Published: February 2, 2019
Two American heavyweights prove the genre’s fire is alive and well in Eastern Canada
After several months without major metalcore activity on the eastern side of Ontario, Kingston finally welcomed two of North America’s finest: Unearth and Darkest Hour. The anticipation was palpable, and by the time doors opened, the Overtime Sports Bar was packed with eager fans ready for a night of pure adrenaline.
First up were the Boston titans Unearth, bringing an explosive setlist that reminded everyone why they have become an influential force in the metalcore scene. Drawing inspiration from giants like Pantera, At The Gates, Metallica and Slayer, Unearth delivered a punishing performance anchored by vocalist Trevor Phipps. With two decades behind the microphone, Phipps commanded the room with precision and fury, supported by a tight lineup that tore through the band’s discography, from early demos and their landmark debut The Stings of Conscience (2001) all the way to Extinction(s) (2018), released on Century Media.
Tracks like This Lying World, Survivalist, Zombie Autopilot, My Will Be Done, Never Cease, One With the Sun and The Great Dividers shook the venue with relentless riffs, blast beats and unstoppable breakdowns. Unearth proved once again that longevity means nothing without consistency, energy and technical execution, and they delivered all three flawlessly.
Following that sonic assault came Washington D.C.’s Darkest Hour, touring in support of their crushing album Godless Prophets and the Migrant Flora. Frontman John Henry exploded onto the stage with such kinetic intensity that photographing him felt nearly impossible. His vocals cut through the mix like barbed wire, while the band behind him created a whirlwind of harmonized leads and razor-sharp aggression.
Their setlist was a highlight reel of devastation, featuring Knife in the Safe Room, Convalescence, In the Name of Us All, An Epitaph, The Sadist Nation and a ferocious cover of Dead Kennedys’ Nazi Punks Fuck Off. With a Thousand Words to Say but One, Doomsayer (The Beginning of the End) and Tranquil pushed the room into total chaos, leaving no energy unspent.
For over two hours, fists flew, sweat poured and circle pits spun relentlessly. The crowd left bruised, smiling and fully satisfied. Nights like this confirm what metalcore fans already know: the genre is far from fading. Its pulse is loud, heavy and beating strongly in the hearts of those who continue to scream along.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
