June 17th not only marked the day when the Canadian band heading to Germany would be revealed but also the first band in all of North America! The Canadian national finals took place in Montreal at the renowned Medley. Along with the eleven finalists from Montreal, there were the three top bands from Quebec City, Toronto and Vancouver ready to win over our locals. Third Place got the night started with an energetic set of punk rock, just what was needed to get the crowd going. With plenty of acrobatic jumps and a touch of swagger, these guys hit the floor running, setting the pace for the rest of the evening. Next to take the stage was Degrey, a six-member outfit that played a powerful set of emo rock. With innovative guitars, complimentary keyboards and some excellent vocal harmonies, this group definitely stands apart from the rest in their genre. Up next was Concious who played a tight set of melodic punk rock. The addition of a couple of fun covers including Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” which featured a wailing guitar solo by their newest member, was a definite crowd pleaser. The next band were the finalists from Quebec City, Edgar Bizarre. Their set of alternative rock was accented with a guest appearance by a helpful nurse and the inclusion of a megaphone on some tracks which was quite effective in winning over the audience. Area 51 were up next and promptly kicked in to a raging set. Their style is a great combination of punk, hardcore with a touch of metal highlighted by their animal of a drummer. As they ploughed through their set, their devoted fans responded enthusiastically. Sickworld Muzik brought something completely different and refreshing to the evening. Their upbeat music is a cool combination of ska influenced swing beat. With the sax section wailing and their dapper vocalist prowling the stage, it seemed everyone in the venue was dancing along. A.D.D. were welcomed on stage by their adoring fans and busted into their high-energy blend of melodic rock. These guys’ songs are hard hitting but extremely melodic and infectious. Surely many in attendance were humming their tunes the next day. The next band was Insilco who played a great set of alternative rock in the truest sense. All their songs are rockin’; at times melodic, sometimes a bit harder but they maintain a consistency throughout that really works to their advantage. The Sessions came all the way from Vancouver, B.C. after winning the finals in Calgary, AB. It was instantly apparent why they had made it this far. They exhibited a great stage presence while their songs are catchy and interesting with a danceable beat that impressed the crowd and jury alike. The band that followed was called Vecteur K. Their songs are like epic journeys going from atmospheric pop to progressive rock and back again. The response of the crowd was ecstatic with arms raised and a heavy dose of volume. The band responded by putting on a fabulous set. Somethink were one of the heavier acts of the evening and they had a few tricks up their sleeves. To say their metal infused brand of hardcore rock was well received would be an understatement. By the end of their set there were beach balls bouncing around the room and some under-garments on stage. Finalists from the Toronto area, Motion Picture Ending won over the crowd and the other bands that showed their appreciation by giving them the Band Award. They play an eclectic mix of art rock with progressive arrangements while getting heads bopping and toes tapping. Maken Kozapo took the stage and broke into their divine alternative pop. Their sound is lush and their songs catchy. Their fans were singing along, hard not to with such gorgeous melodies. They have an unassuming, endearing stage presence that surely won over many new fans. Ending off the evening with a bang was Anemonia who’s slightly gothic, theatrical take on metal puts them in a class all their own. Operatic vocals,