As the last of the soundchecks were complete, fans hungrily filed into Coop Katacombes, on Thursday, June 12th, 2014, seeking out the merch table before being witness to a celebration of brash, unadulterated Heavy Metal, courtesy of England’s own  GRIM REAPER! Organized and promoted by Annick Cauchemar (of the Montreal band, CAUCHEMAR)/ Violently Old School, fans finally had the opportunity to « experience » one of the grandfathers of the N.W.O.B.H.M, since their performance here in 1987. Thus, tonight was an aspicious occasion!

Montreal’s MADPARISH kicked off the festivities with a strong performance, harking back to the early 80`s tradition, both in terms of sound and look! Singer, Josh McConnell appeared like an untamed Heavy Metal wrestler, flaunting traditional 80`s style black spandex and belting out a vicious scream under long locks of curly hair (ala. Chuck Billy of TESTAMENT)! Meanwhile the three guitars raged behind, accompanied by a rhythmic bass and drum tempo that kept the energy high. Wasting no time in « delivering the goods », MADPARISH certainly have synchronized their performance from headbanging in unison to dual vocal harmonies with the guitarist to including a dry ice effect that may have been a bit too thick at times. Nevertheless, the band played a flawless set with the players clearly having the time of their lives!

MIDNIGHT MALICE were certainly in fine form as well, blasting the audience with a more aggressive approach than MADPARISH, the Toronto natives`brand of thrashy, Heavy Metal with true grit and propulsion kept the spirit of the 80`s alive too, though with a contemporary « bite »! Performing songs from their debut, « Proving Grounds« , the band swept through « The Lady Killer« , « In the Dead of the Night » and « Pray For Death » to fans who roared their approval after every song, a deafening noise that seemed to elevate as the set carried on! Live bassist, Brain Stephenson (of Old James/Aggressor) furiously took the stage as though he owned it, whipping and contorting his body as the notes rang out, clearly savoring every moment on that stage! Meanwhile, with fans singing along and fist-pumping the air, it was clear that the evening was on an upswing.

With growing anticipation, England’s GRIM REAPER graced the stage one by one before finally seeing original singer/member, Steve Grimmett, walk on to massive applause. Wild and wickedly fun, GRIM REAPER‘s set was awash in tunes ranging from their first record to their last (and then some), smashing out hits, « Wrath of the Ripper« , « Liar« , « Matter of Time« , « Lay it on the Line« , « Rock me ’till I die » and « Waysted Love« , a song which apparently the other members (aside from Steve Grimmett) were hesitant in playing. Being met with complete adoration, Grimmett and co. also paid respect to the late, great Ronnie James Dio in performing a heartfelt rendition of « Don’t Talk to Strangers« , before ending the evening with fan favorite, « See You in Hell« ! Like a runaway freight train, GRIM REAPER didn’t mince words, but were on their « A Game » giving a perfect show and proving that you can’t keep a good man down; Grimmett‘s voice was phenomenal, and while it has been nearly 30 years since the band has performed in Montreal, with a new album in the works, it may not be the last…..