Features

Like many fans of heavy metal in the past decade or so, I was happy to see thrash metal enjoy a resurgence in popularity. There was a dark age that lasted for a number of years after the style's original decline in the early '90s, but the next decade saw a slow revival. Lots of bands reunited, new and talented thrash bands formed, and the audiences returned. However, I do have a pet peeve concerning many of the newer releases of thrash metal acts. Namely, I believe that new thrash releases all too often make use of the modern tones associated with metalcore styles when they ideally should not.

The leaves have turned to compost, the wind is getting stronger, and the nights are dropping below the zero point - that must mean it is almost time for Image + Nation, Canada's longest running LGBTQ film festival. If you are like most people I know just now, you probably have a million and one things to be thinking about and doing, so I thought I would help you out by posting my top 5 festival picks! You can thank me later!!

When all of the big summer festivals are finishing their runs, there is still one more cultural festival in Montreal specifically for film lovers. The 37th edition of The Montreal World Film Festival, which ran from August 22nd to September 2nd, saw an influx of tourists enter the city just as many students and adults returned from their relaxing summer vacations. I had a privileged chance to sit down with Communication Director Henry Welsh to discuss the festival and the films that were presented.

Montreal’s ComicCon is an annual convention held this year on September 13th to the 15th, and has been running since 2006. The Montreal ComicCon (short for comic convention) is a showcase of comic books, anime, sci-fi and horror related media. One can buy all sorts of books, toys, cards and even rare collectibles at the convention. Other amazing aspects of the convention are the celebrity panels and movie screenings, leading to a fun filled weekend of ComicCon madness!

CJLO Magazine's editor-at-large Stephanie Dee writes about day two of POP Montreal. Check out the hashtag #cjlogoespop, and follow @Tweegirl on Twitter and Instagram for up-to-the-minute commentary, video, and photos taken during the festival.

I begrudgingly worked all day, day-dreaming about all the art exhibits and artist talks I wanted to attend but couldn't, and when the daily grind was finally over I headed on up to Quarters POP at 5:30 pm for the Media Mixer. 

Tony Visconti did a Q&A at the SAT on Saturday and said a bunch of stuff about people*. Here are some pullquotes; it's up to you to figure out who he's talking about!

_{(*also useful advice derived from a long career in music production and within the recording industry, but w/e)}

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1. "The first thing ______ said to me was 'I thought you were dead.'"

2. "But, he's a nice boy [despite not acknowledging Visconti's producer credit for 25 years]."

Congratulations to Godspeed You! Black Emperor, winner of the 2013 Polaris Music Prize for their album 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!

The short list of nominees:

Godspeed You! Black Emperor – 'Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend! (music review)