Killswitch Engage is embarking on a Canadian tour, accompanied by metal legends Machine Head and the UK hardcore band Malevolence. The first stop of the tour is Ottawa, and we were fortunate enough to receive an invitation to cover the show—and what an incredible show it was!
Read more: Killswitch Engage kicks off their Canadian tour in Ottawa!Malevolance
To kick off the night, the ever-popular UK hardcore act Malevolence took the stage. If you haven’t heard of them yet, get ready to see and hear a lot more! While they’ve been around for a while, their sound has recently captured the attention of fans. With heavy, aggressive, and relentless riffs, they truly stand out from your average hardcore band. Their encouragement of fan interaction makes their performances exciting, urging fans to sing along, move, and mosh.
This was one band I was really looking forward to, and they did not disappoint. They sound even better live—tight, precise, and full of energy, with members adding flair through wild spins and jumps. My only issue with their set is that it wasn’t longer. These guys are absolute beasts, and I expect to see them on bigger tours in the coming years
Machine Head
Continuing the night is heavy metal legends Machine Head. I had heard of them before but never really listened to their music, and wow, was I ever blown away! These guys can shred like no other. Their energy on stage is infectious, drawing the crowd into their powerful riffs and intense lyrics.
From the moment they kicked off their set, it was clear that Machine Head came to rock and thrash!. The guitar solos were just mind-blowing, and just so effortlessly played. I was especially surprised by how heavy these guys are, particularly with the sudden yet powerful breakdowns they seamlessly integrated into their songs. Each time the music shifted gears, it felt like a tidal wave crashing over the audience, transforming the energy in the room.
These breakdowns added an unexpected intensity, punctuating the tracks with a raw, visceral power that had everyone on their feet. The way they built up tension before dropping into those heavy segments was a real treat for a first time listener, and really brings so much fun and energy to their shows. Machine Head may be an older band but can they ever still shred and they have a new fan in me!
Killswitch Engage
Now, the moment everyone at Hard Rock Live has been waiting for has finally arrived. All warmed up and ready to rock, Killswitch Engage is about to take the stage. They waste no time and come out swinging, launching into “Fixation on the Darkness.” Fast, furious, and relentless, their energy ignites the crowd, getting everyone on their feet and moving. Adding to the controlled chaos, lead vocalist Jesse Leach plays by his own rules, jumping off the stage and onto the barricade to sing along with the fans. This was insanely awesome and heartwarming to witness, as he handed the mic to audience members, giving them the chance to belt out their favorite lines.
In the midst of darting back and forth along the barricade, Jesse made a point to stop in front of me, grab my camera, and sing directly into it! That moment was unforgettable and of course my favourite part of the whole night!
Jesse embodies everything you love to see in a frontman. He’s incredibly interactive with the crowd, making sure everyone feels involved and part of the experience. It’s clear he pours his heart and soul into every performance, and his passion radiates throughout the venue. While Jesse certainly steals the spotlight with his dynamic energy and fan interactions, it’s important to recognize that the entire band plays a crucial role in the show. Each member brings their own unique flair and talent, contributing to the overall intensity and experience.
Read more: Killswitch Engage kicks off their Canadian tour in Ottawa!This was certainly an incredible way to kick off their Canadian tour! If you were on the fence about attending, I highly recommend you don’t pass up the chance. Missing this would mean watching all the videos later and realizing just how much fun you missed out on.
The energy, the music, and the connection between the band and the audience create an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. Trust me, being part of that crowd, feeling the music pulse through you, and sharing in the excitement is something special. Don’t let the opportunity slip away—get your tickets and join in on the excitement!
