Chaos happens. In the mosh pit at the Canadian (19 photos)

Mosh pits are a fascinating phenomenon.

They're both fun and scary, and cause major headaches for security staff and photojournalists alike.

However, photographing a mosh pit is an absolute blast.

The chaos pictured here is courtesy of the California-based punk metal band Strung Out.

They performed for 225 fans last night at the Canadian Night Club with supporting acts Death By Stereo, This is a Standoff and the Inner City Surfers.

For more than a decade, Strung Out has toured the world 13 times, released nine albums on the infamous Fat Wreck Chords label, and has done its best to keep the mosh pit alive and well.

Last evening was no exception.

Self-preservation is innate in most human beings, and SooToday.com quickly became painfully (literally) aware that the front of the stage was not the place to be.

But moving to a safer location gave us an interesting vantage point for the above photo.

In the words of our news editor, David Helwig: "If Norman Rockwell painted a mosh pit, this is what it would look like."