Wolves In The Throne Room / A Storm Of Light / Krallice
May 17, 2009.
The Casbah
Hamilton, Ontario.

Andy Harpoon.

Dear Wolves In The Throne Room,

I have been relatively obsessed with your music and band since I initially heard “Two Hunters” in 2008. And I was so excited to see you perform live that as soon as I found out, I went and bought myself two tickets to the show in Toronto, despite the back-of-my-head knowledge that I wouldn’t find anyone to go with me. Realizing as the day approached that it would overlap with an impending road trip to New York City, I purchased a third ticket, but to the show in Hamilton instead, needing to not sacrifice the opportunity to see you for a road trip. I never was able to get reimbursed for my Toronto purchase, as the show wasn’t sold out, and my acquaintances haven’t been put under your spell.

I missed all but the last of Krallice’s songs, though it was inspiring enough for me to gamble on purchasing their latest album, a decision I do not regret. A Storm Of Light was also decent, though being an ex-Red Sparowes off-shoot, and one member being the man in charge of Neurosis’ visual show during live performances, they sounded little more than a baby Neurosis, with occasional female vocals. I still bought their record, a beautiful piece of visual art, if perhaps not as stimulating musically. There’s certainly room to grow, and respect to you for your opening band selections.

I reluctantly spent a staggering $25.00 on your two-song “Malevolent Grain” EP, but I desired it greatly. I am still convinced that your merchandise merchant made a mistake in charging me so much. Along with my silk-screened poster commemorating your Canadian tour dates, and my new long-sleeved shirt, (both priced fairly) I had to off-load my goods into my chariot before you graced the stage.

When you came out surrounded by candles, and kicked into “Ahrimanic Trance”, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s unusual for me to stand at the front of the crowd for a show, but my enthusiasm and the sparse crowd led me there. I couldn’t stop smiling and moving, rocking and bowing. But then after three songs, though none being shorter than 12 minutes, you left the stage. You stopped playing. You stood at the side for a few minutes, but then the house music came on, and amps turned off, and candles blew out. You left me aching. My stomach hurt. I expected more! I expected four songs and then an encore! Five songs! That’s all I wanted! I know the crowd wasn’t that big, but the crowd included me! It felt like you broke my heart, and I’ve only been able to talk about it now. It’s August.