The Toronto Metal Scene has been spoiled lately, seeing an abundance of shows now scheduled on Friday and Saturday nights. We were once a product of Monday and Tuesday stops with the odd Thursday thrown in, but the community has been growing and the demand for bigger venues and longer sets has now been setting the standard for “well we better big a night everyone can bring their best!“

That day was last Saturday that saw long-time Folk Metal favourites Korpiklaani return with the seafaring favourites Visions of Atlantis. For the openers? Switzerland’s shimmering crystal that is Illumishade with their North American Debut. With both the Jays and Leafs in town, traffic to the venue was heavy, even at 1pm as I made my way downtown. A transit shift saw more delays in arrivals but that didn’t stop fans from eagerly arriving before doors opened at 7pm.

VIP for VoA and Korpiklaani had already been inside for the better part of an hour, many of their frames already huddled at the barricade while others chatted at the bar. The new entries of course headed to Merch, eager to get their hands on a few exclusives and the bits of signed memorabilia often offered at each show in limited quantity. For me, it was heading to as close as front and center as I could be, absolutely ecstatic to see Illumishade‘s live debut in Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre.

My knees were weak, my heart was racing, and time seemed to simply snap away in an instant when the lights dimmed. As far as showing up for openers, most people prefer to stay home and pre-drink, especially before a weekend event, but this was not the case for Illumishade. Fabienne Erni is a favourite in the hearts of many Metal fans, and few were willing to miss the opportunity to see her belt it out for her own, soul-expressing project. The venue was nearly bursting at the seams and it was only 7:30PM.

Illumishade took the stage, opening up with “Elegy” that had the crowd in an uproar. The energy of the band was contagious, seeping out from their every smile and hair whip before cascading over the crowd to see fans singing along and swaying to the rhythm. “Enemy” brought in some heavier sound as Fabi’s vocals hit the ceiling, raining down over the masses as we stood in awe before leading into the gentle yet powerful “Here We Are“.

Fans were swooning, with arms in the air to move to the beat. It was magical, and almost trance-like with how hypnotized the audience became. Eyes sprawling across the stage it was hard to disagree as the talented Mirjam Skal cast her orchestral spells and Yannick Urbanczik flung his bass and body around on stage as if entranced. Marc Friedrich was no shadow in the back either, his hands dancing as he every drumbeat echoed across the floor.

Leading into a more Power Metal vibe came “Into the Darkness” that saw the light-hearted yet ferocious vocals come forth, the crowd hooked on every word. While “Cloudreader” followed up, it was no less as electrifying as it slowed the pace but had fans singing along loudly. Finalizing the evening, the popular ballad “Rise” off their debut album Eclyptic: Wake of Shadows took over, fans breathless as Fabi’s vocals prowess enveloped the room. Jonas Wolf’s guitar solos stunned throughout the night, but the piece that comes with “Rise” is unparalleled in majesty.

Fan favourite “Tales of Time” made an appearance despite the absence of harsh vocalist guest Chrigel Glanzmann (Eluveitie). This saw Fabi bring in a new range of vocal power that both surprised and excited fans. As the harsh lines hit, Fabi took over, giving us some fury-ridden growls as she paced the stage like a wild cat ready to strike. The closure for the band came with their debut single “World’s End” that saw fans ignite their energy at its fullest to sing along and head-bang to its heavy and earth-shattering presence. It was torrential in its power, and the audience erupted in unison at its closure, celebrating Illumishade‘s victorious launch on North American shores yet mourning the time now behind them. The sea of fans held an energy so vibrant it was palpable. And the excitement for guests, VoA, was now only amplified by the outstanding performance of Illumishade.

Taking a breather and stepping aside for the hardcore VoA fans, I took time to speak with Fabi and Mirji at merch before returning to witness the force of the ocean emerge on stage with “Master the Hurricane“. Having missed VoA in the past due to schedule conflicts, I was beyond excited to finally hear them and see them live. Clementine Delauney’s vocal range is no joke. It’s almost intimidating to hear how strikingly low her vocals can go while simultaneously ascending to Opera-level highs that crash over the audience like an eagle’s wingspan. “Clocks“, one of the most fun and favourite new tracks saw an entire crowd uplifted, cheering and dancing along without falter.

Following up with the fiery “Mercy” and heavy-hitting “Tonight I’m Alive“, VoA had no trouble cranking the crowd up to the max, watching as they moshed and crashed into the barricade like a raging sea. It was my favourite, “Heroes of the Dawn” that had me pause, nearly in tears, to record a bit for my own memories. To witness it live, sounding spot on with recording, was inspiring. It remains one of my favourite VoA songs, and one of my favourite songs in general for how fantastical and lore-ridden it is through and through.


New tracks “Monster” saw fury return to the stage before the crowd-involved “Armada” came ashore. Their fun-filled new release had the crowd in a playful uproar, screaming “HAIL JOLLY ROGER” whenever commanding officer Michele Guaitoli’s hand was thrown into the air. The thrills continued as the ‘jump song’ commenced on the piano, signifying that “Melancholy Angel” was ready to get our adrenaline going. To see the crowd at midway through the evening still absolutely enthralled by the bands was a delight. And with “Pirates Will Return” that same level of commitment came when the entire floor dropped down to ‘row’ at VoA‘s command.

Having been to Amon Amarth and other shows, I’ve yet to see a rowing pit just as large as the one VoA just commanded. Ending with “Legions of the Sea” VoA captured the crowd in their treasure chest, once more ready to bury our beloved hearts somewhere secret and safe until their return. It was an absolute pleasure to see VoA play live and I surely won’t miss out again. After witnessing their charisma and command on stage, the crowd eating out of their hands and giving it their all, there is no wonder VoA brings in the masses across the world.

I, unfortunately, didn’t stick around to witness the weird and wild that is Korpiklaani this round due to dinner arrangements and other commitments, but I expect they were no less as eclectic as usual. The crowd after VoA had dispersed quite a bit, signaling to me that a different crowd was soon to emerge to take the space of Symphonic dreamers. There as a mixture but it was evident many had come to see Illumishade‘s mighty debut, and stay for VoA as they came ashore before departing for the night. Korpiklaani always brings their A game, and with them comes a fun and interesting crowd that always leaves curious memories in their wake.

You can still grab tickets for the ‘Rankarumpu’ tour HERE that’s headed back into Canada this weekend with the exception of the now SOLD OUT Calgary show!

And don’t forget to follow Illumishade, Visions of Atlantis, and Korpiklaani on their social media outlets, patreon, and web pages to stay up-to-date on new releases, behind the scenes moments, and much more!