PJ Harvey At Place Bell

Saturday night may be alright for fighting, but it can be a little more mellow as well.  One of rock’s more unique performers brought her brand new unique show to Laval’s Place Bell this past Saturday night.  PJHarvey came to town with her much heralded ‘An Evening With PJ Harvey’ tour.  As she slowly strolled to center stage, her backing band arriving to their positions in unison, you had the feeling that something special was about to take place.  The concert was split in to two halves, the first of which was dedicated to her most recent album, her 10^th, ‘I Inside The Old Year Dying’.  The second half was dedicated to other hits from PJ Harvey's storied career.   'I Inside The Old Year Dying, was released last July and has been described as being a very enigmatic and atmospheric, words that perfectly describe the live performance as well.  It wasn’t only a musical experience, as the concert quickly became a performance art piece as PJ Harvey strutted, danced, flailed and contorted herself around the stage.  You found yourself not only mesmerized by her voice and lyrics, but also thrust in to the universe of her songs, as she pushed, prodded and pulled in all directions.  The lighting was also expertly used to add a certain atmosphere to the performance, as was the background and set decorations.  This was equal parts concert and theater production.  The photographs were all taken at f/3.2 while using various shutter speeds, ISOs and shutter speeds.  Here are several more photographs that I took of PJ Harvey during her performance at the Place Bell.

If you would like to find out more about PJ Harvey and her music, you can do so by following the link to her website.  Much thanks to George Service of ATC Management and Christopher Gonda of V13 Media for getting me a pass to shoot the show.  As always, it is very much appreciated.  PJ Harvey’s ‘An Evening With PJ Harvey’ tour continues through October.  Be sure to check it out for an experience you are sure to not forget.

Powerwolf At Place Bell

Why do we go to concerts?  For most people, it is to see out favourite band perform the songs we love to hear.  Sometimes, the desire to see a show doesn’t really extend beyond that point, but when it comes to the German power metal band known as Powerwolf, there is a whole other aspect to the concert beyond the music.  It is the spectacle.  You’re getting more than just the music.  You’re getting a light show, impressive backdrops, all kinds of theatrical interactions and enough fire power to singe a photographer’s baseball cap.  Powerwolf brought all of this with them to the Place Bell in Laval and still left rabid crowd begging for more.  As the lights dimmed before their set was due to begin, we were treated to a very elaborate stage set-up that looked liked a gothic church which dominated the stage.  Singer Atilla Dorn and keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegel slowly made their way out to the massive roars of the crowd.  Powerwolf"s sermon in power metal was ready to be delivered and also received by the huddled masses.  The guitars roared to life before flames shot from stage stage with the intensity to purify by fire all in attendance.  Huge in Europe, Powerwolf have a large fan base on this side of the ocean as well.  Many got in on the fun themselves, dressing up in their best Powerwolf garb and face paint for the occasion.  Their latest album, their tenth, Wake Up The Wicked, was released earlier this year.  They opened their set with the first track from that new album, Bless ‘Em With The Blade, which set the tone for the next two hours.  All of the photographs were taken at f/3.2 using various different shutter speeds, ISOs and focal lengths.  Here are several more photographs that I took of Powerwolf during their performance at the Place Bell.

If you would like to find out more about Powerwolf and their music, you can do so by following the link to their webpage.  If you would like to see the photographs that I took of Unleash The Archers, who performed earlier  that evening, you can do so by following the link.  Much thanks goes out to Natalie Camillo of Napalm Records and Christopher Gonda of V13 Media for getting me a pass to shoot the show, it is very much appreciated.  The show in Laval marked the end of Powerwolf's North American tour, but they will surely return to these parts again soon.  Ready to provide their fans with every musical and visual experience that any concert goer desires.  Be sure to see the show when Powerwolf performs near you.