Beguiler, Falstaff, Cruel Intent, Wishender
December 16, 2022
Sneaky Dee’s, Toronto, ON
On Friday, December 16th, 4 of the GTA’s sickest Deathcore bands came together to put on a local show that ends 2022 with a bang. Headlined by Beguiler and supported by Falstaff, Cruel Intent, and Wishender, Sneaky Dee’s in Toronto was graced with high-quality local talent that will surely make waves in due time.
Wishender is the newest band on this bill and probably my favourite as well. Fresh off the release of their new Blood Sky EP, Wishender fuses metalcore and deathcore seamlessly. The songs are short and punchy, which gives the listener the impression that their time is respected. This also allows the songwriting to get to the point. The guitar riffs aren’t bogged down by unnecessary fast passages. Instead, they flow with nuance and catchiness. The songs are supported by layers of synthesizers which really fill out the space and create detail that’s sometimes unnoticed and yet supports the songs in an essential way. I would highly recommend all fans of heavy music support Wishender. They are onto something great.
Cruel Intent followed up by bringing a truly ignorant and brutal sound. The music has a big-time beatdown influence. The low-tuned guitars chug with the slow, heavy drums. The vocals sit nicely on top and add compliment to the sludginess beneath. There is a simplicity that I really appreciate about Cruel Intent. There aren’t going to be many surprises here, but there is something that satisfies the part of my brain that craves deathcore tropes but is delivered well. Cruel Intent will satisfy those who crave that classic deathcore sound and want a little more on the beatdown side. They just released a new single, “Chaos Rising,” which features guest vocals from Beguiler’s vocalist, Jacob Cooledge.
Falstaff brings a hardcore flavour compared to the rest of the bands. While still playing deathcore, the songwriting has more of a punk aesthetic. The vocalist had an excellent stage presence, which helped make the small venue feel larger. Low-tuned guitars, callouts, breakdowns, and punk beats are the name of the game here. Falstaff just released a new single titled “No Pity” to tease their upcoming EP. Fans of deathcore and hardcore should surely check out Falstaff.
Beguiler finished off the show by bringing some exciting stuff. Their sound has much more of a black metal influence. In a show full of deathcore bands, it was awesome to have each band showcase a different twist on the genre. Beguiler’s music has a really nice sense of melody. The drums, in particular, were a stand out to me. Riffs were complimented by fast, synchronized double kicks and tight blast beats. The vocals of this band are also a stand-out, along with the punchy songwriting. Beguiler continues to show us why they are one of the premiere deathcore bands in the local scene. An excellent setlist from an excellent band.
With 2022 coming to an end, it’s awesome to see the local scene of the GTA stand strong. Through the thick and thin of the pandemic, fans have come out in droves to support both large acts and the up-and-coming locals. This show encapsulated that these niche genres are doing just fine in Southern Ontario and that there is a place for this music.