Sepultura + Exodus + Biohazard + Tribal Gaze @ MTelus

A Spectacular and Heavy Night

A powerful, sold-out night in Montreal brought together fans from their late 50s to their early 20s—different generations united by the same intensity. Around 6:30 p.m., MTELUS wasn’t full yet—but that didn’t last long.

Tribal Gaze

My first time hearing them—and what a surprise.

Leaning toward a raw, old-school American death metal sound rather than the more melodic European style, the Texas band opened with a long, crushing instrumental that immediately grabbed attention, setting a heavy, almost ritualistic tone.

When they launched into Emptying the Nest, arguably the best song from their latest album, the energy shifted instantly. Within minutes, word spread and the venue filled quickly. The first real mosh pit erupted, and from that moment on, the connection with the crowd was undeniable.

Guardian the Illusion, also from their latest album—and arguably their strongest—hit with precision and force. Their 45-minute set was tight, aggressive, and carried a true old-school spirit. With only three albums under their belt, these young guys already feel like the real deal.

Biohazard

Evan Seinfeld appeared with his unmistakable cholo style, bringing a gritty, street-level presence reminiscent of Suicidal Tendencies.

As pioneers of blending hardcore punk with metal, Biohazard still sounds raw, direct, and confrontational. Their themes—urban life, social injustice, and personal struggle—remain as relevant as ever.

The crowd shouted “f*** the system” in unison—even those who didn’t fully know the song. When Punishment dropped, the entire venue erupted—one of those rare moments where band and audience become one. It was a solid 45-minute set that kept the momentum building.

Exodus

Exodus has been around since 1979. These pioneers opened with We Will Rock You playing in the background, letting the tension build as the crowd prepared for impact. The moment Bonded by Blood hit, everything exploded into full pit mode—and it never really slowed down.

It was great to see Rob Dukes returning on lead vocals; he delivered his trademark sneer and high-energy vocals while constantly pushing the crowd further. Gary Holt looked completely locked in—riffing like it’s still 1985, only heavier and sharper.

During Blacklist, the floor turned into a massive, swirling pit—one of the wildest moments of the night. After nearly an hour of relentless energy, they closed with Strike of the Beast, followed by We Are the Champions over the PA—a brief moment to breathe before the final act.

Sepultura

One of my favourite bands from my youth. Having seen them back in 1994, this show felt personal, elevated by today’s incredibly powerful and clear sound systems.

Walking into the venue, the first thing that stood out was the massive merch line. Brazilian flags were everywhere—a strong visual tribute to the band’s roots and legacy. Even without Max and Igor Cavalera, what remains is still formidable. Andreas Kisser led with confidence and experience, while Derrick Green brought a strong, positive energy that carried across the room.

They opened with one of their classics, Beneath the Remains, instantly shaking the venue and igniting the pit. Desperate Cry and Embryonic Cells stood out as some of the most intense and precise performances of the night. Then came Kaiowas, where percussion and acoustic guitars created a hypnotic, tribal atmosphere—one of those rare moments where the entire crowd locked into the same rhythm.

When Territory hit, the message behind the lyrics felt heavier than ever. New drummer Greyson Nekrutman—stepping in after Eloy Casagrande—delivered a precise and powerful performance: clean, intense, and fully in control. They closed the night with Roots Bloody Roots, unleashing one final surge of energy to an already exhausted but united crowd.

One of the best shows of the year.

Different generations, different backgrounds—one shared intensity.

We need music. Music brings people together—in peace.

Review – Andres Pedroza
Photos – Ryan Rumpel

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