The Afterglow Tour Lights Up Anaheim: Sleep Theory Feat. Nevertel, Oxymorrons, & Stray View Deliver Big | 5/31/25 | Photos + Review

August 27, 2025 Leave a comment

Sleep Theory has been on heavy rotation for me ever since their 2023 EP Paper Hearts dropped. Their sound is an electrifying blend of modern metalcore and hard rock, laced with just enough 2000s nu-metal nostalgia to hit that sweet spot. They’ve been storming the scene like a summer downpour in the South, and honestly? It shows. For the first leg of their debut headliner in support of their debut album Afterglow, Sleep Theory ripped through Anaheim alongside Nevertel, Oxymorrons, and Stray View—selling out their only California stop. From the pit to the stage lights, the energy never dipped once.

Stray View (Dallas, TX)

Opening the night was Stray View, who wasted no time setting the bar high. Easily the heaviest support on the bill, they kicked things off with “Who You Really Are” from their Displace/Erase EP—a synth-heavy punch that locked me in immediately. Frontman Dave Escamilla commanded the stage with a presence that felt larger than life, while guitarist Brandon Rodriguez’s downtuned riffs hit like a hammer. Bassist Jake Lewis provided crushing low-end, especially on the freight-train intensity of their newest single “Come Down”. Their experimental streak shined on “Forget It”, which pulled the crowd into an industrial haze, showing just how versatile this band can be. With drummer Lucas Vitullo driving everything forward with relentless energy, Stray View’s seven-song set was a perfect spark to ignite the night.

SETLIST

  1. Who You Really Are
  2. Come Down
  3. Forget It
  4. Escape
  5. Vivid
  6. Wasteland
  7. The Riddle

Oxymorrons (Queens, NY)

Next up were Oxymorrons, who brought rap-rock chaos and swagger in full force. Brothers Dave “D” and Ashmy “KI” Bellevue worked the crowd with co-lead vocals, bouncing between fiery rap verses and raw screams with ease. They opened with Enemy off their newest album Melanin Punk, laying trap-infused beats over sharp nu-metal riffage that had the crowd moving instantly. Green Vision and Head For The Hills followed, with Jafe Paulino’s guitar work slicing through and drummer Matty Mayz pounding out massive grooves. Oxymorrons thrive in high-energy delivery and crowd interaction—their eight-song set felt like a party onstage, a collision of grit and swagger that proved they’re not just part of rap-rock’s revival, they’re pushing it forward.

SETLIST

  1. Enemy
  2. Green Vision
  3. Head For The Hills
  4. Definition
  5. Melanin Punk
  6. Insomnia
  7. Look Alive (Netic)
  8. Justice

Nevertel (Tampa, FL)

By the time Nevertel hit the stage, the room was buzzing. I’ve been spinning them since their 2021 album Everything In My Mind, so finally seeing and photographing them live was a huge moment. They opened with Losing Faith from their upcoming record Start Again, locking the crowd in immediately with their blend of heavy rock and melodic flair. Jeremy Michael’s smooth, almost delicate vocal tone stood in sharp contrast to Raul Lopez Jr.’s rap and R&B layers—together, their dynamic felt fresh and exciting. Tracks like Sacrifice and Back On Me leaned hard into trap-rock fusion, with Kevin Marks’ precision drumming and Alec Davis’ downtuned riffs pushing the breakdowns into filthy territory. Over ten songs spanning their catalog, Nevertel showcased why they’re one of the most compelling crossover acts in the scene right now. Genre lines blurred, energy soared, and by the end, they’d set the stage perfectly for Sleep Theory’s arrival.
SETLIST

  1. Losing Faith
  2. Sacrifice
  3. Back On Me
  4. Sym
  5. Feed The Machine
  6. Modified
  7. Some Things
  8. No Reverse
  9. Everything In My Mind
  10. Criminal

Sleep Theory (Memphis, TN)

Finally, it was time for Sleep Theory—and they did not disappoint. They stormed in with “Fallout”, the perfect mission statement for their sound: modern hard rock colliding with Linkin Park-style nu-metal and a dose of metalcore grit. Cullen Moore’s vocals were the centerpiece, soaring and crystal-clear, cutting through every layer of sound. Daniel Pruitt’s riffs and grooves paired perfectly with Paolo Vergara’s deep basslines, both pulling double duty with strong backing vocals, while Ben Pruitt’s intricate drum patterns elevated tracks like “III” and “Paralyzed”. This debut headlining setlist was no half-measure. Twenty songs stretched across Paper Hearts and Afterglow, bolstered by bold covers—Paramore’s “My Heart”, NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye”, Boyz II Men’s “Can You Stand The Rain”, and even Nevertel’s “Break The Silence”. Pair that with a slick lighting production, and Sleep Theory felt like a band already built for arenas. They’ve solidified themselves as one of the fastest-rising names in the heavy scene, and if this first tour is the blueprint, their trajectory is only up from here.

