Zombie school girls in tattered kilts (13 photos)

Pixies in ripped black fishnets.

Angels in combat boots.

Zombie school girls in tattered kilts.

Welcome to All Hallows' Eve at a punk rock show.

The Oddfellows Hall was swarming with such sights Tuesday evening as 300 teen trick-or-treaters gathered to witness the politically charged Canadian punk band, Propagandhi.

Both local openers, Smeltzer and Fitswitch, had the mosh pit in such a state, it kept the oldest person in the room as far away as possible.

Guess who that was.

By the time the third band of the night, Vancouver based Rebel Spell started their set, various halloween costume bits were strewn and discarded across the floor as the pit became a flurry of angst.

As I stared in amazement and fear, I was approached by a young man.

"Are you with the press? I'm free for an interview anytime," he said.

Laughing to myself, I became harshly aware I had not done a very good job at blending in.

"I came to get their energy," he answered when I asked why he was at the show.

"I want to do what Propagandhi does."

As the time for Propagandhi's turn approached, the crowd ascended on the stage and extra security was put in place.

The band's politically motivated and socially enlightened lyrics were driven through the small venue with the weight of the oppressed and tyrannized, as the moshers subsided and crushed forward to take it all in.

It was Bringer of Greater Things, a song dedicated to Rodney Naistus, Neil Stonechild and Lawrence Wegner who were allegedly murdered at the hands of Saskatoon Police that made me stop and listen.

"The city cops, a sub-zero night. A midnight ride out of town. The passenger was found frozen to the snow."

They practise what they preach by donating a portion of their proceeds to the Warchest Fund, providing aid to political prisoners and prisoners of war.

As serious as their message may be, they keep it balanced with a good dose of humour, demonstrated by their open statement to the audience.

"Hello Sudbury! So, it's Christmas and good to be in Sudbury!"

Through the chaos and havoc that permeated the room, Propagandhi's fight capitalism, racism and cruelty message was heard loud and clear while still allowing a good time.