Turbo Haüs in Montreal was the scene of a memorable evening, showcasing three Montreal-based bands, each exploring their own take on industrial and gothic rock: Callous Breed, LINX, and Projekt F, for the launch of LINX’s debut album, Annihilation.
Callous Breed: A Bold and Experimental Performance
Callous Breed opened the night with an intriguing performance, though it was met with a more mixed reaction from the audience. Their sound, strange and immersive, combined micro-synthesizers and pads played directly on the thigh, creating an industrial atmosphere that was as disorienting as it was fascinating. The band, composed of two vocalists, one of whom played violin, brought a unique but sometimes puzzling touch to their music. The violin parts were particularly interesting, but the overall performance occasionally lacked cohesion, with some passages feeling long and experimental.
Audience reception was mixed: while some appreciated this experimental approach, others found the performance difficult to follow. Callous Breed nonetheless managed to stand out with a bold sound, even if the crowd seemed more receptive to the raw energy that LINX would soon bring.
LINX – A Fiery Baptism for Annihilation
Montreal duo LINX shook the walls of Turbo Haüs to celebrate the release of their debut album, Annihilation, launched the day before under the Metalville Records label. Composed of Zenab “Zee” Jaber (vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards) and Frédéric Gauthier (drums, synth, programming), LINX delivers music at the intersection of industrial rock, alternative metal, and cinematic soundscapes, offering a full experience, a mix of rage, sensuality, and raw sincerity.
Zee, magnetic and visceral, captivated the audience from the moment she stepped on stage. Her voice shifted from whispers to wild screams with rare intensity. At times, she seemed literally possessed by the music, her screams resonating like a release. Frédéric dominated the stage on drums, delivering a heavy yet precise performance, highlighted by a spectacular drum solo alongside Fox and Crow, executing impressive tricks with his drumsticks to the audience’s applause.
The setlist perfectly reflected the band’s universe: The Prey / The Hunter, Crystal Jellyfish, Lost in Between, Periodic Dance (particularly mesmerizing), Dream Catcher, Dead, One Step, Love Virus, Them, Stranger, and a furious cover of I Wanna Be Your Dog by Iggy Pop. The crowd, captivated, demanded an encore, which the duo delivered with doubled intensity.
Beyond the music, it was the connection between the band and the audience that defined the evening. Zee often shared her emotions, inspirations, and genuine gratitude, creating an intense, human vibe. During an acoustic passage, several spectators were moved by her voice, experiencing shivers and emotional moments. This album launch was more than a concert: it was a sonic ritual, confirming LINX as a major creative force in the Montreal scene.
Projekt F – Industrial Trance
Projekt F, a Montreal-based gothic and cyber industrial rock band, set the stage ablaze with a hypnotic and immersive sound, plunging the audience into a trance from the first notes. Their music, a mix of heavy riffs, entrancing synths, and dark atmospheres, provided a full sensory experience.
The setlist included The Butterfly Effect, Tongue, The Other Side of My Face, Killing on the Dance Floor, It Should Have Been Me, Unbegun, Ghost, Fiend, Nine Lives, and Fat Man, alternating between heavy and atmospheric passages to deliver an intense and captivating show.
Jonh M. Miller, singer and multi-instrumentalist, and William Hicks on bass, captivated the audience with their stage presence and relentless energy. Projekt F proved they don’t just play music: they create a total experience, where sound, visuals, and audience interaction combine to form an unforgettable moment.
To Conclude: A Night of Exploding Senses
Turbo Haüs was swept by an unforgettable wave of sound. Callous Breed intrigued and fascinated with their experimental industrial approach, LINX electrified the room with their emotional power and visceral performance, and Projekt F transported the audience into a gothic, hypnotic trance. Three universes, three musical visions, one night: intense, immersive, and etched in memory. The launch of Annihilation confirmed that Montreal is bursting with talent capable of surprising, captivating, and enchanting audiences.
Review – Melissa Francoeur
Photos – Ryan Rumpel
