MARCH 16th, 2022
OMNIUM GATHERUM + GUESTS

Review By: Metal Mom Rita
Photo Gallery by: Char Tupper
http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/omnium-gatherum-guests/

After 2 long years, it may not have been our first show back in the game, but our first one back to the home venue of the Rickshaw Theater to partake in our second show since the "end of the pandemic" (lets hope that didn't just jinx things). Sadly due to work and a commute, we missed the Vancouver local band, KAYAS, hopefully next time we can make it on time to catch your performance.

Next was BLACK CROWN INITIATE, an American extreme metal band from Reading, Pennsylvania who I have seen a few times now. Finally able to play from their latest album from 2020, "Violent Portraits of Doomed Escape", plus various other songs as well. The crowd reacted to them well, not a full house, but the ones there, enjoyed themselves a lot. It has been a long time since I was able to witness them on stage, they executed their set well.

Second up is ALLEGAEON, technical melodic death metallers, currently touring in support of their latest release, "Damnum". They are from Denver, Colorado, and they put everything into their set including lots of energy, the sound was great so you could enjoy the set to the fullest. That for me, was standing to the side, as for these guys, the crowd really filled up quickly and the mosh pits were constant. The audience truly enjoyed getting to see these guys once again after quite a few years since the last time they hit Vancouver, BC (back in 2017). It was great to see such a positive response.

Finland's metallers, OMNIUM GATHERUM was the headliner tonight, and they were phenomenal, have only seen them play once before, and today marked my second, and I shall continue to support these guys. I was hooked from the first song in the setlist all the way through. I am just amazed, everything, and I mean everything fit together like a puzzle, from the vocals to guitars, the bass ,drums, and harmonizing keyboards,  the lighting and let's not forget the sound, all that put together and you have one kick ass performance and experience. I spent my time smiling, (my cheeks hurt by the end of the night), but have to like that the band members had a smile on their faces for the fans.  I was so happy to see such a talented band up there, they really gave 150% to their fans.  Markus Vanhala is the only original member left of the band, but they have some members that are longtime, Jukka Pelkonen (vocals), AApo Koivisto (keyboards).  On this tour Nick Cordle (ex-Arch Enemy/Arsis) joined the band. The dynamic and chemistry of the band, you would figure these guys have all been together since day one and they all excel at what they do. Bonus for me, I got to stand right up front (to the side though, to avoid the moshers, you never stand front/centre!) and appreciate the talent behind each musician. I can't tell you enough just how great they were, you just have to go yourself to check them out. Great song selections too, including tracks from their latest release, "Origins".  Nothing better than having a beat you can head bang to. You know, I forgot just how good these guys are, it seemed like so long ago since I had seen them the first time, I couldn't recall their sound and visual, but definitely after tonight, they are in my books as a must see.