The Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver
May 3rd, 2025
What began as a routine concert at The Rickshaw quickly transformed into something much more personal after a last-minute venue change landed the show at The Biltmore Cabaret. While some might’ve seen it as a downgrade, it ended up being a gift for the fans: an intense, up-close experience with a powerhouse lineup and zero barriers between the bands and their audience.
ONI kicked things off like a jolt to the system. With their blend of technical metal and primal energy, the band made sure no one eased into the night. Their crushing precision, paired with bursts of guttural vocals and experimental flair, set a blistering tone that demanded the crowd’s attention—and got it. In a room like the Biltmore, there’s nowhere to hide, and ONI thrived in that spotlight.
RETURN TO DUST followed, casting a brooding, emotive atmosphere over the venue. Their sound hits somewhere between post-grunge and hard alt-rock, and they delivered it with gritty conviction. Their performance built slow and purposeful, drawing the crowd deeper into their sonic world before hitting a thunderous stride in the final stretch. They’re the kind of band you don’t just hear—you feel.
Next up, DEVOUR THE DAY stormed the stage with the confidence of a headliner. The band poured everything into their set, from the bone-shaking riffs to emotionally charged choruses. Standouts like “Faith” and “The Bottom” hit especially hard in a venue where you could see every expression and hear every word echo against the walls. The connection was raw and real—no ego, just energy. At one point, the frontman leaned directly into the crowd, mic in hand, urging fans to scream louder, feel deeper, and live fully in the moment. It worked.
And then—Pop Evil.
From the moment the ominous intro of “Eye of the Storm” kicked in, the room surged forward. Leigh Kakaty’s voice tore through the speakers with a venomous edge, backed by thunderous drums and razor-cut guitar riffs. The band wasted no time launching into “Trenches,” and the energy was explosive. Despite the close quarters, or maybe because of them, the crowd and band seemed fused—one unit moving in time with each crushing beat.
They delivered hit after hit with barely a breath in between. “Wishful,” “Paranoid,” “Criminal,” and “Work” kept the crowd pulsing, singing every word like war cries. By the time “Skeletons” dropped, the floor felt alive with movement—fans jumping, fists raised, voices raw.
Pop Evil didn’t just run through a setlist—they brought a journey. “Side Effects” and “Deal with the Devil” cut deep, while “Chaos” and “What Remains” ignited controlled mayhem. Mid-set, the tempo shifted with “Waking Lions,” reminding everyone why Pop Evil is more than just a hard rock band—they’re survivors, storytellers, and leaders of the modern rock movement.
Kakaty took a moment before “Torn to Pieces” to speak directly to the audience. His voice softened, the room quieted, and for a brief few minutes, it felt like he was speaking to each person individually. There were nods, closed eyes, tears—it was that kind of night.
Then came “Breathe Again” and “Footsteps,” closing the set with anthemic finality. No encore needed. The crowd was exhausted but fulfilled—sweat-soaked, hoarse, and smiling.
In a time when everything is bigger, louder, and more disconnected, this show was a reminder of what live music can still be: raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable. The venue may have changed, but the fire didn’t. If anything, it burned hotter.
Leave a reply