Kim Dracula & Hanabie in Montreal

Hidden Beats

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Kim Dracula Kicks Off Tour in Montreal with a High-Energy Lineup

The first day of Kim Dracula’s tour in Montreal was an electrifying experience, with an eclectic mix of bands that each brought something unique to the stage. From genre-defying performances to explosive crowd energy, the night was packed with unforgettable moments.

Kaonashi: A Genre-Blending Force

The night opened with Kaonashi, a band that refuses to be boxed into one genre. Their sound was an intricate mix of pop, screamo, metal, and even hip-hop, making for a truly original experience. The band’s high energy on stage kept the audience engaged, with the singer not only delivering powerful vocals but also using a mixer in a DJ-like fashion to create live samples. Their ability to keep the crowd alive and involved set the perfect tone for the night.

Intermission: A Drum Solo Surprise

Between the first and second band, while checking their instruments, the drummer delivered an impromptu solo for the crowd, hyping up the audience and keeping the energy levels high before the next act.

Crystal Lake: A Death Metal Powerhouse

Next up was Crystal Lake, an American-Japanese death metal band that brought a major shift in intensity. Their performance was nothing short of mind-blowing, with guitarists and the bassist showcasing incredible technical skills and raw energy. The mosh pit was at its peak during their set, showing just how much the crowd fed off their energy. The band also expressed their love for Montreal, recalling their last visit in November 2023 and sharing their excitement to return. Their precision and talent reinforced the idea that Japanese musicians seem to master everything they touch.

Kim Dracula: Theatrical and Unpredictable

When Kim Dracula took the stage, it was clear that the show was about to reach another level. The set began with a dramatic monologue about an impending nuclear strike, with the only thing capable of stopping it being the energy of the live audience. The symbolism was reinforced with a microphone stand shaped like a nuke. Kim Dracula entered through the crowd, splitting it in half before emerging in full force—face painted, dressed in a pilot’s uniform, and bringing an intense blend of rapcore, screamo, and metal. The backdrop featured a massive banner that seemed bigger than most apartments, adding to the theatrical spectacle. To top it off, a saxophonist who also played the keys brought an unexpected yet brilliant musical layer to the performance.

Hanabie: Kawaii Death Metal Perfection

Closing out the night was Hanabie, a Japanese kawaii death metal band that proved that cuteness and brutality can coexist in perfect harmony. The band’s energy was infectious, and the crowd responded with sheer enthusiasm, leading to an outbreak of crowd surfing. The lead vocalist’s ability to seamlessly transition from deep, guttural growls to an adorable kawaii singing voice was jaw-dropping. Their performance solidified them as a must-see act, further proving that Japanese musicians have an uncanny ability to execute their craft flawlessly.

The first night of Kim Dracula’s tour in Montreal was nothing short of extraordinary. Each band brought something fresh and exciting to the stage, making for a diverse and unforgettable experience. Whether it was the genre-blending uniqueness of Kaonashi, the sheer technical prowess of Crystal Lake, the theatrical energy of Kim Dracula, or the mind-blowing performance of Hanabie, the night had something for every kind of heavy music fan. If the rest of the tour is anything like this, fans are in for an incredible ride.

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