The best part? All four bands are hitting the road again for the second leg of The Afterglow Tour (Sept 18–Oct 12, US). If it comes to your city, don’t miss it. These are the acts shaping heavy music’s future.

SETLIST

  1. Fallout
  2. Enough
  3. Parasite
  4. Hourglass
  5. Just A Mistake
  6. Gone or Staying
  7. Can You Stand The Rain (Boyz II Men cover)
  8. Bye Bye Bye (NSYNC cover)
  9. Afterglow
  10. Gravity
  11. III
  12. Paralyzed
  13. Break The Silence (Nevertel cover)
  14. My Heart (Paramore cover)
  15. It’s Over
  16. Another Way
  17. Words Are Worthless
  18. Stuck In My Head
  19. Numb
  20. Static

Sleep Theory | Nevertel | Oxymorrons | Stray View

Photos + Review Courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram | Facebook | X

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Citizen Soldier Feat. Icon For Hire & Halocene | Thank You For Hating Me US Tour | 10/6/24 | The Observatory Orange County | Photos + Review

October 14, 2024 Leave a comment

Step into the world of group therapy, where music becomes the vessel to help you connect with your pain and emerge stronger together. Citizen Soldier orchestrates this transformative experience through their concerts, providing a safe haven to unleash emotions, find solace, and revel in the moment. During their Thank You For Hating Me Tour, they united with one of my beloved bands, Icon For Hire, and Halocene, to curate an unforgettable night brimming with raw emotions and breakthrough moments that will leave you feeling truly alive.

Halocene, an extraordinary band hailing from Phoenix, AZ, set the stage on fire as the opening act. They launched their performance with the electrifying “Just Won’t Die”, a mesmerizing fusion of progressive metalcore, pop punk, and synth-infused radio rock. Despite guitarist and co-vocalist Bradley Amick being under the weather and unable to perform, vocalist Addie Amick delivered a breathtaking performance, effortlessly taking charge of both vocal parts. The live lineup, featuring guitarist Ben McSherry and drummer Quinton Kufahl, exuded undeniable energy. With a repertoire of 7 songs, including captivating covers of “Unholy” by Sam Smith and “The Kill” by Thirty Seconds To Mars, the band left the audience spellbound. Their invigorating performance was an unforgettable start to the show, and I am eagerly anticipating the chance to capture their magnetic presence once again on their future tour.

SETLIST

  1. Just Won’t Die
  2. When Demons Come To Life
  3. Repent
  4. Unholy (Sam Smith cover)
  5. This Is Our War
  6. The Kill (Thirty Seconds To Mars cover)
  7. Maleficent

Up next, we were treated to the exceptional talents of Decatur, Illinois’ own Icon For Hire. This marked my seventh time catching the band live in the last decade, with the initial experience dating back to the 2014 Warped Tour. I cannot emphasize enough the profound impact their music has had on me.. The experience kicked off with the electrifying “Gatekeepers” from their latest album, The Reckoning. Vocalist Ariel Bloomer’s commanding presence immediately took center stage. They seamlessly transitioned into “Get Well” from their debut album “Scripted”, with guitarist Shawn Jump anchoring the band with a powerful, infectious groove. Icon For Hire’s music is an eclectic fusion, seamlessly blending alternative metal with elements of electronica, hip-hop, post-hardcore, and EDM. Their music spans across all the genres that hold a special place in my heart, and witnessing their ongoing sonic and visual evolution has been nothing short of breathtaking. They have never been afraid to be outspoken about mental health through their music, which is something I wholeheartedly commend and love. The band delivered an enthralling performance of 11 songs, showcasing the depth and breadth of their discography. I was particularly elated to see them play songs like “Venom” and “Ready For Combat” from their more recent releases. Without a doubt, Icon For Hire has solidified their status as THAT BAND.

