On January 26, the John Labatt Centre welcomed Intronaut and Tool, two progressive metal bands from California that packed the auditorium tightly with a sold-out crowd.

Intronaut's members include Sacha Dunable (guitarist, vocalist), David Timnick (guitarist, vocalist, percussionist), Danny Walker (drummer) and Joe Lester (bassist). In 2010, they released their third studio album, Valley of Smoke, which came after successes with studio albums Void (2006) and Prehistoricisms (2007). They have also released three EPs and two compilations.

At the show, Intronaut bordered the fine line between an industrial heaviness and a progressive rock sound. There wasn't a lot of energy, just crashing drums and skillful guitar playing. What could have made the show more interesting would have been stronger vocals from Drunable and a deviation from the straight, slightly boring loud sound. Perhaps more melodies and a happier intensity that can be expected from a skillful progressive rock band.

When Tool came out, the crowd was thrilled to see the legendary So-Cal band bring powerful, darkly bizarre computer animation and Danny Carey's renowned drumming. Carey is so skilled, whether it be with multiple projects he has contributed to besides Tool (A Perfect Circle, Tapeworm, Green Jelly), or just his own solid handle when he performs his solo acts. Maynard James Keenan is a celebrated musician as well, being the lead for A Perfect Circle (among other projects like Green Jelly and Tapeworm, similar to Carey).

Members of Tool include Carey (drummer), Adam Jones (guitar), Keenan (vocalist) and Justin Chancellor (bassist).

The concert focused mainly on the music of 10,000 Days, a 2006 album. "Parabol/Parabola," the background song to the crucifixion of Jesus in Passion of the Christ was not played. However, "Ticks and Leeches" was, and the crowd roared with so much enthusiasm, looking out into the audience was like observing ants marching up and down, shaking their fists and banging their heads to the beat.

Overall, Tool put forward a great show, though it was somewhat disappointing that Keenan stood at the back of the stage and didn't really come to the front. He seemed perplexed and preferred to stand closer to Carey while he drummed. Keenan needs to get out and stir the crowd and stay in front of the stage to keep a band notorious for their industrial progressive sound and to stay heavy.

Regardless, it was a great experience overall, and a great event to be showcased at the John Labatt Centre.

For more information, visit myspace.com/intronaut and toolband.com