Syracuse, NY -Underoath, The Ghost Inside, We Came as Romans, and Better Lovers June 22,2023
Get ready to have your musical world turned upside down because Buffalo-based hardcore band, Better Lovers, is here to claim royalty amongst your favorite bands. With their unparalleled energy, raw passion, and a sound that effortlessly blends aggressive hardcore with emotionally charged melodies, Better Lovers brings an invigorating and fresh take to the scene. Their lyrics resonate deeply, touching on themes of self-discovery and resilience, creating an instant connection with listeners. What truly sets them apart is their live performance, transforming the stage, (or some cases the entire venue: looking at you into a tempestuous arena where emotions run high and the crowd becomes an integral part of the show. During their current tour opening for Underoath and The Ghost Inside, Better Lovers have consistently been the unexpected show stoppers, leaving audiences in awe with their tight-knit musicianship, engaging stage presence, and the undeniable magnetism they exude. You’d almost think this wasn’t their first tour as a band. It's time to embrace the unexpected and let Better Lovers conquer your heart and playlist with their unrivaled sound and electrifying performances.
It’s easily been years since I’ve last seen them and yet despite everything they’ve dealt with since then, I was still amazed by the enduring force that is metalcore band, We Came As Romans. Last time I saw them live was Montebello Rockfest in Quebec, mere months before the tragic loss of Kyle Pavone, and same as then, the band continues to stand tall (or in the case of Andy Glass, jump high?) as a dynamic melodic powerhouse. With an unwavering commitment to their craft, We Came As Romans channels their emotions into their music, creating a poignant and resilient sound that resonates with fans on a profound level. Their ability to seamlessly blend aggressive metalcore elements with captivating melodies remains as impressive as ever, serving as a testament to their musical prowess. This is even more apparent in an era where it seems like a lot of metal core bands are focused on going heavier with more bleghs than they are leaning into their melodic side. In their performances, the band has demonstrated their unwavering dedication to continuing on, honoring Pavone's memory while forging ahead with an undeniable spirit that commands the stage. We Came As Romans proves that even on the other side of losing a core band member, their melodic prowess remains unshaken, and their live shows continue to be an exhilarating experience that pays homage to their legacy while embracing the future.
The resilience of the band, The Ghost Inside, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Having faced a devastating bus crash that resulted in serious injuries, near-death experiences, and lasting mental and psychological demons, their journey to reclaim the stage and bury their demons six feet underground is a testament to their unbreakable spirit. After years of painstaking recovery and unwavering determination, The Ghost Inside is now embarking on their first full US tour since that life-altering incident. Their ability to triumph over tragedy is matched only by their remarkable positivity, gratefulness to be bale to continue what they love, and their inspiring inner strength. With each performance, they radiate a contagious sense of joy, acknowledging the fragility of life while exuding an unwavering passion for their music and their fans. The Ghost Inside's story is not just about survival; it's about thriving in the face of unimaginable challenges and using their music as a glimmer of hope and inspiration. As they take the stage once again, they remind us all that the human spirit's capacity to heal, grow, and persevere is a force that can overcome even the darkest of times. Their lyrics have always been a reflection of personal struggles, empowerment, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow, and now, they embody those ideals more than ever. Their lyrics have taken on new depth, resonating with fans in profound ways as they navigate their own challenges. The band's members have become beacons of resilience, using their platform to raise awareness about the importance of community, and the strength that can arise from unity. In a world often filled with uncertainties, they stand as living proof that through positivity, gratefulness, and unyielding determination, we can transform even the darkest chapters of our lives into stories of triumph.
Underoath's live show is a mesmerizing spectacle that continues to captivate audiences with its unparalleled immersion and exhilaration. Even almost two decades after the release of their seminal album, ”We're Only Chasing Safety," the band's ability to deliver an electrifying and high-energy performance remains undiminished. From the moment the lights dim, Underoath masterfully transports fans into an alternate realm where raw emotion intertwines with pulsating soundscapes and glitchy, ethereal LED stage visuals. Their stage presence is magnetic, with each member pouring their heart and soul into every note, igniting a connection that transcends time and space, and with the nature of their visuals it’s easy to think you’ve entered a weird dream world or some sort of in between liminal space. Whether it's the ferocious energy of their heavier tracks from the early 2000s or the poignant introspection of their melodic pieces from their albums upon their reunion as a band, Underoath's live set effortlessly weaves together a tapestry of emotions that leaves the audience exhilarated. It's a testament to their enduring artistry that they continue to reignite the fervor of their music in a way that feels as fresh and vital as the day it was born.