SETLIST

  1. Gatekeepers
  2. Get Well
  3. Pulse
  4. Off With Her Head
  5. Last One Standing
  6. Iodine
  7. The Grey
  8. Bleed It Out (Linkin Park Cover)
  9. Venom
  10. Ready For Combat
  11. Make A Move

Citizen Soldier from Salt Lake City, UT delivered a powerful performance, taking the stage with their emotionally charged set opener “Save Your Story.” The band’s roots go back to 2016 when vocalist Jake Segura wrote the poignant lyrics to “Let It Burn” during a stay in a mental hospital. Now, as a practicing clinical therapist, Segura uses his emotionally intense lyrics to create a safe space for exploring feelings in a group therapy setting. Their sound is rich and multifaceted, combining a hard rock edge with heartfelt ballads. The band’s lineup includes vocalist Jake Segura, guitarists Matt Duffney and Kooper Hanosky, bassist and keyboardist Wonitta, and drummer Kyle Persell. Citizen Soldier pulled out all the stops for this tour, featuring an elaborate light show and a powerful sound that fully immersed the audience in emotion. Their 16-song set even included guest appearances from Addie of Halocine on “Wish I Could Cry” and Ariel of Icon For Hire on “Victim or Survivor.” Despite not being familiar with Citizen Soldier before the show, I was completely captivated by their performance. The tour, which also featured Icon For Hire and Halocene, felt like a deeply cathartic group therapy session.

SETLIST

  1. Save Your Story
  2. Face To Face
  3. Everybody Hates You
  4. Strong For Somebody Else
  5. Where Were You
  6. My Own Miracle
  7. You Are Enough
  8. Tattoos
  9. Wish I Could Cry (Feat. Addie Amick)
  10. Dead-End Life
  11. Wired For Worthless
  12. Victim or Survivor (Feat. Ariel Bloomer)
  13. Burden
  14. Afterlife
  15. Would Anyone Care (ENCORE)
  16. Thank You For Hating Me (ENCORE)

Citizen Solider | Icon For Hire | Halocene

Photos + Review courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram | Facebook | X

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A Day To Remember w/ Asking Alexandria & Point North | The Re-Entry Tour | 10/13/21 | Photos + Review

October 21, 2021 Leave a comment

Point North

Asking Alexandria

A Day To Remember

A Day To Remember | Asking Alexandria | Point North

Photos courtesy of Jess Kelly | Instagram | Twitter

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Atreyu w/ Whitechapel, He Is Legend, Tempting Fate, and Santa Cruz | 20th Anniversary Tour | Photos + Review

April 10, 2020 Leave a comment

Atreyu Closes Out Their 20th Anniversary Celebration In Ventura

Venue: The Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura, CA on 11/20/19

When a band hits a milestone in their career, it’s a big deal. From hitting 1 year as a band, to selling out a show, each of these milestones for bands has sentimental value in their growth. Atreyu hit twenty years of being a band, which is huge considering the many bands in their cohort of metal that have come and gone since they started. While it seemed the band would be done after 2010, the band came back in 2014 stronger than ever, continuing with the momentum they had before and then some! With seven albums under their belt, the band let the fans vote on their setlist, which showcased songs from each record. Atreyu brought along with them an interesting mix of bands. With Whitechapel as direct support bringing the deathcore, He Is Legend bringing their southern influenced Mathcore, Tempting Fate bringing the post hardcore, and Santa Cruz throwing it back with some glam rock to the table, this tour was a blend of bands that were different from one another and kept the show truly interesting. Those of us in attendance at this final date of the tour has a wonderful time!

First up was Santa Cruz from Helsinki, Finland. Opening the show up, the band brought out a flare completely different than any other band on the lineup. Their sound is a mixture of glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock, and has some elements of post hardcore mixed in. As the oddballs on the tour, they really hyped the crowd up with energy, especially frontman and founding member Archie Cruz, who shredded to his’ hearts content center stage and captivated the audience with his vocal abilities reminiscent of hair metal from the 80s. The band’s touring guitarist Joe Perez was on point, shredding both the rhythm and lead parts when he and Archie switched off, with incredible stage presence and lots of hairflipping action. On stage left, you’ll find the band’s bassist Eemi Lamberg, who played his basslines with precision and class, while also giving lots of windmills and high energy. Closing out the band’s lineup is drummer Tuomas Lehtonen, who did backup vocals along with his fast and intense drum playing. Throughout the band’s six-song set, you could feel the energy thriving on the stage. I wasn’t able to meet the band, as they took their merch away shortly after they played, but they slayed their set and executed their performance brilliantly. It was a great way to start out the show!

