Exit Wound / Void Of Mood / Culled / Chernoff
Presented by Decay Crew Promotions and Deathbridge Disease, the November 30th show at The Slice was an incredible night filled with energy and diverse talent. It’s nights like these that remind me why live music is so vital to the metal community. While I wish more people had made it out, those of us who were there witnessed something special. The lineup brought together an impressive mix of local and provincial talent, creating an unforgettable experience.
Chernoff
Though I missed the start of their set due to a mix-up with the show times (note to self: double-check times on the day of!), I’m glad I caught part of Chernoff’s performance.
This punk/hardcore trio, featuring Natalie Bell on vocals, Joe (last name unknown) on bass, and Issac Newfeld on drums, was something truly unique. Picture this: a vocalist dominating the stage in roller skates, long braids whipping through the air, and a 9-inch latex dildo affixed to a pair of leather shorts. Bell’s stage presence was commanding, an unforgettable force that perfectly matched their sound. Yet, the theatrics were only part of the appeal. Bell’s vocal range was phenomenal, moving effortlessly from clean singing to screams that could rival any metal genre.
The absence of guitars was an oddity at first, but their music was so well-crafted it didn’t feel like anything was missing. The bass and drums provided a hard-hitting foundation for deeply personal lyrics, some of which resonated with themes tied to the local area. While I didn’t get to hear their full set, what I did hear left a lasting impression. I’m looking forward to catching a complete performance from these trailblazers.
Culled
Next up was Alberta’s own Culled, a self-described "Sludge/Doom Encrusted Grind" band with members from Calgary and Edmonton. Their lineup includes Chris Chapman on bass (announced to be retiring soon), Curtis Blair on drums, Ben Harbak on guitar, and Shane Hawco on vocals. Their set was politically charged and unapologetically heavy, a sentiment many of us can connect with given today’s world.
Culled’s performance was a relentless mix of slow, sludgy openings and fast-paced punk-inspired riffs, backed by hardcore scream vocals. Each song felt like a call to arms, packed with emotion and intensity. Their energy kept the crowd hooked throughout the set. I couldn’t resist grabbing their EP, Psycles, along with a t-shirt, and I even ordered a patch the next day to add to my battle vest. Culled left a strong impression, and I can’t wait to see them again in the future.
Void of Mood
The third band, Void of Mood, was another first for me. This local Gothic Death band, led by Liz Fox-Grey on vocals, brought an eerie, almost horror-inspired energy to the stage. With Tim Shot Both Sides on guitar, Zachary Robinson on bass, and Merrik Schwab handling drums and additional death vocals, their sound was haunting and captivating.
The dual vocal styles, Fox-Grey’s eerie cleans paired with Schwab’s death growls, created a chilling contrast that felt like watching a horror movie unfold live. Schwab, also the drummer for Built to Decay, brought precision and power to the performance, anchoring the group with skillful fills and relentless beats. The bass lines added their own voice to the mix, standing out without overwhelming the rest of the instrumentation. Meanwhile, Shot Both Sides’ guitar work brought a unique rhythm and melody that tied everything together. Void of Mood’s set was a perfect blend of darkness and artistry, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for their next performance.
Exit Wound
The night ended with Calgary’s Exit Wound, a four-piece death metal powerhouse that left the crowd in awe. Featuring Torran Stewart on bass and vocals, Reece Kittlaus on drums and vocals, Griffin Brown on guitar and vocals, and Jeremy Brigham on lead and rhythm guitar, their sound was polished beyond belief. Despite their youthful appearance, these musicians delivered a tight, professional performance that felt like watching a band on the verge of breaking into the next level.
Kicking off their set, the band disappeared briefly only to return in blood-splattered white t-shirts, an eye-catching first impression that quickly gave way to their crushing sound. Their mix of thrash, death, and deathcore influences was undeniable, creating a hybrid sound that defied easy classification. Every member brought their A-game, from the precision riffs to the guttural, hellish vocals. Stewart’s rhythm guitar work was particularly crushing, and the overall sound soared with technical flair. Their full-length album, Rising Terror (2022), has been on repeat since the show, and I left with a t-shirt and CD to commemorate an amazing performance.
Final Thoughts
This show was a prime example of the incredible talent we have here in Alberta, showcasing both local and provincial acts. From the diverse lineup to the raw energy of each performance, it’s clear that Decay Crew Promotions and Deathbridge Disease know how to put together a killer event. The mix of local acts and out-of-town bands created a dynamic and engaging night that was well worth the door fee. Supporting events like this is crucial for expanding the reach of our local metal scene, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lethbridge.