A lineup of six bands: Lower than Atlantis, Evergreen Terrace, Miss May I, Chiodos, Emmure, and Asking Alexandria all graced the stage. The “Reckless and Relentess” tour, headlined by Asking Alexandria found its way to the Sokol Auditorium in Omaha with the uttermost intention of rocking off the faces of spectactors.
Fans wait patiently during a set change.
I had been introduced to the Sokol Underground concert venue this past summer as I watched a show by The Material, who are also included on originalprofilms.com. But this was my first time seeing a show in the auditorium, which was upstairs from the underground venue (hence the title.) It was an impressive venue to say the least with an open and spacious floor for those who want to be as close to the stage as possible, but it also included stairs that lead to a balcony area, which allowed spectators to watch the show from a standpoint that would allow them to observe the entire in full as it progressed.
Just moments before the scheduled start time of 6 p.m., Lower than Atlantis brought it’s A-game to the stage to show the audience what their UK punk style was all about. Early in the set, it was evident that audience members were at least mildly thrown off by the band and hadn’t expected their musical sound.
But it was hard for anyone could say “this band sucks” as they finished their first few songs. Quickly noticing though that much of the crowd was there for a different genre, vocalist Mike Duce proclaimed following one of their songs how much he appreciated to the audience for listening to their music even though it was a somewhat different style. With that in mind, Duce also asked that the a circle pit open up for one of the songs, helping make Lower than Atlantis’ set energy-filled and very enjoyable to say the least. The band will release a new album entitled World Record on April 19.
Just moments before the scheduled start time of 6 p.m., Lower than Atlantis brought it’s A-game to the stage to show the audience what their UK punk style was all about. Early in the set, it was evident that audience members were at least mildly thrown off by the band and hadn’t expected their musical sound.
But it was hard for anyone could say “this band sucks” as they finished their first few songs. Quickly noticing though that much of the crowd was there for a different genre, vocalist Mike Duce proclaimed following one of their songs how much he appreciated to the audience for listening to their music even though it was a somewhat different style. With that in mind, Duce also asked that the a circle pit open up for one of the songs, helping make Lower than Atlantis’ set energy-filled and very enjoyable to say the least. The band will release a new album entitled World Record on April 19.
As Evergreen Terrace entered the spotlight for the next set, it was quickly discovered by audience
members that this band was out with a mission: bring the heavy. Coming out of Jacksonville, Fla., their assault fired on all cylinders. I found my way to the floor during a few of their songs, as the mosh pit began to open up and spectators started to actively participate in the intense styles of the band. One of my favorites “Wolfbiker” was included within their set and I will announce that I think I lost about three pounds during that song with the jumping and moshing I did.
I stepped away from the action for a moment during Miss May I to catch my breath and chug some water, while MMI (as they’re abbreviated) chugged their guitars through songs from their albums Monument and Apologies Are For the Weak. However, as the sounds of “Architect” hit the stage, from their first full-length album Apologies Are For the Weak, I immediately jumped back into the action.
I was impressed with their performance, as it rivaled their presence I felt when seeing them with The Devil Wears Prada, however, where MMI lacks in my opinion is diversity of song structure. So, while I enjoyed their performance, I did find myself questioning whether I was listening to the same guitar patterns consecutive times on a few occasions.
I was impressed with their performance, as it rivaled their presence I felt when seeing them with The Devil Wears Prada, however, where MMI lacks in my opinion is diversity of song structure. So, while I enjoyed their performance, I did find myself questioning whether I was listening to the same guitar patterns consecutive times on a few occasions.
I have a bit of a predisposition with the next band, I admit. Chiodos has been one of my favorites since 2006 when I first heard “Baby You Wouldn’t Last A Minute On The Creek.” With their newest album Illumunaudio, new vocalist Brandon Bolmer continues the heavy hitting and frantic song structures I’ve always loved about their band. One of the strongest songs off Illumunaudio was their opener on Wednesday: “Stratovolcano Mouth.”
Stage presence for the band was spectacular and I was thoroughly impressed with how well they replicated their studio sound. I don’t know if I’ve ever sang that loud for a band before when seeing them live. But when you know the songs so well, it’s hard not to.
An interesting side note to the set came when the members flaunted their smoking (there was no specification on the substance’s legality) on stage while the audience, in a smoke-free facility, could have nothing to do with it. Casually though, they thanked the members of Emmure for providing it for them and continued with their set.
Stage presence for the band was spectacular and I was thoroughly impressed with how well they replicated their studio sound. I don’t know if I’ve ever sang that loud for a band before when seeing them live. But when you know the songs so well, it’s hard not to.
An interesting side note to the set came when the members flaunted their smoking (there was no specification on the substance’s legality) on stage while the audience, in a smoke-free facility, could have nothing to do with it. Casually though, they thanked the members of Emmure for providing it for them and continued with their set.
But for me, that was about all the respect I could give Emmure. I guess you can say The Respect Issue album by them may reference to me. I have an issue with this band. They give a great stage presence and for the first few songs, breakdown after breakdown is fun. But it gets old. Quick. This band’s just not my cup of tea. I found it hard to jump around during a song that sounded exactly like the last.
While the delay between Emmure and Asking Alexandria was tremendous, it was well worth the wait. On top of the fact that it gave me a chance to rest, AA played a spectacular set. This was encouraging based on recent events that happened in Seattle, Wash. during a set, where lead singer Danny Worsnop had to be taken off stage and the set had to be finished early due to severe intoxication. Worsnop seemed very competent during his Omaha show and it proved true during his ferocious screams on songs from the band’s new album, “Reckless and Relentless.”
At this point, I find it appropriate to mention that one of the best “wall of death” renditions I’ve ever seen done was at Sokol Auditorium Wednesday night. During a very heavy opening to one of AA’s songs, Worsnop asked that the crowd of roughly 500 split right down the middle. We proceeded to run straight at each other. Adrenaline rush, you ask? Of course it was.
At this point, I find it appropriate to mention that one of the best “wall of death” renditions I’ve ever seen done was at Sokol Auditorium Wednesday night. During a very heavy opening to one of AA’s songs, Worsnop asked that the crowd of roughly 500 split right down the middle. We proceeded to run straight at each other. Adrenaline rush, you ask? Of course it was.
After an encore that led to the playing of “Stand Up and Scream,” their set ceased. As I walked out of the auditorium, soaked in perspiration, I could only breathe a sense of satisfaction. This was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to and full of energy. Despite my somewhat dissatisfaction for two of the six bands, I still maintain a high rating for the show overall. Final verdict: 8/10.
RSS Feed