Christian metal fandom = no moshing? (15 photos)

The wind, cold and snow tossed at us Monday night did not deter the hearty youth of Sault Ste. Marie from attending a show of various metal/punk bands at the Oddfellows Hall.

Headlining the show was Regina-based Christian metal band, Means.

Starting the night off were three local bands; As It Stands, Smeltzer and Stay Seventeen.

By the time I arrived, a good crowd had gathered and As It Stands was midway through its powerful, energetic set.

Surprisingly, there was a complete absence of a mosh pit, although everyone seemed to be having a great time.

Smeltzer made note of this near the beginning of its set.

"I don't see much dancing. You need more funk in your soul," said singer Steve Mozarowski.

This was Smeltzer's cue to bust out its unusual but enjoyable rendition of LL Cool J's Mamma Said Knock You Out.

The crowd loved it, but still did not mosh.

Monday night was only their second live performance, but fledgling band Stay Seventeen definitely stole the show.

The powerful voice of their female singer and dynamic musicianship almost stunned the attentive audience, cajoling roars of appreciation.

There were small fits of dancing during their performance, but again, no mosh pit.

By the time Means began their set, a large portion of the audience had left.

Although their metal sound paired with inspirational lyrics may not be for everyone, those who stayed loved it and danced and, yes, even moshed a bit.

Having just been signed to Facedown Records, Means' current tour is taking the band across Canada and the United States to promote its upcoming album Sending You Strength.

Please visit this site or this one for details on upcoming all-ages shows in and around the Sault.