Talk about your all time epic showdown! The 4 winners from each round of the Edmonton Wacken Metal Battles, Elnora, Arrival of Autumn, BLEED and Black XIII, all came together at the Pawn Shop on Thursday, April 2nd to battle it out to see which 2 bands would move on to face Calgary's top 2 on April 18th, where only one winner will move on to represent Alberta at the national finals in Toronto.
Playing in order of which bands won each round, kicking off the night was Red Deer's Elnora. Elnora dominated the first round of the Edmonton battles, and on Thursday night, they delivered a crushing set, full of breakdowns and epicness; Jam packed with energy that had their audience raging, and cheering for more.
Hailing all the way from Grande Prairie, AB, Arrival of Autumn was up next, and ready to kick some serious ass. After hearing many great things about this band from the second round of the battles, I was anticipating their set. With a wild crowd and wicked riffage from start to finish, Arrival of Autumn left one hell of a first impression on myself, as well as many others who gathered at the front of the stage to catch their set.
Third of the night was Edmonton's own, BLEED. With the faint smell of fake blood and maple syrup in the air, BLEED boomed into their set, playing songs compiled of thundering drums and gut wrenching vocals, with gore and horror inspired stage props to tie it all together.
Last but certainly not least, round 4 winners Black XIII was ready to rumble. Unfortunately missing this band's round due to a stubborn head cold, I was once again intrigued by what I was about to hear. As this blackened death metal threesome rolled through their set, I must say, I was mildly impressed. With their drummer as a front man, Black XIII played a handful of heavy songs with comedic names; cracking smiles on their audiences faces and immediately spreading the urge to head bang.
In the end, Arrival of Autumn and BLEED were chosen as Edmonton's representatives for the ultimate battle of Alberta, where in 2 short weeks, they will be gathering at the Pawn Shop once again to face Calgary's finalists, in an epic battle to see who will move on to the Canadian national finals. One band to rule them all... I CAN'T WAIT!