April 19, 2024
Toronto, On @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre
Photos & Words: Billy Klare
Queensryche’s “Origins” tour, featuring their ’83 self-titled EP and ’84’s “The Warning” album played in chronological order, hit Toronto on April 19th ‘24, with Armored Saint as special guests. As an early Queensryche fan, it was a special treat to witness these iconic albums performed live once again. This was my second time catching the tour, having seen it previously at the ’24 Hell’s Heroes festival in Texas. The band was in fine form at the Hell’s Heroes, and I was eager to see the show again in a smaller intimate venue like the Toronto Phoenix Concert Centre.
ARMORED SAINT
Armored Saint graced the stage shortly before 8 PM, met with a resoundingly positive reception from the audience. In my view, Armored Saint is a band of exceptional talent, often overlooked and deserving of greater acclaim. Nonetheless, their devoted fan base was out in full force, demonstrating unwavering support and enthusiasm. The crowd turnout for Armored Saint largely rivaled that of headliners Queensryche later in the evening, a testament to their enduring appeal.
At the core of Armored Saint are bassist and backing vocalist Joey Vera, front man John Bush, drummer Gonzo Sandoval, and guitarist Phil Sandoval, all founding members dating back to the band’s inception in ‘82. Second guitarist Jeff Duncan joined their ranks in ’89. Despite most of the band members having entered their sixties, their onstage presence defies age, brimming with vitality and passion. They commanded the stage with remarkable vigor, delivering each song from the setlist with precision and intensity.
The concert ignited with the thunderous ‘End of the Attention Span‘ from their latest album, “Punching the Sky”, setting the stage for an electrifying performance. The melodic strains of ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants‘ showcased the band’s diverse musical prowess. Fans were treated to a nostalgic journey with tracks from the beloved “Symbol of Salvation” album, including the anthemic ‘Last Train Home‘, the rhythmic ‘Tribal Dance‘, and the captivating ‘Reign of Fire‘. Personal favorites like ‘March of the Saint‘, ‘Can U Deliver‘, and ‘Raising Fear‘ evoked waves of nostalgia, resonating deeply with long-time fans. The setlist also included material from albums such as “La Raza” and “Win Hands Down”.
It was refreshing to witness the opening act allotted enough time to deliver a near full-sized set, treating the audience to ten songs over the course of an hour. The sea of fans adorned in both vintage and contemporary Armored Saint merchandise spoke volumes, underscoring their pivotal role in driving attendance for this show. A moment arose during the performance when Armored Saint reminisced about their mid-eighties gig with Metallica and WASP in Toronto, prompting a nostalgic response from many attendees who had been there to witness the legendary show firsthand.
QUEENSRYCHE
Excitement permeated the air as the mostly packed venue eagerly awaited Queensryche’s performance. While lead guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson stand as the sole original members, the current lineup flawlessly resurrected the timeless material of yesteryears. Vocalist Todd La Torre exuded a magnetic charisma, channeling the essence of original singer Geoff Tate with uncanny precision. The current line-up were a haunting echo of the past, transporting listeners back to the raw energy of a Queensryche live show from the early eighties. The stage was dominated by Cassey Grillo’s imposing drum set-up, with elevated cymbals hanging from the top of the kit. The kit clearly incorporated cooling fans as Cassey’s hair blew back the entire show.
My skin prickled with excitement as Queensryche kicked off their set with the iconic ‘Queen of the Reich‘ hailed as one of heavy metal’s finest anthems. Todd’s flawless execution of the high notes sent shivers down my spine, while the crowd erupted in a fervent chorus of voices. The underrated gems ‘Nightrider‘ and ‘Blinded‘ seamlessly followed, leading to a climactic close with the haunting ‘Lady Wore Black’. These four tracks alone justified the price of admission, evoking a sense of nostalgia that reverberated throughout the venue. The sight of numerous fans donning T-shirts adorned with the self-titled EP artwork added a touch of old-school charm to the experience, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Queensryche’s early masterpieces.
Todd expressed gratitude to the crowd for their unwavering support of live music before the band swiftly delved into their first full-length album, “The Warning”. Among the standout tracks, ‘Take Hold of the Flame‘ captured the audience’s hearts with its infectious hooks and Todd’s impeccable rendition of the high notes. The epic journey of ‘Roads to Madness‘ spanning over nine minutes, was a rare treat seldom performed live. The inclusion of ‘Before the Storm‘ resurrected on this tour for the first time since 1985, added an extra layer of excitement to the setlist. As classic tracks from “The Warning” reverberated through the venue, the audience’s enthusiasm reached new heights, with many singing along and paying homage to the legendary album.
Having witnessed Queensryche’s penchant for surprises at ’24 Hell’s Heroes last month, I anticipated a few additional songs to spice up the old-school setlist. In Texas, the inclusion of ‘Empire’ and ‘Eyes of a Stranger’ delighted fans, adding depth to the performance. Armed with a press photo pass on this tour stop, I caught a glimpse of the night’s setlist taped to the floor, revealing ‘Empire’ and ‘Prophecy’ as the bonus tracks. However, the band veered from expectations with a last-minute change, treating the audience to ‘Prophecy’ and ‘Screaming in Digital’ from the “Rage for Order” album. While the concert was undeniably electrifying, I couldn’t help but wish for the inclusion of at least one track from their newer albums under Todd’s tenure. The material boasts undeniable strength and merits a place on the Queensryche setlist. This later material was also emitted from the band’s performances opening for Judas Priest in recent years.
CONCLUSION
The evening proved to be a celebration of classic heavy metal, showcasing two bands that have honed their craft since the early ’80s. Both bands demonstrated steadfast commitment to their artistry and a relentless energy that shows no signs of waning. The impeccable sound and lighting at the Phoenix Concert Theatre elevated the performance, enhancing both the visual and auditory elements of the show. If the tour graces your hometown, I wholeheartedly recommend seizing the opportunity to witness this unforgettable performance firsthand. Thanks to Armored Saint & Queensryche for an amazing show.