SETLIST

  1. Changing Of Seasons
  2. Bang Bang (My Worst Enemy)
  3. True Believer
  4. We Are The Ones To Fall
  5. Wasted & Wounded
  6. Aiming High

Up next was Tempting Fate from Los Angeles, CA. This band sits on the borderline of post-hardcore and metalcore, while also blending in some nu metal influences, shown especially in their song “Sik”. As an independent band, they have released two EPs and one full length record, which they incorporated songs from each release into their eight-song set. The band has an interesting dynamic, with brothers Cory Beecher on vocals and Shane Beecher on guitar. Drummer Alex Rivas played the heavy blast beat sections with ease and had a lot of energy behind the kit. Eemi Lamberg from Santa Cruz filled in on bass, providing a lot of energy and bass lines to the band’s set. It was cool for me to see the variety in the band’s sound, with songs like “Filthy” showing their heavier side, and other songs like “A Place Called Home” showing off the band’s hard rock side. I was thoroughly impressed by their set. Tempting Fate is definitely a band to keep your eyes on!

SETLIST

  1. Filthy
  2. Questions
  3. Eminence
  4. 99
  5. Falling To Pieces
  6. I’d Rather Burn
  7. A Place Called Home
  8. Sik

Next to the stage was the all mighty He Is Legend from Wilmington, North Carolina. Starting out as a metalcore band, the band’s sound has progressed throughout the years, becoming more of a fusion between a plethora of sub-genres, most notably being a mixture of hard rock, alternative metal, stoner rock, psychedelic rock, sludge metal, and southern rock. Watching their set and listening to their music takes listeners on a journey, as songs can sometimes mix several of these influences together, creating an album where each song is dynamic and impressive. Vocalist Schuylar Croom is an entertaining person to watch on stage, grooving along with the music as if he is entranced in it. Lead guitarist Adam Tanbouz and rhythm guitarist Andrew Gaultier played their parts with ease and headbanging to their hearts content. Bassist Matty Williams strummed in those deep basslines that hit the spot in the band’s music, while providing tons of hairflips and energy. Jesse Shelley on drums is the final piece to the band’s lineup, holding down the fort and keeping the band on track while playing the drums with precision, even through the many random tempo changes. The band has a total of six albums, four of which they played songs from in their seven-song setlist. Overall, I was blown away by their set and cannot wait to see He Is Legend again in the future.

SETLIST

  1. White Bat
  2. Burn All Your Rock Records
  3. The Seduction
  4. The Widow of Magnolia
  5. Attack of the Dungeon Witch
  6. Everyone I Know Has Fangs
  7. Boogiewoman

Whitechapel from Knoxville, Tennessee was up next as direct support. Whenever I prepare for a Whitechapel set, I know what to expect: lots of energy, lots of strobing lighting, and those groovy heavy tones that match perfectly with vocalist Phil Bozeman’s deep guttural vocals. Since they released their album “The Valley” earlier in the year, which was released via Metal Blade Records, the band played six-songs from the album, along with three other fan favorite songs, adding up to a nine-song set. Whitechapel has interesting dynamics in their band, with three guitarists: Ben Savage, Alex Wade, and Zach Householder. While Ben technically does a majority of the leads, each guitarist shines during the set, truly adding to the band’s groove metal infused deathcore. Vocalist Phil Boseman really stepped out of the box on the new record, showing off more of his’ vocal abilities in terms of clean vocals, shown in songs “When A Demon Defiles A Witch” and “Hickory Creek”, both of which they played on this tour. I’m also very amused whenever I see Gabe Crisp on stage, as the dude has a really intense presence on that stage, truly jamming out and grooving along while playing those piercing bass tones. The band’s live drummer Alex Rüdinger closes out the current Whitechapel lineup, and he does not disappoint, nailing all of the bands intricate drum patterns. One funny part of the set that stuck out to me was when Phil Boseman said, “We just wrote this next song this morning, so I hope you enjoy it”, and then going on to play the band’s most recognizable song “This Is Exile”. I always love seeing Whitechapel live because they truly have an amazing arsenal of music and it’s cool to see what songs they’re going to pull out of the vault for their sets. Whitechapel never disappoints in concert, and I am looking forward to seeing them again when they come out to Southern California next!

