It was an unforgettable night for fans of heavy music as the Chaos & Carnage tour tore through the Olympia in downtown Montreal, delivering one of the most stacked and varied lineups of extreme music I’ve seen in years.
The show started surprisingly early at 4:30 p.m., which made it tough to get there on time after work. Unfortunately, that meant I missed a few of the newer bands who played early in the evening.
Corpse Pile were a perfect fit to open for a band like Dying Fetus, so I was especially disappointed to miss their set. They kicked off the night with their unique fusion of slam, hardcore, and death metal. Their music hits hard while still keeping things groovy. Their 2024 Hardgore Deathmetal EP is a relentless onslaught, packed with crushing riffs and raw intensity. Hopefully, they’ll be back soon with a later set time.
I also regrettably missed Vomit Forth and Undeath, though I’ve had the pleasure of catching both before. These two are undoubtedly among the finest of the new generation of death metal, consistently delivering phenomenal live performances.
I arrived just in time for Ne Obliviscaris, hailing all the way from Australia. I was impressed to see the Olympia already packed with metalheads of all stripes. Ne Obliviscaris blends progressive and melodic metal with an array of influences, producing a sound that’s rich with symphonic elements, violin flourishes, and a dual vocal approach that intertwines clean singing with harsh growls. While their style isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse, their musicianship was undeniable, and the crowd responded with thunderous enthusiasm to every track. Fans of Cradle of Filth likely found their set especially appealing.
Next up were Fleshgod Apocalypse, a band I had long heard praise for but had never seen live. Clad in full Victorian gothic attire, they immediately commanded the stage. The audience erupted, clearly packed with fans eager for their performance. Their blend of symphonic death metal and operatic vocals created a grandiose, almost theatrical atmosphere. Their technical prowess was on full display, with guitars and keyboards racing in sync at blistering speeds. I went in unfamiliar with their material, but left a convert, especially impressed by the opening track, I Can Never Die, which showcased their signature mix of aggression and elegance.
Next up was the first headliner of the night, the legendary Cradle of Filth. I’ve been a devoted fan for nearly 30 years, and their early albums Dusk and Her Embrace and Cruelty and the Beast still stand as some of the greatest in metal history. They opened their set with To Live Deliciously, a standout from their latest release and clearly a fan favourite, judging by the crowd’s reaction.
Dani Filth was in top form, with his signature high-pitched shrieks echoing hauntingly throughout the venue. As usual, the band had gone through some lineup changes, but this version of Cradle was especially tight. Guitarist Marek stood out, combining blistering riffs with great energy and constant interaction with the crowd. The band stayed true to their classic sound and kept backing tracks to a minimum, which I really appreciated.
The band followed with Nemesis and She is Fire, before reaching deep into their catalogue for The Principle of Evil Made Flesh. As a longtime fan, it was a delight to hear this classic live, and judging by the crowd’s response, I wasn’t alone in that sentiment.
They also performed Malignant Perfection, a new single that held its own alongside their vintage material. The crowd exploded when the keyboardist began the spoken-word intro to Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids, triggering a wild mosh pit and crowd-surfing frenzy, with fans singing every word and mimicking Dani’s distinctive delivery.
They closed the set with a deep cut from Midian, Death Magick for Adepts, followed by their iconic Her Ghost in the Fog, featuring a guest vocalist for the intro and operatic accompaniment from the Growlers Choir. It was a perfect crescendo to an unforgettable set.
I really enjoyed the performance, but I couldn’t help wishing for more, both in length and variety. The absence of tracks from Dusk and Her Embrace was especially noticeable and left me craving a longer set. That said, it only made me even more excited for their eventual return on a full-length headlining tour.
Finally, Dying Fetus took the stage to close out the evening. Wasting no time, they opened with the crushing Praise the Lord (Opium of the Masses), instantly setting a relentless tone. The thunderous groove and technical precision whipped the crowd into a frenzy.
I’ve seen Dying Fetus numerous times over the past two decades, and somehow, they keep getting better. Their setlist spanned their storied career, with classics like Grotesque Impalement alongside newer rippers like Unbridled Fury. The mosh pit never let up.
Their technical mastery was truly awe-inspiring—tight, brutal, and precise, with the dual vocals seamlessly switching off over a barrage of grinding riffs and bone-crushing grooves. Every time I see them, I walk away with an even deeper respect for their musicianship.
The Chaos & Carnage tour was an auditory feast for metal fans. The sheer number of bands and the variety of styles offered tremendous value, giving fans a chance to both celebrate legendary acts and discover promising newcomers. That said, the early Tuesday start did pose a challenge. Still, for those who made it, the night was unforgettable.
Review – Jason Maher
Photos – Steve Gerrard
