The best heavy shows in Montreal this week

If you were one of the lucky ones who managed to squeeze into the Torche/Nothing/Wrong show last Sunday, you probably still have goosebumps. I sadly missed Wrong, whom apparently just slayed in an early Helmet kind of way, but made it just in time to catch the beginning of metal-gazers Nothing, who lulled as much as they crushed craniums.

If you’re into shoegaze and/or melodic metal, you should really check out their last record, Guilty of Everything on Relapse. Although Torche have yet to regain the genius they displayed on Meandrathal over their last couple of records, their unique brand of pummel pop remains devastating live — they’re easily one of the most fun ballast-slinging bands happening right now. Their perfect mix of brilliant pop hooks intertwined with brutal Melvins-style beat-downs was as good as it gets. A truly inspiring show.

Thursday:

For something with a bit more punch, catch ex-Gaza’s new joint Cult Leader with Old Wounds, Dark Circles and Wrong Hands at le Ritz. 179 Jean-Talon W., 8 p.m., $10

Friday:

A fine night has been cooked up by the folks at l’Esco (who are winding down their month-long birthday celebrations) and the lysergically-enhanced heads behind the MTL Psych Fest: see UUBBUURRUU get sloppy with Birds of Paradise, Trepanated Heads, DJ Tinsoldierman and visuals by Pink Veil . Freeeeeak out! 4467 St-Denis, 9 p.m., $7

Orkestar Kriminal launch their new jammer Tummel tonight at Divan Orange with the able help of the Bella Morta Duo. You can read all about it by clicking here. 4234 St-Laurent, 9:30 p.m., $10

Saturday: My big pick of the week would be the always amazing (and recently fleshed out to duo) Aun. I’ve been a big fan of Aun ever since his first release, and with the new two-piece formation it seems they’re really ruling the drone/soundscape roost. Aun will be launching their new release Fiat Lux with Visions, Terminal Wolf and Froid at SAT. 1201 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $12/$15

Sunday: If you still believe that if it’s not Scottish it’s crap, you won’t want to miss Can-con Scottish lads the Real McKenzies when they squeeze their bagpipes at Katacombes, with openers Isotopes and Boids. 1635 St-Laurent, 8:30 p.m., $13/$15

For a night of abacus rock, catch Girl Arm, Big Knife Little Knife and the Maica Mia solo side project Caro Diaro at la Vitrola. This starts early with a strict 8:30 sharp call for Caro Diaro, so don’t be tardy. 4602 St-Laurent, 8:30 p.m., $6

Finally you can catch the skewed pop of Lakes of Canada with Samantha Savage Smith at Divan Orange. 4234 St-Laurent, 8:30 p.m., $10/$12

 

Current Obsession: Sunn O))) & Boris, Altar

Jonathan.cummins@gmail.com