The Animal Warfare Act with Xenoforms, Iron Wing

The Animal Warfare Act make their Halifax debut at Gus' Pub on Saturday 10 October, with regional acts Xenoforms and Iron Wing opening the night. It's the horror metal trio's first time playing the city, and they're coming from Toronto, where they've spent the last few years building a name for themselves in southern Ontario.

There's a bit of a family history to the band. It started in 2018 as a solo project by 19-year-old vocalist and guitarist Manus 'Hopskotch' Hopkins, and became a full band when he recruited his younger brother, Cormac 'Corndog' Hopkins, on drums. Bassist Cole 'Catscratch' Brocksom joined after the move to Toronto in the fall of 2021. They're signed to North Gold Entertainment and have earned a reputation for over-the-top theatrical live performances and music they describe as as catchy as it is heavy, which has already gathered a dedicated cult following.

Their discography runs back to the early days: the debut album The Doomsday Tapes came out in 2020, followed by Please Don't Feed the Animals in 2022, and more recently the single 'Dust' in October 2024. The Halifax show is presented by Morbid Entertainment, and it's the first time the trio has played this far east.

Doors open at 8:00 PM and the music runs until 11:30 PM. Tickets are C$15 in advance at Gus' Pub, 2605 Agricola Street.