of these musicians, really a band that should be going far, drummer, bassist, singer and guitar player were enjoying the songs they played, and I think the audience did too, and that is what makes a terrific show. Something for everyone to be talking about for awhile.  It really is fun to watch a band that knows their works, their instruments and just gives it their all when they play. Nothing better. Excellent job guys. Bonus note, before these guys started their set, it was guitarist, Steve Ricardo's birthday, so the bands and crowd gathered around, shared cake, and sang Happy birthday, fun to see everyone join together to celebrate his birthday.

NEVERANOTHER, Vancouver's Heaviest rock band. Now if you want to rock, this was the band to do it to. The band formed in 2010 by Rick Lemperes (guitarist, singer/songwriter), and they were heavy, a great choice to add to this show. They had people rockin' the night away, once again to a packed room of local fans. They had some great interaction with the crowd as well, which is always fun.  I don't know why I haven't heard of these guys before. Check them out if you haven't already.

ORGANOIZES, didn't even know of this band before. I was some impressed that's for sure. They filled the stage and part of the floor, and let loose their sound, kind of a Brazilian folk, metal style. They also had a violinist in their mist who added so much flavour to their music. Really great to watch these guys perform. By the looks of it too the crowd appreciated their style and energy. Really something,  a little different, but a good thing, I hope to see them grow too with more shows, they have a style that most don't, and they are great at what they do. People were really enjoying their music. I know I sure did. What I also liked was the fact that after they played, they came back out in the audience to watch the other bands. True appreciation for other musicians.

FALSE FLAGS, one of British Columbias own punk band, well, I am not a punk fan at all, but these guys seemed to have what it takes to make it pretty good for me. Looking around the room there were many banging their heads. Great set, well put together music. People should definitely check them out.

It is nice to cover a show and find some bands I didn't even know about, and I enjoyed their music. I hope each of the bands continue on their ways in the music world, and I wish them all,  much success, this was truly an outstanding show for me.  Thanks everyone.