The Order of Chaos put on one hell of a party on Saturday night with Edmonton locals Atrates, the Tylor Dory Trio, and Calgary's Scythia at their side, in celebration of their newest album: Apocalypse Moon! Playing to a full floor at Union Hall, The Order of Chaos delivered a performance that was nothing short of incredible.
Kicking off the night with Atrates as our opener, the melodic death metal group boomed through their set, with songs consisting of gritty vocals, countless rippin' guitar solos and booming drums; This was just the right ingredient to get the crowd warmed up for what was to come.
Following on with progressive rockers of the Tylor Dory Trio. Different from the other bands on the bill, but yet so suiting, the Tylor Dory Trio intricately shredded through their set with beautiful melodies, both impressive and delicate. As the cherry on top of this particular performance, the band welcomed John Saturley (guitarist of The Order of Chaos) to the stage, where then they covered "The Drappery Falls" (Opeth - Blackwater Park - 2001), doing the 10 minute epic justice, staying true to the song, and remaining on par with the original track in terms of epicness.
Third of the night, Calgary's own progressive/folk metal masters Scythia stormed the stage, blasting and chanting into a chaotic set that left the audience smiling, headbanging and with the horns held high, singing along to the pleasant melodies of original songs such as "Bear Claw Tavern" and "Reflections".
The crowd began to inch closer and closer to the stage, the excitement in the air was thick enough to slice with a blunt knife, as the room eagerly awaited The Order of Chaos' appearance. Appearing on stage as silhouettes though the fog, the soaring voice of front woman, Amanda Kiernan, broke the stillness. Starting off strong with a track from the new album, "Survival of the Richest", The Order of Chaos brought exactly what you would expect to the stage... CHAOS! As one of Edmonton's most popular metal bands, a forefather to our local music scene, and running strong for over 10 years, The Order always puts on a show that's a mash up of impressive, destructive and energetic elements, making them a must-see act every time they take the stage. Between the screaming guitars of John Simon Fallon and John Saturley, the band smashed and bashed their way though an 11 song set, mainly consisting of new songs, but made up of tracks spanning their 10+ year career, including fan favorites such as: "Chaos in Cairo", "Get in the Pit", "A Torturer's Apprentice", and also welcoming guest pianist, Sophia Barry, for the opening interlude of "The Devil You Know", as well as Amanda's occasional offering of a beer-bong for those on the front rail for a highlight of the set. Finishing strong with the rolling bass lines of The Order of Chaos' newest member, Barrett Klesko, complimenting the bone-rattling drumming of Tim Prevost, as he kicked it into high gear with the title track off the new album "Apocalypse Moon". The band played their instruments more aggressively than ever before while falling into their finale, pleasantly saying goodnight to Edmonton with the haunting and relentless melodies of "Darklord". Shaking hands with nearby fans, and exchanging smiles and hugs, The Order of Chaos had once again put on a remarkable performance that wont soon be forgotten!
