The night began with Entheos, a progressive death metal band known for their technical prowess and intricate compositions. Unfortunately, I arrived too late to catch their set, but from what I heard, they delivered an impressive performance that set the tone for the night ahead.
Next up was Signs of the Swarm, a deathcore band known for their unrelenting brutality and visceral lyrics. The group wasted no time in launching into their set, delivering a barrage of bone-crushing riffs and guttural screams that had the crowd headbanging in unison. Highlights of their set included “Amongst the Low & Empty” and “Death Whistle”, both of which showcased the band’s ferocity and intensity.
SIGNS OF THE SWARM Photo Gallery:
Archspire took the stage next, and immediately set themselves apart from the other bands on the bill with their technical prowess and lightning-fast fretwork. The band even brought out a Twister game to get the crowd involved in a wall of death, which had everyone on their feet and ready to mosh. Their set-list included tracks like “Involuntary Doppelgänger” and “Drone Corpse Aviator”, both of which showcased the band’s virtuosity and precision.
The crowd was now fully warmed up and ready for the headliner, Whitechapel. The band wasted no time in launching into a career-spanning set-list that included fan favorites like “This Is Exile” and “The Saw Is the Law”. Vocalist Phil Bozeman‘s guttural screams and growls were on point throughout the entire set, and the band’s musicianship was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
ARCHSPIRE Photo Gallery:
One of the most impressive aspects of Whitechapel‘s performance was the sheer intensity and energy they brought to the stage. Guitarists Ben Savage, Alex Wade and bassist Gabe Crisp prowled the stage like predators, while drummer Brandon Zackey delivered a thunderous performance from behind his kit. The band’s stage presence was nothing short of captivating, and they had the crowd in the palm of their hand from start to finish. Other highlights included “When a Demon Defiles a Witch”, “I Will Find You” and “Possession”, both of which had the crowd chanting along and pumping their fists in the air.
Throughout the night, the crowd was incredibly energetic and engaged, with fans of all ages moshing, headbanging, and shouting along to their favorite tracks. The venue was packed to the brim with metal-heads from all over the city, creating a sense of community and camaraderie that was palpable throughout the entire night. As the show came to a close, the crowd was left sweaty, exhausted, and buzzing with excitement. The night was a celebration of all things heavy and brutal, and each band delivered a unique and unforgettable performance. From the bone-crushing riffs of Signs of the Swarm to the mind-bending musicianship of Archspire and the sheer intensity of Whitechapel, the concert was a showcase of the best that extreme metal has to offer.
I’d sum up the night as a ridiculous showcase of relentless musicianship, energy, and community. Each act brought everything they had on stage, and their powerful presence certainly left the crowd wanting more. The evening was a testament to the enduring power of extreme heavy metal music, and a reminder of why this genre continues to thrive and evolve.
WHITECHAPEL Photo Gallery:
