The Reconquest Tour made its Winnipeg stop at the Park Theatre on August 19, 2024, delivering a night of heavy, hard-hitting performances that left the audience energized and craving more. The tour featured touring metal outfits Bastardane and OTTTO, with local alt-metal band Unsilenced opening the show. The historic venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and stellar acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for a night of pure, unadulterated metal.
Unsilenced. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Kicking off the evening was Winnipeg’s own Unsilenced, a band that’s been steadily gaining traction in the local alt-metal scene. Their set was a blistering assault of riff-heavy tracks and raw, emotional vocals. The crowd, already buzzing with anticipation, responded enthusiastically, headbanging and moshing with fervour. Unsilenced’s sound, reminiscent of early 2000s alt-metal but with a modern twist, set the tone for the night, proving that they were more than capable of holding their own alongside the tour’s headliners.
OTTTO. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Next up was OTTTO, a band that seamlessly blends old-school thrash influences with modern metal sensibilities. From the moment they launched into "Ride Low," it was clear that the trio had the crowd in the palm of their hands. The setlist was a well-balanced mix of fan favourites and newer material, including a taste of what is to come from the band with a performance of their new track "Hedgehog," which showcased their knack for intricate riffs and dynamic shifts.
"Let Them Return" and "Cosmos" highlighted the band’s technical prowess, with tight, precise instrumentation that never sacrificed energy for complexity. The crowd was particularly responsive during "Ghost" and "Night Howlers," with heads banging in unison and fists pumping in the air. The set closed with "Skyscraper," a towering anthem that left the audience chanting for more. OTTTO's performance was a masterclass in blending aggression with melody, setting a high bar for the night.
Bastardane. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Headliners Bastardane took the stage with a vengeance, immediately launching into "Sweet & Cheap," a track that set the tone for their relentless, high-octane set. The band's raw energy was palpable, with each member delivering a performance that was as intense as it was precise.
The setlist was a journey through the band’s discography, with highlights including the blistering "Revolt" and the crushingly heavy "Temporary Lies." The three-piece band commanded the stage with a ferocity that had the crowd in a frenzy, particularly during "Chum" and "Weird Piece of Meat."
"Gaslight" and "Above All" closed out the night with anthemic choruses and bone-crushing riffs that reverberated through the venue long after the final note was played. Bastardane's performance was a testament to their status as a rising force in the metal scene, delivering a show that was equal parts ferocity and finesse. The Reconquest Tour stop in Winnipeg was a night of metal mastery, with each band bringing their A-game and leaving it all on the stage. The Park Theatre, with its storied history and intimate setting, proved to be the perfect venue for a show of this calibre. Unsilenced, OTTTO, and Bastardane each delivered performances that highlighted their unique strengths, making for an unforgettable night that left fans eager for more. As the final chords rang out and the crowd dispersed into the Winnipeg night, there was a palpable sense that they had just witnessed something truly special—a concert experience that will be talked about for years to come.