The Accused A.D. Live in Edmonton May 8th 2026

 

My buddy Nazz and I went to see The Accused at the Dive Bar here in Edmonton last week. This show was a disaster in booking. When it was first announced my buddy asked if I was interested in see The Accused. I didn't really know much about the band, I recall seeing their albums back in the late 80's early 90's, had a listen once, probably my brother Citrus playing it for me, and it wasn't for me. But this Edmonton show had a local metal band called Powerload opening, a band I have wanted to see for a while, so hell ya, I'll go.

 We bought our tickets, and I started listening to The Accused prior to the show. I liked them more now than I did years ago. So I was excited to see them. Now from what I understand now, there are two versions of The Accused on the road, each version has some original members. The version of The Accused we were going to see has original lead singer Blaine Cook and guitarist Alex Sibbald. So this show was booked as The Accused A.D.

 But then a few weeks after buying our tickets, we got notified that the show had been cancelled and got our money back. Seemed odd as the Calgary show was still a go. A couple weeks later, the show is back on but billed as Martha's Revenge with different opening acts this time. Martha's Revenge is what they call the mascot on their album covers. So we decided to buy tickets again as I was now very interest in seeing The Accused live. By the time the show a week away I started seeing posters for The Accused. I know, it's all very confusing, but the show was going to happen, so that was good. With the cancellation and all the confusion for the show, it wasn't a very well attended show, my guess would be maybe 70-80 people.

This was my first time seeing a show at the Dive Bar in downtown Edmonton. And it is what it's called, basically just a dive bar with live music. I actually quite liked the venue and look forward to seeing more show there.

 We were there early and caught the opening bands, both local bands. First one up was Messor. This would be my second time seeing them. and again, didn't do much for me.

Messor.

Next up was a band from Calgary called Sick Ritual. This would be my second time seeing them as well. And again, not terrible but not really to my liking.

Sick Ritual.

 By the time The Accused A.D. hit the stage everyone there were ready to let loose. Beers were going down good and I was ready to check this band out. While I may not have understood a single lyric all night, I loved Blaine's vocals, very very unique. The band were super tight and full of energy, as was the crowd. Most at the show knew the band much better then I and were singing along and banging heads and moshing. All and all it was fun night out and am glad I got to see the Accused live. Their brand of music dubbed by themselves as Splatterpunk is a great mix of thrash metal punk crossover music. Good times!!!

The Accused A.D.

 The afternoon of the show I stopped by my favourite sandwich shop Cheese Louise YEG for a grilled cheese sandwich and who do I run into, none other than the members of The Accused A.D., got to talk to them a bit, shake their hands and the guys were nice enough to pose for a picture with me. Super nice guys. Thanks guys!!!

T-shirt.