We Are Story Tellers
On March 24th, Winnipeg’s Burton Cummings Theatre became a battleground of sound as Killswitch Engage brought their high-octane metalcore to an eager crowd. With a stacked lineup featuring Frozen Soul, Fit For A King, and Kublai Khan, the night was a relentless display of energy, aggression, and musicianship that left no one standing still.
From the moment the doors opened, there was a buzz in the air. Fans decked out in band merch packed into the historic venue, ready to throw down. The mix of metalheads, longtime fans, and newcomers created a charged atmosphere, all eager for the sonic onslaught ahead. The Burton Cummings Theatre, usually home to classic rock legends and seated performances, was transformed into a haven for metal, with its ornate interior contrasting sharply against the raw intensity that would soon erupt on stage.
Frozen Souls kicked off the night with a crushing set that made it clear they weren’t just here to warm up the crowd—they came to destroy. Their blend of thick, punishing riffs and guttural vocals set the tone, shaking the walls of the old theatre. The audience responded in kind, headbanging and surging forward, a clear sign that they were locked in from the start. Despite being the first act of the night, they played with a confidence and precision that made them impossible to ignore.
Fit For A King followed, bringing a polished yet no less ferocious set. Their ability to balance crushing heaviness with soaring melodies had the crowd in their grip from the first note. There was a real sense of connection between the band and the audience, with moments of collective catharsis as fans sang and screamed along. The interplay between clean and harsh vocals added depth to their sound, making their set stand out amidst the night’s brutality. It was clear they had a dedicated following in the crowd, and by the time they wrapped up, they had undoubtedly gained even more fans.
Kublai Khan took the stage next, and if anyone thought the energy might dip, they were sorely mistaken. The band unleashed an unrelenting assault of breakdowns and heavy-hitting grooves, sending the pit into a frenzy. The sheer weight of their sound made the floor tremble, and their intense stage presence only added to the chaos. Fans screamed along, fists pumping, and the band fed off the energy, making for one of the most visceral performances of the night.
As the lights dimmed and anticipation reached its peak, Killswitch Engage took the stage. The roar from the crowd was deafening as the band launched into their set, delivering a masterclass in metalcore. The combination of soaring melodies, punishing riffs, and pummeling rhythms was executed flawlessly, with every member of the band locked in tight. Vocalist Jesse Leach commanded the stage with an electrifying presence, his voice shifting seamlessly between raw aggression and powerful cleans. The chemistry between him and guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz was undeniable, with Adam’s signature antics adding a level of fun to the otherwise blistering performance.
The set was a perfect balance of emotion and sheer intensity. At times, the band pushed the crowd into a frenzy, with circle pits and walls of death erupting across the floor. Other moments were more anthemic, as fists and voices raised in unison, creating a sense of unity among the chaos. Killswitch Engage’s ability to tap into both sides of the metalcore spectrum is part of what has made them legends in the genre, and they proved why with every crushing breakdown and soaring chorus.
The audience gave back every ounce of energy the band put out. From the relentless moshing to the deafening singalongs, it was clear that this was more than just a concert—it was an experience. Between songs, the band took time to interact with the crowd, expressing their gratitude and feeding off the love pouring from the pit. There was a genuine connection, a feeling that everyone in the room was part of something bigger than just a show.
By the time the final note rang out and the band took their bows, the exhaustion and elation on everyone’s faces said it all. Fans stumbled out of the venue sweaty, grinning, and already talking about when they’d get to do it all again. It was the kind of night that reminded everyone why live music is so powerful—why metal, in particular, has the ability to bring people together in a way that few other genres can.
Killswitch Engage and their stacked lineup delivered an unforgettable night in Winnipeg, one that won’t soon be forgotten by anyone lucky enough to be there. From start to finish, it was a relentless, cathartic, and absolutely crushing experience, proving once again why metal reigns supreme in the live music world.
Send us a message here
© Hidden Beats Corp. All Rights Reserved 2020