In an era where bands often rely on nostalgia or a brief festival-style set, Ne Obliviscaris proved once again why they are one of the most forward-thinking and ambitious forces in modern extreme metal. Their Toronto stop—strictly 19+—saw the Australian progressive titans perform both Exul and Citadel in their entirety, delivering a marathon performance that was as emotional as it was technically jaw-dropping.
The Toronto crowd turned the venue into a cathedral of sound, giving the night an atmosphere that felt less like a concert and more like a grand artistic showcase.
Kicking off the night were Tasmanian death metal masters Psycroptic, who took the stage with their usual ferocity, bringing a tight, surgical performance that reminded everyone why they remain one of the most respected bands in technical death metal. Blistering riffs, relentless drumming, and a commanding presence kept the energy high.
Their set was shorter but explosive—almost a shockwave. By the time they wrapped, the crowd was buzzing and more than ready for the main event.
Psycroptic Set List:
- We Were the Keepers
- Frozen Gaze
- Architects of Extinction
- Cold
- Ob (Servant)
- Carriers of the Plague
- The Watcher of All
- Enslavement
Next were Rivers of Nihil, performing “Rivers of Nihil” in its entirety. The band’s decision to run through the record front to back brought a cinematic flow to their set. Crushing low-end, swirling leads, and their signature blend of progressive atmosphere and brutal precision kept the crowd absolutely locked in. This the first album with Adam on lead Vocal. It is a true Masterpiece.
Rivers of Nihil set List:
- The Sub-Orbital Blues
- Dustman
- Criminals
- Despair Church
- Water & Time
- House of Light
- Evidence
- American Death
- The Logical End
- Rivers of Nihil
Fans packed in early to catch their full-album performance, which blended crushing heaviness with sweeping ambience. The band’s flow, pacing, and dynamic control made their set feel monumental, building anticipation for the night’s main event.
Ne Obliviscaris opened their two-album odyssey with Exul, and the performance was nothing short of immaculate. Tracks like “Equus” and “Misericorde I & II” hit even harder in a live setting, with every violin flourish, blast beat, and clean vocal line swirling together into something both chaotic and beautiful.
The band’s interplay—violin, harsh vocals, clean vocals, and intricate guitar layers—translated flawlessly on stage. Fans responded with thunderous applause after every movement, treating each piece like the finale of a classical performance.
After a brief reset, Ne Obliviscaris returned to perform Citadel front to back—a record many fans consider their masterpiece. Hearing “Painters of the Tempest” in its full three-part glory was a rare and unforgettable experience. The band navigated every dynamic shift with absolute confidence, pushing emotional tension and technical intensity in equal measure.
Older tracks like “Pyrrhic” and “Devour Me, Colossus” unleashed massive crowd reactions, mixing nostalgia with awe. It was a reminder of just how timeless this album already is.
By the end of the night, it was clear: this wasn’t just a show—it was a statement. Ne Obliviscaris brought their boldest material to life with passion, precision, and almost theatrical presence. Combined with powerful sets by Rivers of Nihil and Psycroptic, this tour has delivered one of the strongest extreme metal lineups of the year.
Ne Obliviscaris set list:
- Painters of the Tempest (Part I): Wyrmholdes
- Painters of the Tempest (Part II): Triptych
- Painters of the Tempest (Part III): Reveries from the Stained Glass Womb
- Pyrrhic
- Devour Me, Colossus (Part I): Blackholes
- Devour Me, Colossus (Part II): Contortions
- Equus
- Misericorde I -As the Flesh Falls
- Misericorde II- Anatomy of Quiescence
- Suspyre
- Graal
- Anhedonia
- And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope (Encore)
For fans of progressive metal, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For everyone else… this was the kind of show that could turn you into one.
One event a fan like my self was hoping for, was Andy From Rivers of Nihil and James from Ne Obliviscaris coming out and doing a Black Crown Initiate song or two. James and Andy are the original members of this amazing band that is on hiatus for the time being. Maybe one day we will see them back together.
This is a tour that if it comes through your city or even a few hours away, you must get out and see it. These bands will be playing much bigger venues in the future. Get out and get ready to get into the pit!!! Live music is always better. Get out and Listen to Metal!!!!
