April showers started to sprinkle when a line of people outside the Royal Oak Music Theatre, located in the Detroit suburbs, began to move. The long queue was due to the fact the Metalcore masters, August Burns Red was in town to celebrate their 20-year anniversary. They brought along The Devil Wears Prada and Bleed from Within to help them party. Many rejoiced when the doors of the historic movie palace finally opened. Sneakers skidded across the art-deco hall and clamored straight to the front row claiming their spot to witness such acclaimed acts in their favorite genre. Soon the large, multi-level venue was flooded with flannel and a raucous was raised as many eager fans awaited their heroes to take the stage.
The evening started off with the boys in Bleed from Within. The Scottish five-piece came out booming with boldness and buoyancy. They opened with their popular piece ‘I am Damnation’ with big smiles and a big attitude. They have been a band for seventeen years and this is their first time in the USA. Needless to say, they were eager to share what they were about. Their mix of Metalcore and Modern Metal drilled in deep with flashy, groove-filled riffs, unhinged screams, and unique track usage. They played as if ravenous and only proclaiming their songs could fill their bellies. Each had a sunny disposition as they buzzed around the stage. The charismatic and charming frontman, Scott Kennedy delivered his vengeful lyrics with aptitude and contagious joy. The crowd roared with pleasure as the band’s breakdowns shook the ornate theatre’s hall. A small group near the front chanted, “let’s go Scotland” as the guys wrapped up their short set. The boys from Glasgow glowed as they took their final bows.
It was a short fifteen minutes before the room went dim again and The Devil Wears Prada rolled on out. The lights strobed and gleamed in bright colors as these beloved, Midwestern fellas roared into a piece off of their latest album, Color Decay (Solid State). Some fans removed their band-labeled beanies and thick-rimmed glasses as the room started to heat up. The fury and flair from this energy-filled band ignited a fire of feelings. Many in the crowd belted out every word to the TDWP oldies like ‘Danger: Wildman’ and ‘Dez Moines’. The guys with mics and strings stood on their tippy toes and held their eyes tight as they blared out their rambunctious sound. The stage was crowded with all six members bopping about. Each one had a confidence in their craft and a conviction in their playing. After a furious and passion-filled set of ten songs, the Ohioans wrapped things up and cheered for the headliner to come.
It was another quick turnover when the bells of the ball started their elaborate introduction with a theatrical voice-over. Bros in tight jeans were still grabbing their next beer when the set started. August Burns Red bombarded the audience with their classic, ‘Composure’ which unleashed a contagious elation. They swooshed in with driving force, finesse, and fury. The well-cultivated and seasoned playing from each of the five members reflects the years (20 years to be exact) they have dedicated to their art. Fans were lit up with love as favorites like ‘Invisible Enemy’ and ‘Paramount’ were played. They jammed out several numbers from their recent full-length, Death Below (Sharptone Records) that came out last month. The vivacious melodies, full-throttle low end, and technical work from the guitars showed off why this band is an anchor in the Metalcore genre. Their gentlemanly side was revealed when frontman Jake Luhrs asked a young lady to lower her shirt but thanked her anyway. These good-natured guys know how to throw down with their many clashes, clangs, and chonky work. The vocals were effortless as they ranged from the sound of a banshee to a gorilla. There was a wealth of warmth, intuitiveness, and relentlessness as the strings thrummed. JB Brubaker and Brant Rambler partnered with their guitars to create an intricately potent projection of amplitude with spirited specialties. Each band gave an intensely heartfelt performance. The faces of fans were flushed with appreciation and euphoria as they left the venue that night. Here is to another 20 years.
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY RAGIN ROSIE