Used to large venues? Learn about smaller ones from a Metalhead Perspective
Carina Mercado, Opinions Editor
Lee’s Palace – 529 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Spirit Possession, Antichrist Siege Machine, Spectral Wound, 1349
Pros
- The wall of sound is potent as long as you are not directly side stage on the raised table pocked areas lining the pit
- The merch booths and bar are very easily accessible and open the whole show
- The band members are almost always at the booths after their set greeting fans
- Being in the Bloor Annex neighbourhood, there is a wide variety of different cuisines that can be found on almost every block: Roti, Burgers, Pizza, Pubs, and even Korean food further west
- Re-entry is allowed
Cons
- The pit could always be bigger
- If you don’t bring earplugs, you’re going to need hearing aids a little bit sooner
- The smaller stage constricts the band’s ability to up their stage decor and effect machines (no flame throwers here)
- Bathrooms are upstairs, which can be an accessibility concern; also, not-sober walks to the bathroom + stairs = falling down the stairs and/or contact with a wet step
⎷ Moshpit
𝘟 Crowd Surf
⎷ Stage Dives
𝘟 Accessibility
Rebel – 11 Polson Street, Toronto
Blood Incantation, Gorguts, Mayhem and Cannibal Corpse
Pros
- Larger indoor venue with tons of pit space for there to be passive headbangers and circle pits on the same floor
- Has a relaxing lounge area towards the back of the room where the merch booths are located, accompanied by TVs displaying a live feed of the stage — great consideration given to accessibility for anyone
- Large outdoor lounge area for smokers and food
- Rebel has the biggest stage I’ve witnessed with the highest quality stage production, especially from Norway’s black metal pioneers Mayhem — they brought their festival level energy to the relatively small stage of Rebel.
- Bathrooms are easily accessible on ground floor
- Killer sound system: hearing true black and death metal pioneers summon their ungodly tones upon a cyclonic yearning mass shakes the entire foundation of that room from beginning to end — feels like the way metal is supposed to be experienced
Cons
- No post-concert food nearby.
- One lane street that the venue is at the end of is a nightmare to drive in and out of, so if you’re not up for walking, you’re going to live a nightmare before and after your show
- Venue can become overly crowded and spike claustrophobia in seasoned concert goers; although the outdoor lounging area is always open during shows, you will miss out on key qualities of the performance if you stay out of the crowds
- No stage dives
⎷ Moshpit
⎷ Crowd Surf
𝘟 Stage Dives
⎷ Accessibility
History – 1663 Queen Street East
Possessed, Kreator, Testament
Pros
- Wide open floor with lots of raised standing space along the perimeter and a designated outdoor smoking area
- Best sound system I have heard out of any indoor venue I have experienced: stunningly full, rich sound that immerses you into the metal mass taking place
- Stand out performances: Jeff Becerra (Possessed Vocals), Daniel Gonzalez (Possessed Lead Guitar) Frédéric Leclercq (Kreator Bass Player), Alex Skolnick (Testament Lead Guitarist, Backing Vicals), Chuck Billy (Testament Lead Vocalist)
- Has VIP mezzanine ticket options with separate upstairs bar and bathrooms
- Bathrooms are clean and usually never full
Cons
- Cashless transactions for the bar and mostly card-only transactions at the merchants booths
⎷ Moshpit
⎷ Crowd Surf
𝘟 Stage Dives
⎷ Accessibility
General Tips
-Travel Light! Most small venues don’t allow large backpacks or large purses inside. That also goes for water bottles and any large accessories like umbrellas or high end cameras.
-Bring Cash! Cashless transactions are becoming more common in concert venues but not all merch booths take cash. So if you plan on leaving with some relics from your experience you will want some physical dollars in your pocket.
-Be prepared! If you have noise or light sensitivity always check the venue website pages for the specific event you are attending! They may have accessibility options or ticket upgrades to keep you further from the stage but still enjoying the show. Ear plugs are recommended for most small venue shows!
Photo Credit: Emily Tung
