Cancer Bats - Toronto

If you are like us, seeing Cancer Bats for the very first time… did you expect to see any bats?

Seeing them perform their debut album, Birthing the Giant, in its entirety was the perfect introduction for newcomers like us. From the first note, it was clear this wasn’t just a nostalgic run-through — it was loud, raw, and alive in a way that made the record feel brand new again.

They kicked off their 21-date Canadian tour on April 3 in St. John’s, NL, alongside supporting acts Anciients, TEETH, and Chastity — a stacked lineup that set the tone for the chaos to come.

We caught them in their hometown of Toronto at the legendary The Opera House on April 10, 2026 — and honestly, there couldn’t have been a more fitting venue. The room was packed wall-to-wall with diehard fans, and the energy never dipped for a second.

From the moment they hit the stage, the crowd erupted. Frontman Liam Cormier brought nonstop energy — headbanging, jumping, and running across the stage — matched step-for-step by the bassist and guitarist, who kept the intensity just as high from start to finish. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a full-on experience.

A standout moment of the night came during “Hammering On,” when Brooklyn Doran joined the band on stage. The duet added a whole new layer to the show, blending her melodic and rough vocals with the band’s raw intensity— a moment that felt both intimate and explosive at the same time.

Another highlight came when the band tore into their cover of “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys. The crowd instantly recognized the iconic track, and the room erupted into a frenzy. Cancer Bats put their own heavy, high-energy spin on it, turning the song into a full-throttle punk-metal anthem that had everyone shouting along.

This band encompasses everything we love: metal, punk, hardcore — all delivered with grit, attitude, and zero compromise. The riffs hit hard and the crowd fed off every second of it, turning the floor into a constant swirl of movement.

What stood out most was the sense of community. Whether you were a longtime fan screaming every lyric or a first-timer like us just taking it all in, there was an undeniable connection between the band and the audience. That’s something you can’t fake — and it’s exactly what makes shows like this unforgettable.

If you’re not in Canada, make sure to catch them this summer as they take the tour overseas across Europe and the UK. Check out their website for full dates: www.cancerbats.com

🎸 Cancer Bats
🌎 Birthing the Giant 20th Anniversary Canadian Tour 2026
📅 April 10, 2026
📍 Opera House - Toronto ON

Setlist 📃
1. Golden Tanks
2. French Immersion
3. Grenades
4. Shillelagh
5. Butterscotch
6. Death Bros
7. Firecrack This
8. Diamond Mine
9. 100 Grand Canyon
10. Ghost Bust That
11. Pneumonia Hawk
12. Hail Destroyer
13. Bricks & Mortar
14. Hammering On (with Brooklyn Doran) Psychic Jail Break Album
15. Lucifer's Rocking Chair
16. Sabotage (Beastie Boys cover)
17. Winterpeg