SETLIST

  1. Forgiveness Is Weakness
  2. Brimstone
  3. Black Bear
  4. Third Depth
  5. When A Demon Defiles A Witch
  6. This Is Exile
  7. Hickory Creek
  8. Our Endless War
  9. The Saw Is The Law

Atreyu from Yorba Linda, California was up next to celebrate being together as a band for 20 years. The band’s setlist was voted on by the fans, adding up to a setlist with 20-songs spanning their entire discography, except songs from 2015’s “Long Live”. For the anniversary tour, the band brought an elaborate light show that lit up the whole venue, which made the 1200 capacity venue feel like a stadium show. The band’s lead vocalist Alex Varkatzas was filled with energy, truly utilizing every inch of that stage and engaging fans from every part of the crowd. One thing Atreyu never strays from is their guitar solos, and co-lead guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel truly showcased their abilities throughout the set. Brandon Staller is the member that truly sets Atreyu apart from many other bands, as he plays the technical drum parts while providing the clean vocals for the band. Bassist Marc McKnight is truly a hype man on stage, playing his bass lines while engaging the audience members and headbanging with his epic beard waving around. Since the fans voted on the setlist, it consisted of mainly songs from the band’s earlier albums “The Curse” and “A Death-Grip On Yesterday”, but I was glad to see that fans at least voted on some songs from the band’s later albums. I am truly lucky and happy that I was able to see Atreyu two times in a span of five months. They’re a very entertaining band to see and photograph. I cannot wait to see them again when they come back out here!

SETLIST

  1. The Time Is Now
  2. Right Side of the Bed
  3. Ain’t Love Grand
  4. Doomsday
  5. My Fork in the Road (Your Knife in My Back)
  6. Ex’s and Oh’s
  7. Our Sick Story (Thus Far)
  8. The Theft
  9. Bleeding Mascara
  10. Demonology and Heartache
  11. The Crimson
  12. Her Portrait in Black
  13. Bleeding Is a Luxury
  14. House of Gold
  15. Becoming the Bull
  16. Falling Down
  17. Blow
  18. Five Vicodin Chased With a Shot of Clarity
  19. Untitled Finale
  20. Lip Gloss and Black

Atreyu has been dominating the rock and metal scenes for two decades and truly went all in on their anniversary tour. Whitechapel, He Is Legend, Tempting Fate, and Santa Cruz all brought it and meshed with Atreyu beautifully to create a wonderful night of music and a beautiful end to this tour! Make sure to check out all of these bands and see them on tour at a city near you!

Atreyu | Whitechapel | He Is Legend | Tempting Fate | Santa Cruz

Photos + Review courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram

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The Classic Crime w/ Assuming We Survive, Your Bourgeois, and David Lunsford | West Coast Tour | Photos + Review

February 23, 2020 Leave a comment

Seattle-based rock band The Classic Crime have been around for quite some time, releasing a handful of albums over the past fifteen years. The band have recently dropped a couple of singles, leading up to their upcoming full-length album “Patterns In The Static” (due to be released on February 28th) and embarked on a tour of the West Coast (their first tour since 2018) in support of the new material.
Opening up the night was Seattle based acoustic musician David Lunsford. He began the set with his most recent single, “God Damn Soul,” and played “Without Your Armor” and “On My Mind” from his 2018 debut LP, “To All My Friends And Family.” In addition, he also played two unreleased songs, one titled “Evergreen” and a self-titled song that he concluded his set with. What stood out to me about David’s set was the emotion he put into each of the songs he performed, and that was evident from the moment he started the set.


Up next was Your Bourgeois, a local rock band from Golden, Colorado. They had a pretty good mix of slower and more upbeat songs in their set, and seemed to show influences of various styles of rock, which made their set even more interesting. One of the main things that stood out to me about this band’s set and the music they played was the very impressive lead guitar solos in a couple of the songs.


Second to last was Assuming We Survive. I saw them headline in LA a couple of years ago and since then, they have quickly become one of my favorite bands to see live and one of my favorite bands overall. One thing I like a lot about their live shows is the energy they constantly bring throughout so much of their sets, and the large majority of their setlist consisted of some of the most upbeat tracks from recent releases (“Tear Me,” “Make It Out Alive,” “Smile Sometime,” “Too Close”). The band played their two latest EPs, “Chapters” and “The Enemy Within,” from beginning to end (with the exception of “California Stoned,” the final track on “Chapters”), and amidst all of the more upbeat songs they played, they slowed things down a bit as well when playing “Lost” and “Let You Down,” which had everyone waving their cellphone lights in the air.


