Galy Records is one of those wunderkind labels that inspires legions of kids with volition to start their own enterprise. While the last thing independent music needs is more upstart record companies, Eric Galy is the prime example of creating a successful space that defies the mediocre glut that has seemingly strangled the metal landscape in recent years. Galy Records’ modest beginning in 2002 has led to a string of definite success stories. From releasing killers efforts by Despised Icon (now with Century Media), Unexpect (now with The End Records), Unquintessence (Ion Dissonance side project), Neuraxis (severely under-rated Quebec legends) and Soulscar (perennial B.C. buzz band), to signing known quantities Anvil and Infernal Majesty as well as distributing Misery Index’s EPs in Canada, Eric Galy has positioned his company as a solid mid-tier label that has nothing but a bright future ahead of it.

As such, the Galy Records Compilation 2005 Release Party at Club Soda in downtown Montreal (presented in conjunction with BCI) acted as both the inauguration of Galy’s new compilation CD and a celebration of the giant steps his brand has taken in three short years. Boasting the diverse lineup of Obscuris Romancia, Descend Into Nothingness, Blinded By Faith, Unexpect, Ghoulunatics and Neuraxis in the headlining role, the show was well-attended and well-received.

In terms of the performances themselves, Unexpect’s outside-the-box, art school divergence pleased the crowd. Especially surprising were the kids on the floor moshing to the band’s mix of folk, Cradle Of Filth ambience and off-the-wall eccentricities. Those qualities make the group a perfect fit for the aforementioned The End Records, but don’t lend themselves to the potency and urgency needed in the live environment. The fact that the audience got moving is proof of Unexpect’s unique stage presence.

Ghoulunatics hit the stage shortly after, and made sure that its raucous blend of punk ‘n’ roll was put directly in people’s faces. Performing with un-vitiated vigour, the band strutted and rocked out the way only it can. The group’s tunes are infectious beacons, acting as a more accessible version of Entombed circa Wolverine Blues. The members of Ghoulunatics have perfected a grimy take on metalized dance-punk, and it seems the only thing holding the band back is its unfortunate name.

Neuraxis took the crowd by its collective throat at 10:30 and showed everyone what has made Neuraxis records hot commodities in the technical death metal circuit. Playing material off of its first three classics (Imagery, A Passage Into Forlorn…, Truth Beyond), as well as new songs from forthcoming Willowtip release Trilateral Progression, it’s good to see that Neuraxis’ chops continue to be at post-human (a.k.a. almost Dillinger Escape Plan) levels.

For more information on Galy Records or any of the label’s bands, check out www.galyrecords.com