Black Absinthe Headlines Zero Tolerance's Death by Thrash Tour - A Night of Metal Mayhem in Oshawa

jaybroderick
Aug 7
3 min read

Updated: Aug 8

By: Jay Broderick

Oshawa, ON - The Atria in Oshawa, known for its relentless dedication to live music seven nights a week, was the battleground for the Zero Tolerance Death by Thrash Tour, and it did not disappoint. Presented by Toronto's live music promoter Neurotic Entertainment, and despite a modest turnout, the energy inside was volcanic, with three bands delivering a full-throttle metal experience that proved the genre is alive and thrashing in Toronto’s backyard.

Vesper

First Show, First Victory! Opening the night was Vesper, a fresh-faced local act playing their first-ever live show. Ahead of the show, guitarist Owen Schoch shared the band's origins, having met at open mic jams at Oshawa's newest live music venue Bond|St, mere months ago. With 14 year old fill-in guitarist Milan Pankratsenka joining Schoch, Oliver Smith (bass/vocals), and Lukas Smith (drums), the band kicked things off with a bold cover of Metallica’s “Am I Evil”, a nod to Diamond Head’s original.

Though all songs were covers, their execution was impressive, culminating in a crushing rendition of Trivium’s “Rain” that had fans thrashing up front and headbanging in the back. The band’s chemistry and raw talent shone through. For a debut, this was a triumph. WELL DONE!

Zero Tolerance

The crowd’s anticipation peaked for Zero Tolerance, the band many had come specifically to see, including myself after reading Dan Duffin’s rave review from the band's show in The Hammer last year.

A thunderous drum intro led into their explosive opener, followed by “Hellion,” a track from their debut EP Tender is the Flesh, released exactly one year ago. Vocalist Nate Yarrow channeled early Quorthon, the legendary vocalist for Sweden's Metal Gods Bathory, with gritty, old-school vocals reminiscent of the aforementioned band's self titled debut, and their 2nd release The Return. The band’s sound was pure 1980s thrash, raw, fast, and furious.

“Kill The Colony” and “None of Your Concern” showcased new material from their upcoming debut album, while “Written to Die” ignited a mosh pit at the bassist’s request.

Nate closed with a rallying cry: “DEATH BY THRASH!”, a chorus the crowd screamed back with fervor. Five shows into their Quebec-Ontario tour, Zero Tolerance proved they’re a force to be reckoned with. Metal World… LOOK OUT!

Black Absinthe

Toronto’s Power Trio Headliners Black Absinthe took the stage with theatrical flair! Bassist Kyle Scarlett in iconic makeup, drummer Fernando Villalobos barefoot, guitarist/vocalist Jack Cerre with his legendary heavy metal look of whip straight hair and a 'stache that Ron Jeremy would be proud of, blew out of the gates with a sound check that quickly gave way to a blistering set. “Let’s not have them wait any longer,” Cerre declared before launching into their first track.

Listen, I made the comment earlier that I was at this show specifically to catch Zero Tolerance. While that is completely true, Black Absinthe are huge in the Toronto metal scene. I first caught the band live during the Bastardane show at Sneaky Dee's on August 6, 2024, and I tell you, these guys are the real deal! So I was completely gassed to stay for the full show, and check out these madmen from the big city.

Kyle Scarlett performs live in Oshawa. Photo By: Jay Broderick

Highlights included “Twisted Past,” a 13-year-old staple featuring a blistering solo and synchronized thrashing from the 2 guys up front, and “Essentially Fucked,” which opened with Slayer-esque cymbal chaos and another fiery solo from the singer-guitarist. I'd also be remiss to call out the band's performance of “Jean Lanfray”, the dark tale of absinthe-fueled madness, while “Nobody Knows” teased an upcoming music video.

Despite being a three-piece, their sound was massive... raw yet full. The band also played their iconic tribute to 'Queen West', their Toronto party stomping ground, before thanking the crowd and fellow bands. Though the room wasn’t packed, Black Absinthe gave it everything, proving once again that passion trumps numbers.

While the Death by Thrash Tour is Zero Tolerance's 2025 Quebec-Ontario tour, Black Absinthe performed headline duties at the Oshawa stop. It was a testament to metal’s enduring spirit. From Vesper’s promising debut to Zero Tolerance’s thrash revival and Black Absinthe’s seasoned power, the night was a celebration of grit, energy, and community. And judging by the young fans in attendance, the future of metal, at least here in Toronto, is in very good hands.

Concert Photo Gallery (all photos by: Jay Broderick)