Bison b.c. rocks out at The Republik

Yesssssss.....

You know what’s really great about good old YYC? Just how nice people are, even in the places you’d least expect it. This Canada Day long weekend, instead of weeny roasting over a campfire, I spent part of my weekend rocking out at The Republik to some sweet, heavy tunes, with some super nice Calgarian metal heads.

In case you missed it, The Republik was host to Bison b.c., an epic sounding stoner-metal band from East Van. Bison sounds something like if Pantera and Mastodon mated and had a horrible demon baby that played guitar like nobody’s business. Impossible you say? Well it happened, and it came to town.

Bison played with an entourage of local bands, such as Falcon, Outlaws of Ravenhurst and Calgary punk-metal up-and-comers Chron Goblin. If you haven’t heard of any of these fiends, look them up or once in awhile you can catch them on CJSW’s late night.

I have seen many a head-banging, rage-fest show in some pretty sketchy places but I’ll tell ya, despite the somewhat intimidating genre, Calgary really has the nicest metal fans. Which is great if you’re new to heavy music and not sure what to expect, Calgarian rockers will roll up their sleeves and toss you gently into the pit with a smile and a handshake. It’s just their way.

Lately though, I haven’t been to a show that loud in awhile, and these days I’m almost old enough to be a few of the bands member’s mom, but not once did I feel judged for my lack of edginess. I drank Pilsner tall boys with 20-somethings until my ears bled, it was great.

These days folk music and bands trying to emulate New Order may reign, but if you live in Calgary and you’re at all into music, you should really go out and support your local heavy music band. I promise they won’t bite you… well, only if you like it.