By Birkir FjalarWhen a band's music and fans are notorious for inciting violence at shows, causing property damage and literally setting venues on fire, there comes a high level of anticipation for said band's concerts. In Haymaker's case, this excitement is heightened by the fact that they rarely play, even in their hometown of Hamilton, ON, which hasn't seen a Haymaker show in four years. So, needles to say, the gig sold out and the air was electric.
Haymaker's members are the furthest thing from being greenhorns, what with Left for Dead, Chokehold and Cursed members all having served in one of Ontario's best loved and controversial hardcore bands. This bumped up the average age normally associated with D.I.Y. hardcore. As a result, the reaction to the band's furious barrage of murderous blasts of anger and hate was unexpectedly joyous and responsible, as opposed to ignorant and destructive.
Yes, some objects were thrown around and fireworks flew through the air for the better part of the set, but the atmosphere was that of celebration. For those who enjoy the records, this was ideal, as the band played all their hits, but "Fight in the Pit" was sorely missed. Perhaps it was just as well; the consequences could have been severe.
On the downside, the night suffered from extensive delays between performances as each band prepped the stage for their respective set. Nevertheless, Roach Bank's cockroach-inspired headgear was a sight to be seen. Ox Baker's guitar and bass attack was shred-tastic. Fog of Leprosy's Exodus/Overkill style thrash went over well. And Gunnar Hansen got things going with their sloppy and dirty punk, resulting in PA cabinets being thrown and a fight breaking out. But all in all, it was all in the name of fun.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-17 17:01:40Why don't you actually post a photo from the show on Saturday and not one 5 years ago - there's been a couple line up changes
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-17 19:44:07I could've written that review just by looking at the flyer. I don't believe you were even there. And that photo is from a Montreal show that happened years ago.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-18 00:34:40What we do is secret.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-19 09:43:48stock exchange photo account is paying off - that's not from the show who the fuck is this shitty reviewer maybe he should get a real photo from the show or get canned
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-19 11:29:31Man, I've never heard or heard of this band but I know I hate them. Their fans are a bunch of pricks! You obviously shouldn't have wasted your time covering this no-name band, Exclaim!, because you'll just get shit on. If all these commenters are so great, let's see their photos and words. They are obviously brilliant.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-19 12:51:50lame exclaim troll
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-19 13:09:25See, pricks.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-19 14:11:02if Exclaim is paying this prick to review a show he should at least provide photographic evidence that he was actually there what a waste
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-19 14:39:22So if you're a writer you automatically have to be a photographer as well? Good to know.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-19 22:13:04Great review, you dumb Euro.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-19 22:13:56"waste of time" eh? there's plenty of space and time on the internet... try checking out other concert reviews. plenty to go around for everyone and many tastes.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-01-25 22:48:20lol! wow. what's the problem here? exclaim writes about the sort of band that it would rarely write about. in doing so, gives it and other bands on the bill, obscure to the average readers, a lot of exposure. more than they normally get for sure. the reviewer uses a good chunk of the review to introduce the main band to the unexpected reader, like myself. i didn't have a clue who haymaker was. putting things into perspective was good. obviously a special band by all accounts. the reviewer was clearly there. reporting the pa being thrown, commenting on haymaker's set list etc. and exclaim posts live reviews quite frequently without pictures from the actual shows. this article is not unique in that regard. how this is a bad thing or deserving of exclaim getting shit on for covering a little known band. underground music matters as well. xoxo
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-02-07 18:50:41Scabs, it sounded like horrible.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-04-12 08:09:21Cheers to This Ain't Hollywood for letting these shows happen!
Next one is this Sunday Apr. 17, an all ages matinee with Gunnar Hansen, UTI, Hazardous Waste, Introvertebrates and Dead Sweeties.
This time the crowd will not throw PA speakers and fight each other during Gunnar Hansen's set but will instead do si do each other in midafternoon drunken love, and slam dance.
CONCERT: Buck 65 - Venue, Vancouver BC May 18
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