The Classic Crime took the stage not long after Assuming We Survive was done, and they
instantly had the crowd singing along and rocking out to their music. Their setlist spanned from throughout their discography as they played songs such as “The Fight” from their 2006 debut LP “Albatross,” “Abracadavers” and “Gravedigging” from 2008’s “The Silver Cord,” “Beautiful Darkside” and “The Precipice” from 2012’s “Phoenix,” “Driftwood” and “Holy Water” from 2017’s “How To Be Human,” . In addition, they played their two latest singles, “Take The Moment” and “Miles And Miles,” which are both from their upcoming album “Patterns In The Static.” This was my first time seeing The Classic Crime, and immediately I thought that they put on a really fun live performance.

Each act that performed at this show was something a little bit different, but one commonality that all of them shared was putting on an interesting and captivating performance, and the show overall was a very fun one to watch.

The Classic Crime | Assuming We Survive | Your Bourgeois | David Lunsford

Photos + Review Courtesy of Megan Langley | Instagram

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In Flames with Red and Arrival Of Autumn | Winter North American Tour | Photos + Review

February 1, 2020 Leave a comment

In Flames Set The Observatory On Fire On Their Winter North American Tour

Venue: The Observatory Orange Country on 11/6/19

            In Flames has been a band on my radar for quite some time. I got into them later than most when their 2016 album “Battles” hit the shelves. I was stoked when their North American Tour was announced, as I had still never seen them live. Along with the band came support from Red and Arrival of Autumn, giving the evening a mixture of metalcore, post-hardcore, hard rock, and melodic death metal. This night was truly amazing.

First up was Arrival Of Autumn from Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. This was my second time seeing and photographing these guys, the last time being a little over a month prior on the last date of their tour with Soulfly, Incite, and Prison. The band is the perfect mixture of metalcore and melodic death metal. Unfortunately, due to traffic, I was only able to photograph and catch the last song and a half of their set at The Observatory, but something that is evident about Arrival of Autumn is just how strong and together they are as a band. From their riff heavy instrumentals, courtesy of Ryan Sorensen and Brendan Anderson, to their thick basslines, thanks to Kevin Student, technical drumming from Ty Fox, and the mixture of a wide array of singing and screaming from vocalist Jamison Friesen, the band has a very strong sound that have blown me away both times I’ve seen them. The band played a 7-song set, most of which came from their debut 2019 release “Harbinger”, which was released via Nuclear Blast. Arrival Of Autumn is truly an amazing band and I cannot wait to catch their set again next time they’re in Southern California!

SETLIST

  1. Hurricane on the Horizon
  2. Witness
  3. Better Off Without
  4. The Endless
  5. Apocalyptic
  6. Old Bones / New Blood
  7. The Horror

Up next was Red from Nashville, Tennessee. This was my second time seeing these guys, with my last time being in March of 2018 when they co-headlined The Regent with Lacey Strum. I didn’t know much about them the first time I saw them but became a big fan after seeing them the first time. I now own every one of their six albums on physical copy and was happy with the songs they chose for their 9-song set. They mixed songs from their albums, along with songs from their 2019 EP “The Evening Hate”, which they released via The Fuel. I would best describe their sound as a mixture of Nu Metal, Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal, and Hard Rock. Their sound is dynamic, blending each of these songs into their diversified discography to perfection. When you go see Red live, the first thing you will realize is just how energetic vocalist Michael Barnes is, truly engaging with the crowd and owning every inch of the stage. Guitarist Anthony Armstrong, and twin brother and bassist Randy Armstrong own their sides of the stage with ease, slaying those guitars with ease. In the back of the stage, you’ll find drummer Dan Johnson drumming with force with his double bass drums on point. The band was a joy to see, and I especially liked them more now that I actually know the music they were playing. I cannot wait to see Red again in the future.

SETLIST

  1. Fight Inside
  2. Death of Me
  3. Confession (What’s Inside My Head)
  4. Let Go
  5. From The Ashes
  6. Already Over
  7. Feed The Machine
  8. The Evening Hate
  9. Breathe Into Me

