by JOHNSON CUMMINS

Thrash and doom metal legends Celtic Frost pulled into le Medley last week, marking their first time playing on North American soil in 17 years, and the wait was definitely worth it. A rich selection of classics was tucked under their bullet belts in this 85-minute show with nary a dull moment. Wayward songs like their cover of “Mexican Radio” and the entire Cold Lake record were thankfully scrapped, giving more elbow room for blasters like “Circle of Tyrants,” “The Crypt of Rays,” “Procreation (of the Wicked)” and their recent doom epic “Synagoga Satanae,” which was pulled back to a Sunn O)))-style crushing tempo. Just fucking spectacular, and even with the ticket price being a whopping $50, this was so good it was just impossible to hem and haw.

Although we are getting dangerously close to Pop Montreal, there are still some great shows to check out before you kneel down and worship at the feet of Roky. AIDS Wolf seem to have an assload of side projects going on these days, and one of them, Hamborghinni, will be playing tonight at Casa with Noh Cars Go, Dead Bush and Triceratreetops. Also happening tonight is a fundraiser for the chix from the Montreal Roller Derby (all named Ethyl, oddly enough) with the Gorgeous, Hold a Grudge, and Manic Manon and the Guestlist at Petit Campus.

On Friday night, things heat up with Montreal favourites Nashville Pussy, local good guys done good Priestess and the big surprise of the night, Rye Coalition. If you saw Rye Coalition with Isis at Sala a while ago, you are obviously aware of the serious damage these Jersey-ites can lay down. Do not miss them—show up early at les Saints.

If riff-slamming rock ain’t yer bag, get your ass down to Casa for Reflectiostack, Guh and Crystal Clyffs. Toronto’s Guh has a fluctuating line-up, so you never know how many people will show up to squeeze onto Casa’s tiny stage. Probably better known as Feist’s back-up band, Guh get into some serious improv that is unpredictable and will glue you to your chair. According to Crystal Clyffs’ MySpace page, they hit with that angular Gang of Four/Wire type of guitar sound, but not in the shitty way that most bands featuring a Gang of Four/Wire guitar sound do. C.C. also features members of les Angles Morts, donchaknow!

Montreal hardcore heads are going to want to cool their boots at l’Escogriffe on Saturday night when Fifth Hour Hero launch their new record Not Revenge Just a Vicious Crush with Whiskey Trench. Dutch Oven shake the walls of the Playhouse on Saturday night with fellow riff rockers Horrible Black Void.

Before you make it out to either of these shows, try to head down to the Green Room between 4 and 8 p.m. to check out the Rock ‘n’ Roll Garage Sale featuring vintage clothing, vinyl and other rock ’n’ roll goodies.

The big ticket this week would have to be the return of the mighty NoMeansNo at Sala on Tuesday, with the always-affable Ford Pier (D.O.A. and a host of others) opening up. The new record from NoMeansNo is easily as good as their classic Wrong, and for my money they’re still the best Canadian band around. Best of all, after they melt your face off, you can go across the street to Casa and dig the finest in rock, garage, soul etc. at the longest-running rock ’n’ roll DJ night in town.

KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH NACHOS. jonathan.cummins@gmail.com

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