Ontario’s own Counterparts kicked off their ‘Heaven Let Them Die’ North American tour this Monday at History in Toronto. Named after their latest and heaviest EP, the tour launched with full force, showcasing the band’s growth and evolution over the years. Bringing along with them; openers Foreign Hands , Malevolence all the way from England, and Pain of Truth to get the crowd amped up. This powerhouse of a lineup blended metal-core and hardcore effortlessly, creating a perfect synergy between two-steppers and moshers throughout the night. The performance was definitely highly anticipated, as loyal Counterparts fans were eager to watch them represent the Ontario music scene at this scale. Foreign Hands started things off, commanding energy from the crowd throughout their set. Toronto is no stranger to their sound, and their return was met with open arms as fans dove into the pit, surfed across the crowd, and charged up for what was to come. Malevolence was next, for their first time playing in Toronto. Despite the frigid weather, show goers really heated things up, making it a night to remember for the band’s debut here. To change up the pace, Pain of Truth dropped in with their staple hardcore, two-stepping style. Getting into the crowd, hardcore dancing, and dropping the mic for fans to sing along. The atmosphere really made you feel like you were at a local show with how the fans connected with the band. Finally, as the lights dimmed, the stage set was illuminated with candles, signalling the arrival of Counterparts. They delivered a performance that Toronto won’t soon forget, debuting tracks like “With Loving Arms Disfigured”, “To Hear of War” and of course “Heaven Let Them Die”. The crowd sang along, so loud at times that their voices even drowned out the speakers, that’s a true testament to the fans’ unwavering love and dedication to the band.
The tour is only just beginning, so be sure to grab a ticket if they’re stopping by your city! For those who weren’t able to make it to the show, or if you want to relive the night – check out our exclusive photo gallery below for all the best moments. To stay up to date on Counterparts, you can follow them on Instagram @Counterpartsband.
Article & Photos By Claudia K (@ThinkTwicePhoto)