In Flames from Gothenburg, Sweden finally hit the stage last. The band really went all out in terms of choosing their setlist, putting together 21-songs that showcased songs from ten of their thirteen albums. What blew me away was hearing the band’s change in sound over the span of their 30-year career as a band. Their musical style mixes together melodic death metal, metalcore, alternative metal, and heavy metal. The band played the perfect mix of the heavy, with some of their more melodic songs, to make both old school fans and newer fans alike very happy. Of the 21 songs they played, 6 of those songs came from their newest album “I, The Mask”, which was released in 2019 via Eleven Seven Records in North America, and via Nuclear Blast throughout the rest of the world. One element to the band’s sound that is iconic when many think of melodic death metal is their heavy use of guitar solos and dueling guitar parts, courtesy of Björn Gelotte and Chris Broderick. Both Gelotte and Broderick had great stage presence and interacted a lot with the crowd. The band’s older sound was strictly melodic death metal, but as time went on, vocalist Anders Fridén started incorporating more clean vocals, which truly helped bring the band in a different direction. Fridén told jokes between the band’s songs and was very active on stage. Bassist Bryce Paul headbanged like crazy and was also very big on crowd participation while he slammed out those bass notes. Drummer Tanner Wayne closes out the band’s lineup, playing an intricate drum patterns with ease. Wayne was previously in post-hardcore bands Chiodos and Scary Kids Scaring Kids but has since joined the metal greats of In Flames and helped them create “I, The Mask”, which has truly become my favorite record from the band to date. Just like their live set, the new record mixes together elements from melodic death metal with elements from metalcore, alternative metal, and heavy metal. They played a truly amazing set that left a lasting impression on me. I cannot wait to see them next time they come out to Southern California!

SETLIST

  1. Cloud Connected
  2. Only for the Weak
  3. Take This Life
  4. Clay Man
  5. Where the Dead Ships Dwell
  6. Call My Name
  7. Behind Space
  8. Follow Me
  9. Monsters in the Ballroom
  10. All for Me
  11. (This Is Our) House
  12. The Hive
  13. Wallflower
  14. Here Until Forever
  15. Burn
  16. Voices
  17. Everything’s Gone
  18. Colony
  19. The Truth
  20. I Am Above
  21. The End

The Winter North American Tour was an amazing spectacle to attend. I was finally able to see In Flames, who completely obliterated my expectations out of the water. It was great to see Red again, who were insane at this show and tore that stage up. And it was great to see my new friends in Arrival Of Autumn tear up that stage again, even though I was only able to catch a couple of songs. Truly an amazing night!

In Flames | Red | Arrival Of Autumn

Photos + Review courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram

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Blue Ridge Rock Fest Day 1 w/ A Day To Remember, The Convalescence, Beartooth, Of Mice & Men, Hinder, 10 Years,Cold, Soil, Flaw, A Feasting Beast, and Two Sides of Me

October 30, 2019 Leave a comment

Blue Ridge Rock Festival Day 2

Two Sides of Me

A Feasting Beast

Flaw

Soil

Cold

10 Years

Hinder

Of Mice & Men

Beartooth

The Convalescence

A Day To Remember

A Day To Remember | The Convalescence | Beartooth | Of Mice & Men | Hinder | 10 Years | Cold | Soil | Flaw | A Feasting Beast | Two Sides of Me

Photos courtesy of Chyenne Conner| Instagram

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Papa Roach w/ Asking Alexandria and Bad Wolves | Who Do You Trust? USA Tour | Photos + Review

September 28, 2019 Leave a comment

Papa Roach Trusts Hollywood To Close Out Their Who Do You Trust USA Tour

Venue: Hollywood Palladium on 8/31/19

Papa Roach has been a consistent band I have listened to throughout the years. Their song “Last Resort” is a staple in the Nu Metal genre and is iconic. When I saw the lineup for their “Who Do You Trust?” USA tour, I was thrilled. Asking Alexandria was the very first band I ever saw live back in 2011, and Bad Wolves’ debut 2018 album “Disobey” absolutely slays, so I knew this would be an amazing night.

First up was Bad Wolves from Los Angeles, CA. Before they even got on stage, the crowd was roaring as Josh Brolin, an actor best known by his’ recent role as Thanos in the Avengers franchise, came out to announce the band. When the band hit the stage, they were immediately on fire. The band opened with their song Learn To Live, which shows off their progressive metalcore roots, with djent style guitar riffs courtesy of guitarists Chris Cain and Doc Coyle, as well as a mixture of clean vocals and screams courtesy of vocalist Tommy Vext. But at the root of djent is the deep bass tones courtesy of Kyle Konkiel and odd time signatures courtesy of drummer John Boecklin. The band played a set that mixed their heavier riffy songs, with more radio rock friendly songs. The band played a total of 8 songs, finishing with their chart topping cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie”, which they raised $250,000 towards the family of the late Dolores O’Riordan, who died on her way to record her vocal part on their cover. Their performance was filled with such vibrant energy. I was completely blown away by their performance, and they blew my expectations out of the water.

