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.

Yuletide Bonanza 8 at The Starlite Room in Edmonton December 13th 2025

  Last Saturday my buddy A-Bomb and I made our way to the Starlite Room to take in the Yuletide Bonanza. This was the 8th edition of this festival, but the first time I have gone. A show featuring 16 mostly local bands and raising money and food donations for the food bank, so all for a good cause. The main reason we went, was to see Western Death Ballads, and I really wanted to see the band Barb Wire Choker. Being my first time to this event, I wasn't sure how this would work, what were the set times, who was playing when and such. Well, it starts with the hosts putting all the band names in a hat and then picking eight names, and the bands playing in the order they were picked, then a half hour intermission and doing the same for the rest of the bands on the bill. So if you weren't there early, you may miss the band you really wanted to see. In all there were 16 bands that played, with bands being added at the last minute. So it was going to be a long night of music with each band playing a 15 minute set. This is a great way to see a bunch of bands that you may not have seen before, and for me this would be my first time seeing most of them.

 The first band to get things started was The Unwashed a skate punk band. They were alright, I believe the guys in the band were the hosts.

The Unwashed.

 Next up was the Calgary band Citizen Rage. I've seen their name around for years and heard good things about them but had never seen them before. So I was looking forward to checking them out, and early in the night too. I thought they were great, a mix of thrash, skate punk and hardcore, reminded me a bit of Suicidal tendencies at times.

Citizen Rage.

 Next up was Edmonton's punk, rockabilly band The Devil's Sons. A band I have seen before, but not really a fan of. They're good at what they do,just not my taste in music.

The Devil's Sons.

 Next up was locals Livin Filth. A punk band leaning to hardcore style music. I had to laugh when my buddy said the lead singer looked like the rapper Ali G. Didn't much care for this band.

Livin Filth.

 The fifth band of the night was the Edmonton punkers 20/20s. This band has been around a while, I've seen the name around lots but don't believe I had seen them before. I enjoyed their straight up punk rock.

20/20s.

 The next band of the evening was another band I had never heard of or seen before. An Edmonton band called Messor, with a name like that, I wasn't sure what to expect. Well they were a death metal band, not my kind of music.

Messor.

 Next up was Barb Wire Choker. This was one of the bands I was looking forward to seeing. Lead singer Lacy Machell used to front a band called Dolly Rotten that I really liked, this is her new project that I had yet to see. And I wasn't disappointed, straight up rock n' roll with a twinge of country influence. Makes me think of a Supersuckers influence with female vocals. A great but short set by barb Wire Choker. Hopefully an album release from the band soon.

Barb Wire Choker.

 The eighth band of the night was Calgary's Sick Ritual. A fast paced hardcore band, short in your face songs with lots of energy.

Sick Ritual.

 After a half hour intermission, some time to catch your breath, get some fresh air, have a smoke or two and it was on to the second half of the show. Another draw for the rest of the bands on the bill, so another eight bands drawn.

 The first band of the second half was a three piece band from Fort McMurray called Supermodel Taxidermy. Great name for a band. They played a thrash/hardcore style of music.

Supermodel Taxidermy.

 Next up was Edmonton's Western Death Ballads. This was the band I most wanted to see and the third time I have seen them play live. After all the heavy music of the night, i was wondering how this three piece country/punk band would go over. And from what I could tell, they went over very well. Like the band name, some western death ballad music ending their set with a metal classic by Iron Maiden "Run To The Hills" done country style. Love this band!

Western Death Ballads.

 The eleventh band of the night was Edmonton band Culled. Their music would be described as sludge death metal music. Not to my liking.

Culled.

 It was after this band that my buddy and I called it a night. I had seen the bands I wanted to see, and after eleven bands and lots of heavy music, I'd had enough. I'm just not the fan of the heavy stuff as I once was. All and all though, this was a great event. It was run very well, one band after another, a great turnout attendance wise, with everyone in great spirits. And a great way to catch a bunch of bands you may not know, short sets, so if you didn't like the band, you didn't have to wait long for the next band. To the organizers of this event and the Starlite Room, awesome job! Good times!!!