Salem Trials / Syphon / Penalty / Built To Decay
How do you fit 100 hardcore and death metal fans into a brewery?! If only the regulars at this little Lethbridge, Alberta-based brewery, set to enjoy their favorite craft beer and pizza tomorrow night, could know what went down tonight. These bands and every single soul in the crowd tore the place apart—walls practically rattling with every riff and scream.
The night started with Built To Decay, a local trio stepping in for Penalty, who dropped out last minute. And step up they did, taking the reins and kicking things off hard. This was my first time seeing them, and now all I want is to see them again…and again. Their high-energy set packed the punch of a stadium act, with original songs that had no right to be this good so early in the night. I see big things for these guys and can’t wait to look back and say, "I saw them at Theoretically Brewing when they were an opening act." Follow them on Instagram @built_to_decay
Syphon kept that intensity rolling with a hardcore set that could make any die-hard mosher proud. Another three-piece, hailing from Calgary, they took the energy up a notch with a set that turned this tiny brewery into a war zone of flailing arms and flying kicks. And they threw in some humor to keep the mood chaotic yet fun—introducing each song with, "Hey, we’re Nirvana," or "We’re Iron Maiden..." Syphon’s set was short, but it was packed with pure punk ethos, raging against society’s bullshit and flipping the bird to capitalism. From the first blurred strum to the final snare hit, they kicked our asses. You can find them on Instagram @syphonhc
Last up for the night was Salem Trials, bringing a heavier, darker vibe and embodying that nickname for the city—Deathbridge. All the way from Ottawa, these guys didn’t just close out the night; they hammered it shut. With every guttural scream from Thierry Patenaude, the mosh pit grew bigger and meaner. Guitarist Nick Baker absolutely slayed, mixing skull-crushing riffs with ear-melting solos. Holding down the groove was Brett Riddiford on bass, and Zack Bray on drums—these guys fucking nailed it, playing tracks from their EP Rot and even a fresh new song they plan to record soon. Even with the crowd’s hardcore lean, they showed love for the slower, mid-tempo death metal by windmilling two-stepping and floor-punching through the set. Want more Salem Trials? Find them on Instagram @salemtrialsband
This night wasn’t just a show; it was a celebration of heavy music and Canadian talent, a mix of hardcore, punk, and metal that proves our scene’s alive and kicking. Can’t wait to see these bands again and watch them tear up the metal community.