SETLIST

  1. Learn To Live
  2. No Masters
  3. Remember When
  4. Better The Devil
  5. I’ll Be There
  6. Hear Me Now
  7. Officer Down
  8. Zombie

Up next was Asking Alexandria from North Yorkshire, England. Coming on right after Bad Wolves with how tight and energetic they are would be tough for any band to do. For old fans of the band, hoping to hear the heavy metalcore stylings Asking Alexandria was once known for, unfortunately you will not be getting that here. I too have been a fan since their origins with a more metalcore and post-hardcore base, but the band has certainly transitioned to a more radio rock sound and style. They came out of the gate with their new single “The Violence”, which is pretty solid. While all of the other members were wearing normal attire, vocalist Danny Worsnop came out in a beige plaid suit and sun glasses, which definitely felt off. Besides that, the band played a variety of songs, most of which came from their 2017 self titled album “Asking Alexandria”, which was released via Sumerian Records. The only earlier song from the first two albums that the band played was “Someone Somewhere”, which they for some reason decided to play acoustically. The band relied on a lot of pyrotechnics to get through the performance, and while they were entertaining, they distracted from the actual set. The rest of the band consists of guitarists Ben Bruce and Cameron Liddell, bassist Sam Bettley, and drummer James Cassells. Overall, they put on a solid set, however, compared to when I saw them back in 2011, they lacked the heart and emotion I once saw them provide on stage.

SETLIST

  1. The Violence
  2. Into The Fire
  3. Where Did It Go?
  4. Run Free
  5. The Death Of Me
  6. Vultures
  7. Someone, Somewhere
  8. Moving On
  9. Eve
  10. When The Lights Come On
  11. Alone In A Room

Finally, Papa Roach from Vacaville, CA. Playing a sold out show in their hometown state on the second to last day of tour, this legendary band came to slay. For this tour, they prepared a whopping 19-song set that showcased songs from their whole discography. Vocalist Jacoby Shaddix is the ultimate showman, truly utilizing every inch of that stage. Behind the band was a huge LED screen that had many images and lyrics popping up, making the performance so tight and feeling like a full-on spectacle. The rest of the fourpiece consists of lead guitarist Jerry Horton, bassist Tobin Esperance, and drummer Tony Palermo. The band has so much heart and you could feel such positive energy radiating from the stage. In between the songs, Shaddix expressed how important it is to keep music alive, and really thanked people for supporting. It was truly awesome to see a band who’s been doing this for quite some time still be so humble and kind. And of course, the band’s encore “Last Resort”, got the crowd going nuts, with crowd surfers, circle pits, and crowd participation galore. Papa Roach was incredibly high energy, and chose a setlist that flowed beautifully. They proved that they indeed trusted Hollywood to be one of the last shows to close out the tour, and the crowds reactions definitely proved why. Papa Roach put on an incredible set, and I cannot wait to see them again!

SETLIST

  1. Who Do You Trust?
  2. Getting Away With Murder
  3. Broken Home
  4. Help
  5. Elevate
  6. Gravity
  7. Song 2 (Blur Cover)
  8. Drum Solo
  9. …To Be Loved
  10. Blood Brothers
  11. She Loves Me Not
  12. Come Around
  13. Forever
  14. Scars
  15. Between Angels and Insects
  16. Renegade Music
  17. Born For Greatness

ENCORE

  1. Last Resort

The “Who Do You Trust” tour was an amazing experience filled with a mixture of Metalcore, Radio Rock, and Nu-Metal. Papa Roach put together such a dynamic show and truly proved why they are still on top of the game after 26 years of being a band! They deliver and slay on stage!

Papa Roach | Asking Alexandria | Bad Wolves

Photos + Review courtesy of Jamie Kaufman | Instagram

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Ice Nine Kills w/ From Ashes To New and New Years Day | Episode III Tour

June 3, 2019 Leave a comment

New Years Day

From Ashes To New

Ice Nine Kills

Ice Nine Kills | From Ashes To New | New Years Day

5/4/19 | Photos courtesy of Linette Ray

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Dance Gavin Dance w/ Don Broco and Hail The Sun | Artificial Selection Tour Photos | 4/14/19 |Worcester, MA

May 1, 2019 Leave a comment

Hail The Sun

Don Broco

Dance Gavin Dance

Dance Gavin Dance | Don Broco | Hail The Sun

Photos courtesy of Linette Ray

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