LIVE: DEREV – Winnipeg, MB, CAN – May 20, 2025

Venue: Sidestage

City: Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Date: May 20, 2025

Review and Photographs by: Alejandro Penner (https://www.alejandropenner.ca/)

It’s a Tuesday night in Winnipeg and Toronto’s progressive rock band Derev is in town, Derev lit up Sidestage with a performance that was as intricate as it was explosive. Their blend of technical prowess, atmospheric layering, and high-octane energy made for an unforgettable night of music that kept the crowd locked in from start to finish. They opened with “Turab,” the lead track from their debut album Leap of Faith. The song’s Middle Eastern-inspired melodies intertwined with heavy prog-metal grooves, instantly establishing the band’s signature sound—dynamic, cinematic, and unapologetically ambitious. Derev then dove into new material from their latest release Troubled Mind, playing “Darker-Self” and “Cyclone.” “Darker-Self” built slowly with intricate rhythmic interplay before erupting into crushing intensity, while “Cyclone” lived up to its name with relentless momentum and powerful vocal hooks. Midway through the set, the band pulled out a fiery cover of System of a Down’s “Toxicity”—and absolutely crushed it. They stayed true to the energy of the original but layered in their own progressive style. Derev followed it up with two more tracks from Leap of Faith: “Delayed” and “Futile.” “Delayed” carried a brooding, reflective tone, filled with ambient textures and a slow-building intensity that swelled into a powerful climax. “Futile,” on the other hand, was gritty and aggressive, showcasing the band’s heavier side with sharp riffs and emotionally charged vocals. Closing out the night was “Room 9” from Troubled Mind, a haunting and immersive track that felt like the perfect thematic and sonic conclusion. Throughout the set, visuals played in the background, aligning with each song’s mood and message—creating a fully immersive audio-visual experience.

Each member of Derev brought something unique to the performance. Michel, the drummer, was a beast behind the kit—precision-driven, yet primal—shifting through complex time signatures and dynamic transitions with ease. Stan, the bassist, delivered deep, locked-in grooves with a fluid playing style that was both supportive and expressive. Ran, on keyboards, handled lush layers and atmospheric depth, and at one point busted out a keytar for an electrifying solo moment that had the crowd cheering. The band’s sole guitarist, Armando, carried a massive sonic load—switching effortlessly between chunky rhythm work, intricate leads, and ambient textures, all while delivering a rich, full-bodied tone that never left the sound feeling empty. Mike’s vocals were just as compelling—powerful and emotionally resonant, moving fluidly between clean melodic passages and grittier, more intense moments. If you’re into progressive rock that combines technical skill with emotional depth—and knows how to put on a hell of a live show—Derev is a band you don’t want to miss. This wasn’t just a concert. It was an experience. Derev’s latest record, Troubled Mind, is out now—go stream it on Spotify and get ready to be blown away.

Setlist: Turab – Darker Self – Cyclone – Toxicity – Delayed – Futile – Room 9

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries