“Where in the Hell am I going to park?!?”

It’s a good indicator of a band’s popularity when you can’t get a parking spot anywhere close to the venue.  Such was the case when Bullet For My Valentine played at the Phoenix on March 5th, 2016.   Once I finally found a spot (the furthest I’ve ever parked from The Phoenix) I got to the venue only to be greeted by two colleagues asking “Did you manage to find a parking spot?   This place is packed!!”

After a great show this past summer in the 6ix, BFMV were back in Toronto on their British Invasion tour.   Missing from the band on this leg of the tour was drummer Michael Thomas who is taking a break while he and his girlfriend await the arrival of their child.   In place of the Moose was drummer Jason Bowld of Pitchshifter and Axewound (w/ Matt Tuck of BFMV) who’s a great drummer and a great fit for the band.    (Moose will be back for the band’s summer dates).

BFMV’s brand of hard rock & metal is perfect for a packed club.  Set openers “No Way Out” and “Skin” had barely ended when a circle pit enveloped the theatre (something that just doesn’t work in a seated amphitheatre).   The band blew through 15 songs by my count with a wealth of the material coming from “Venom” (2015) and “Fever” (2010).  I think I only heard one track from Temper Temper.  Matt Tuck was engaging as always – taking time between songs to work the crowd up, share a story or crack a joke.   Overall BFMV are a fun and energetic band with a great Toronto fanbase.   Even after 15 songs the fans wanted more and I’m sure the band will be back soon enough to deliver again and again.   Set highlights included “Scream Aim Fire” & “Waking The Demon”.

We rate this a 4 out of 6ix.