The Exchange Event Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada saw its first-ever metal/hardcore show on May 9, 2024, featuring touring acts Better Lovers, SeeYouSpaceCowboy, Foreign Hands, and Greyhaven. The venue, typically hosting more hip-hop and EDM acts, was transformed into a haven for metal and hardcore fans, and the night was nothing short of electrifying.
Greyhaven. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Kicking off the night, Greyhaven set the tone with a ferocious energy that reverberated throughout the venue. Opening with "In A Room Where Everything Dies," the band immediately captivated the audience. Their set, a mix of raw emotion and technical prowess, included fan favourites like "Confined Collapse" and "Sweet Machine." The band’s performance of "More and More Hands" and "Foreign Anchor" showcased their ability to blend melody with aggression seamlessly. Closing with the haunting "Echo and Dust, Pt. 1," Greyhaven left the stage to a roaring applause, having set an incredibly high bar for the night.
Foreign Hands. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Next up, Foreign Hands took the stage, diving headfirst into "God Under Fingernails," which also featured a surprise appearance by Jess Nyx of World of Pleasure. Their set was a relentless assault of hardcore intensity, with tracks like "Conditioned For A Head-On Collision" and "Horror Domain" igniting mosh pits and crowd surfers. The band’s energy was palpable, especially during "Laceration Wings" and "Hesitation Marks," where the crowd’s fervour matched the band's intensity. "A Cardiac Winter" and "Tearing Down Your Reality" were absolute highlights, demonstrating their technical skill and emotional depth. By the time they ended with "Separation Souvenir," Foreign Hands had firmly cemented their place in the hearts of the Winnipeg audience.
SeeYouSpaceCowboy. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
SeeYouSpaceCowboy's performance was a masterclass in chaotic hardcore and metal brilliance. Opening with "Allow Us to Set the Scene," they plunged the audience into a whirlwind of complex rhythms and searing vocals. Tracks like "Silhouettes In Motion" and "Disdain Coupled With a Wide Smile" were both abrasive and captivating. The band’s interaction with the crowd was dynamic, especially during "The End to a Brief Moment of Lasting Intimacy" and "Subtle Whispers to Take Your Breath Away." The set’s climax came with the explosive "Armed With Their Teeth" and the provocatively titled "I Am a Trans-Continental Railroad, Please Run a Train on Me." By the time they closed with "Chewing the Scenery," SeeYouSpaceCowboy had left an indelible mark on the crowd, who responded with deafening applause. The set also marked the band's third time to the city.
Better Lovers. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Headliners, the hardcore punk supergroup Better Lovers, took the stage amidst a cacophony of cheers, launching into "Become So Small." Their set was a tour de force of metalcore and hardcore punk excellence, with tracks like "Sacrificial Participant" and "Edward" displaying their signature blend of melody and brutality. The audience was in a frenzy during "Two Alive Amongst the Dead" and "Croc," with circle pits opening up across the floor. The emotional weight of "The Flowering" was a standout moment, as was their crushing cover of Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage." The energy peaked with the set closing tracks, "God Made Me an Animal" and the powerful "30 Under 13." Better Lovers' performance was a testament to their status as titans of the genre, leaving the crowd exhilarated and craving more.
The night was a monumental success, both for the bands and the venue. The Exchange Event Centre proved to be an excellent host for a metal/hardcore show, with its acoustics and atmosphere enhancing the performances. Each band brought their unique style and energy, creating a diverse yet cohesive lineup that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. This concert will undoubtedly go down as a pivotal moment in Winnipeg's music scene, setting a high standard for possible future metal and hardcore shows at the venue.