Montréal’s heavy music scene was in full force for a completely sold-out night as Hanabie brought their chaotic, high-energy show to MTelus. With a stacked lineup that blended death metal brutality and theatrical flair, the night delivered nonstop intensity from start to finish. From crushing breakdowns to playful stage antics, each band left their mark on an already electric crowd.
Kicking off the night, Enterprise Earth wasted no time setting a punishing tone. The Washington State death metal band proved they were more than just an opener, exceeding expectations with a crushing set full of breakdowns that kept the crowd in constant motion. Circle pits and wall of deaths erupted throughout, fueled by the band’s unrelenting energy.
Despite having no original members remaining, Enterprise Earth showed zero signs of slowing down as a unit. Vocalist Travis Worland stole the spotlight early, leaping over photographers onto the barricade during the third song before crowd surfing across the venue. His vocal range—from guttural pig squeals to clean passages—was nothing short of insane. With their 2025 EP Descent into Madness (and its instrumental counterpart), the band made a massive statement and set the bar high for the rest of the night.
Nekrogoblikon brought a completely different kind of chaos, opening their set with the Pokémon theme song and instantly winning over the crowd. The Los Angeles death metal veterans, active since 2006, leaned fully into their theatrical style, complete with a giant inflatable goblin head looming over the stage.
Clean vocalist Grady James Welch, dressed as a goblin, was a constant source of energy, hyping up the crowd and creating a fun dynamic with heavy vocalist Dickie Allen. A standout moment was their unique vocal interplay, with Grady screaming out cues for the audience while Dickie delivered the crushing vocals. Beyond the music, their personality extended to their merch, including standout beanies with goblin ears. With a new album, The Boiling Sea, set for release on April 17th, Nekrogoblikon proved they’re still evolving while keeping things wildly entertaining.
Closing the night, Hanabie delivered exactly what fans came for—and more. The Japanese metal band, formed in 2015, has built a reputation for their unique fusion of kawaii aesthetics and heavy-hitting sound, and their Montréal performance showed why they continue to rise.
The four members took the stage one by one, each greeting the crowd before launching into a whirlwind of sound and movement. Their performance was a constant explosion of energy—twirling, dancing, jumping, and headbanging without a single dull moment. Their ability to switch from high-pitched, cute vocals to crushing death metal intensity remains one of their most impressive traits.
Fresh off the release of their January 2026 EP Hot Topic, the band radiated positivity that spread through the entire venue. Even after recently cancelling a show due to vocalist Yukina’s throat issues, there was no sign of struggle—she delivered a flawless performance alongside the rest of the band. Their chemistry, energy, and stage presence made it clear: if you ever get the chance to see Hanabie live, it’s not something to pass up.
From the sheer aggression of Enterprise Earth to the theatrical madness of Nekrogoblikon and the infectious energy of Hanabie, this sold-out Montréal show had everything. Each band brought something unique, creating a dynamic and unforgettable night that kept fans engaged from the first breakdown to the final note.
