Grand Master CD release party, April 14, 2012 - The Park Theatre

Openers The Revival were a lot of fun, with many people dancing to their 70's and 80s pop-rock sounds. Their lead guitar player, Eric Clefstad, was very, very good, and in a different class than the rest of the band.

Grand Master played for almost two hours. The trio are skilled musicians who are influenced by the likes of Dream Theatre, Rush and other progressive and heavy groups.

At times, their music was epic in scope and presentation, other times, fast and thrashy. Their music can be unpredictable, almost jazz-like with unexpected twists and turns, and time changes. It's quite challenging and interesting, much more so than most heavy music. But it's also not for the masses. While many in the audience were dancing up a storm for the opening band, most were paying close attention to Grand Master and their intricate music. A few times, though, mosh pits formed on the floor. Fortunately, I was not caught in a mosh.

There are plenty of people out there who have not heard of Grand Master, who would probably enjoy them.

Grand Master covers Bleak by Opeth at their CD release April 14/2012 @ The Park Theatre in Winnipeg, MB.

Joining them onstage:
Ryan Suche of Hoarfrost on Vocals
Mike Menza of Endless Chaos on Guitar
Mike Lewis of Soul Killing Female on keyboards