Shadows Fall. Killswitch Engage, Most Precious Blood, Nora, This Day Forward, Underoath
Irving Plaza, New York, NY
Monday…December 9, 2002

Upon arriving at Irving Plaza with my all Access Crew/Band (because I’m cool as fuck) pass on I began to notice an alarming trend resurfacing. That is the return of thug gear in hardcore. Now, don’t get me wrong…I too used to perpetrate this style buy hey, I’m older and wiser and now wear clothes that fit. Leave to the kids.
First on, at the Syndicate showcase was Underoath. I had heard of this band but never heard their music. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they fuckin rocked. To say that it was without some cliché metal musings would be a lie. But this band definitely has something. They played with intense energy and they had KEYBOARDS. Not keyboards that are buried so far back in the mix that you might as well have had a dat and left your keyboard player at the bar type shit. These were real, loud, up in your face keyboards. It was refreshing to watch an opening band with actual talent. There was also a good amount of people there “representin” for them. To top off there performance the guitar player proceeded to run across the stage and kick the bass player right in the neck. Now that’s rock n roll baby.

Next up was This Day Forward. Boring. Later.

Nora came on next and I have actually heard quite a lot about this band in the past but never had the opportunity to hear them. One question, when did it become cool (again) to be a jock in a hardcore band? They were fucking terrible. STOP SCREAMING AT ME!!! They opened up a whole new world of SUCK. They had some cat jump on stage and sing with the lead jock and he sounded exactly the same as their own singer. If you’re going to have someone do guest vocals on your set then for God’s sake have him do something different. Not too much too ask, right? The low point of my evening I must say. Thanks guys.
Brooklyn’s own Most Precious Blood were up next. What I saw next was the band jump on stage, looking mad thug all wearing hoods, throw these kids into a frenzy. The best showing of the evening with regards to pit violence. I have a soft spot in my heart for this band. Definitely a pleasure to see them. Not the most dynamic band to watch but they absolutely brought back that NY vibe. Great set.

Next up was Killswitch Engage, with their new singer. This guy can fucking sing his ass off. The band came out to a full house. The music thumping and they had the place moving. A lot of meathead metal pushing, but that’s expected. Definitely some action going down. The only real criticism I have of this band is that their songs tend to sound the same. I’d like to hear what they do next. I left half way in the set, and missed Shadows Fall because I have a job and have to pay rent. I know all of the New-Metalheads might find that blasphemous but whatever.
Long show but definitely worth it. Lastly, sometimes it’s cool to show up early, you might just discover a new fresh batch of musical talent. I’m off to listen to my Underoath cd.
Peace…dominicanedge