Exploring the Final Stop of Diamond Weapon's Tour at The Spot: A Night of Post Hardcore Punk

Michael Drukarsh
14 minutes ago
4 min read

By: Michael Drukarsh

Newmarket, Ontario - As the final stop on Diamond Weapon’s Letters From the Flood tour, The Spot was once again host to a variety of bands ready to support the self-described Post Hardcore Punk band from Toronto,

Sublunox

Taking the stage first, Sublunox, a hard rock band out of St. Catherines, Ontario. The band was good and I was pleased to hear tinges of Sabbath along with some funky guitar sounds coming through mid set and a big 80s metal feel on their final song. I only wish the lead singer put more energy into her stage presence. The lyrics were good, her voice was great but it was lacking power and perhaps confidence. As the power of her voice grows to match the power of the band, Sublunx will continue to rock… HARD!

Sublunox Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

Better Luck

Better Luck, out of Toronto, only plays covers and has a lot of fun doing just that. I had to admit to those hanging out outside after their set that I (as an old, stuck in my ways 80s metal head) had no idea what songs and bands Better Luck were covering, not even, to everyone’s amazement, “Try Honest” by Billy Talent. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. After getting schooled about bands such as Sugarcult, Mayday Parade, Paramore and Bayside along with others that were included, I now have a list of artists I get to explore for the very first time.

Better Luck Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

Incarnatus

A band I have seen before, Incarnatus from right here in Newmarket and featuring Tyler Patchett, who is also the lead singer from Hellseer (one of the first bands I covered at The Spot), took over next and completely blew up the stage. With a total onslaught of aggression, Incarnatus blast beat their way through a set that saw Pratchett deliver a mix of hardcore rap and guttural screams. Adding to the vocals with a sometimes whisper, other times complete bowels of Hell growl, guitarist Lenny Chiasson should also be crowned as best Hardcore/Metal face in the business!

Incarnatus Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

Gutter Girl

Taking the stage as the penultimate band of the night, Gutter Girl. Coming up from Toronto, Gutter Girl defines themselves as “Hardcore/Grindcore/Powerviolence”. Although even with those labels they are still not sure, but are proud to proclaim “they suck”. Now, they were definitely not my thing, but I wouldn’t say the three piece band sucked. The lead singer spit out lyrics faster than I have heard in a while and the guitar and drums were tight. One unique feature of Gutter Girls was that rather than ending the song cleanly, they left the feedback humming as they transitioned from tune to tune. The Powerviolence label was definitely evident in the aggressive lyrics and stage antics of the lead singer. At the end of the set there was no goodbye, no thank you, just 'fuck it we’re done' and instruments unplugged.

Gutter Girl Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

Diamond Weapon

Knowing full well they are “weird” and totally embracing it along with their post-hardcore label, Diamond Weapon brought with them an eclectic sound as they celebrated their latest release Letters From the Flood which dropped April 24. Proudly announcing that the album could be found on vinyl and even cassette, because why not, front man Louis Tentsos brought the chaos as they ran through a set heavy with the newest tracks including “Sleep Well, Amanda”, “Undermining the Butcher” as well as the greatest breakup song ever, “The House on 65th Street” (Spoiler: he got to keep the cat). Sublunx lead singer came up and joined them for a song, once again showing how tight and supportive the hardcore scene really is.

As Tentsos and guitarist Stephen Maclean shared vocal duties, rhythm section, Marco Vani on bass and Jason Bradfield on drums kept things together yet fluid as they grooved through the set. Finishing off the night with ““She’s Into Malakas, Dino Bravo” , a song inspired by Tentsos's wife's pregnancy and birth of their child, Diamond Weapon thanked the crowd, encouraged them to visit the merch table and left the stage in a buzz of feedback and a longing for finally heading back to their own beds as the final night of the tour came to a close.

Diamond Weapon Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)