Vaegon – Whammy Bar, 22 October 2026: Review & Photo Gallery

Phoebe Gilmour and Photos by Gas Mask Bunny

23rd October 2026

Vaegon, hailing from Canada, are purveyors of brutal technical death metal. Their Omega Species Eradication Tour has brought them to our shores, and to the Whammy Bar for the first time, as they promote their new EP, Architects Of The Human Decline. Still a young band that formed in 2022, these lads are redefining technical death metal with surgical precision, intensity, and depth of sound.

Crown Of Heathen

Crown Of Heathen, a Hamilton deathcore band, opens tonight’s show. There’s no messing around: they launch straight into the blistering Dethroned, the title track from their new EP, then power through three more songs from the release without letting up.

The opening of Iniquity offers a brief respite before the onslaught resumes. The girls and I really enjoy this band, so it’s disappointing to hear they’re taking a hiatus for now. Hopefully, they’ll return invigorated in the future.

Desoration

Continuing the vein of new and up-and-coming bands tonight, Desoration takes the stage next. A five-piece from Christchurch, this is their first time playing at the Whammy Bar, but the crowd is feeling the vibe. Pensive music plays as they take their places on stage.

The guitarist steps forward and gestures for the crowd to move closer. They oblige. He throws horns, and a sea of arms return the gesture. They open with Corporealisation Threshold off their 2026 Album NON. Described as blacken death metal, they are worth a listen.

Vaegon

Known for their precision-driven extreme metal sound, Vaegon blend crushing breakdowns, atmospheric passages and intricate fretwork. Veteran bassist Waris Ullah was the standout for me, displaying impressive technique and bringing a commanding presence to the stage.

Josh Hahn’s vocals were equally impressive. The lads have made the most of their time in the country, visiting Hobbiton and a range of local attractions in just a few short days. It was great to kick off their tour in Aotearoa. They play Symbiotic Fest at Valhalla in Wellington next before heading to Australia and Indonesia. Catch a show if you can.