While fans of either unstable or part-time bands yearn for years to see their favorite artists, often over-hyping shows in the process, Gwar [www.gwar.net] are the band that never go away. And by the looks of it they are actually increasing their reach over the youth of today in addition to becoming a coveted band to open for. The beast caravan’s second Montreal stop this year, following the overpriced and badly organized Sounds Of The Underground summer festival (of a big local promoter trying to ca$h in), was yet another treasured opportunity to witness this spectacle of the ages, in the flesh (so what is it really made of anyway?).

This was poised to be a show for the ages from the day it was booked. Not only were New York City thrash legends Anthrax playing their first headlining club date in Montreal since their Stomp 442 tour with White Zombie back in 1995, but drawing much attention was the even more rare appearance of hardcore originators Cro-Mags NYC in the opening slot, who aside from their show last year at legendary hardcore dive Foufounes Electriques, had not been to Montreal for many years. To boot, the show was being held at Le Spectrum which is a renowned club in itself, having been the first club to show Pantera to Montreal when they opened for the recently reunited Death Angel in 1990, and more relevant, the Cro-Mags on their Best Wishes tour in 1989 opening for Voivod.

Even though NYHC legends Sick Of It All [www.sickofitall.com] hadn’t played Montreal for the better half decade, their trademark dragon logo is still being requested at tattoo shops more than ever. In turn, it came as no surprise that the fans were more than ready, Foufounes packed, and the band’s performance was one of the best hardcore sets and experiences witnessed by Montreal loyalists in recent years.

With stylistic exception of Darkest Hour, the return of Soilwork to Montreal for its second North American tour in support of their masterful sixth studio album Stabbing The Drama (reviewed on QCHC: [web30.kunde.xc-host.ch] heralded a modern metal package some could have written off as solely Nu. But wise metal fans knew that they’d be treated to some exciting opening acts influenced by a lot more than merely Nu, and made the journey out of their comfortable homes and away from their couches and television sets for this special, small venue show.