Magazine

Independent, provocative, now! The CJLO Magazine is the resource for features, reviews, and interviews. Established in 2004, and run by dedicated CJLO volunteers, the magazine covers the latest and best in local and international music, art, theatre, film, festivals, and more!

L’Amalgame Cracks the Concrete on Latest Album

April 19 2019 // Alex Viger-Collins // Magazine // Features

Photo: Manvs

When it comes to TV, a series’ best episode is often what’s known as a “bottle episode,” where the entire plot takes place in one sole location (e.g. Seinfeld and the Chinese restaurant).  What makes these episodes so good is that they give the characters a chance to let their chemistry shine through without distractions.

Ziva Postec: The Editor Behind the Film Shoah

April 11 2019 // Remi Caron // Film

 

CJLO x SXSW 2019: SLAX x SW : Direct to Damnably

April 10 2019 // Zakary Slax // Magazine // Features

When I arrived on the scene, the stench of vomit was already emanating from the alleyways.

The Darker Side of Metal: Part 2 – Sexism

April 8 2019 // Chris Aitkens // Magazine // Features

We here at CJLO love heavy metal, despite its many flaws. It’s not just a few bad apples spoiling the genre. Some cases are evidence of cultural intolerance infiltrating the scene, getting worse as the music becomes more extreme. This two-part series will examine the problematic nature of metal. We’re only scratching the surface here, the subject matter can fill books and multiple documentaries. But only by acknowledging the problem, can we change it for the better.

Gauche at Bar Le Ritz, April 2 2019

April 7 2019 // Cecilia Piga // Magazine // Concert Reviews

‘Faut qu’on commence? On commence maintenant?’; after a few sound tests the first act, Helene Barbier, skips the introductions and small talk and starts off the set with “Not so Impressed”. Her set combined a mixture of songs from her first album ​Something​ and newer songs like “Tidal Bore”. Her debut album ​Have you met Elliott?  is set to be released later this year under Higher Records. Barbier still has somewhat the same mellow garage rock vibe than her main band Phern, but without the upbeat or pop components. Even though she carried a rather shy stage presence, her use of repetitive yet catchy choruses and chords kept the audience engaged.

Album Review: Devin Townsend’s Empath

April 2 2019 // DJ Spacepirate // Magazine // Music Reviews

You're welcome: I have delved into the Tartarean pits of my inbox and brought back such wonders to behold. So wondrous are these wonders that even for the recounting of their wonder I can't help but say you're welcome.

Empath is emerging.

That's right, a new era of Devin Townsend succulence has dawned upon our sordid realm, and now that it is up in me, like a caring mother bird shall I regurgitate some digested scraps of it into your eager brain-maw. To think this time last year I was digging through Steve Vai's garbage, and now look at me.

The Darker Side of Metal: Racism

April 1 2019 // Chris Aitkens // Magazine // Features

We here at CJLO love heavy metal, despite its many flaws. It’s not just a few bad apples spoiling the genre. Some cases are evidence of cultural intolerance infiltrating the scene, getting worse as the music becomes more extreme. This two-part series will examine the problematic nature of metal. We’re only scratching the surface here, the subject matter can fill books and multiple documentaries. But only by acknowledging the problem, can we change it for the better.

Interview: Hero’s Last Rite

March 29 2019 // JP Bernier // Magazine // Interviews

After discovering Hero’s Last Rite while doing my research form the Thrash Metal episode of the Iron Club, I was intrigued by the little heavy band from Fredericton, New-Brunswick. After exchanging a few emails, I got my first phone interview with singer Steve McDonald and here is the transcription of that phone interview.

 

JP Bernier : “I’m with Steve McDonald, frontman of Hero’s Last Rite, a band from New-Brunswick. Hi Steve, how are you?”

Assimilation: The Laws of Power Album Review

March 24 2019 // Hunter Walwaski // Magazine // Music Reviews

Clench your fists and get that circle pit ready, ‘cause Assimilation are in town. Innovating within a genre traditionally lacking innovation, these British Columbia boys are on the prowl for severed heads and crushed skulls! Just kidding, these are some pretty nice dudes; their music is pretty scary, though.

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Exploring Assimilation's West Coast Brew of Power-Hungry Old-School Death Metal

March 22 2019 // Hunter Walwaski // Magazine // Features

While contemporary heavy groups are busy hugging trees and familiarizing themselves with legal botany, Assimilation occupy themselves with cultivating relentlessly crushing death metal. Often operating with beers in hand, the quartet finds an odd but fitting balance between crushing sonics and laid back attitudes. Here's a look into what makes them tick.

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