I purchased general admission for the first balcony because the floor tends to trigger my claustrophobic anxiety. When we arrived an hour before the doors opened, there was still a decent line, but I hoped most people would head to the floor. When we entered the venue, we found seats in the second row, right in the middle. This ended up being ideal as everyone remained seated. The balcony is sloped, providing a clear view of the stage. Thankfully, it’s also closer to the stage than it is at the Brooklyn Paramount. I breathed a sigh of relief, seeing how everything worked out.
The first band we experienced that evening was Dying Wish. We first encountered them live in 2022 when they were touring alongside The Devil Wears Prada. Hailing from Seattle, Dying Wish is a melodic metalcore band, hailing from Swattle, that are deeply passionate about their activism. The audience was incredibly engaged and energetic during their set, kicking off a lively night. I realized I need to dive deeper into their discography. I haven’t given them another chance since the TDWP concert. The night’s highlight was when Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox invited Emma Boster (lead vocalist of Dying Wish) to join her on stage their performance of "Soft Spine." I have always loved the camaraderie between women in metal. It’s nice seeing women collaborate more on stage together.
Next up was Loathe, and I was excited to catch them on tour alongside Spiritbox, especially since I've been obsessed with their song "Is It Really You?” Loathe’s distinctive musical style blends metalcore, djent, and shoegaze elements. I’m impressed by their ability to seamlessly transition from melodic to more ruthlessly heavy moments in their music, making their songs intense and emotionally resonant. I also admire their experimental approach, which pulls influences from bands like Deftones. Now that I’m older, it's fascinating to see how many metal bands draw from the legacy of Deftones. The energy in the crowd during their performance was just as receptive as it was for Dying Wish. However, the lighting during their set was blinding. I can see the aesthetic they are going for on stage, but it only intensified my mild headache. LOL.
Finally, Spiritbox! I feel so fortunate to have experienced their performance at Hammerstein Ballroom. I’ve eagerly awaited their latest album, “Tsunami Sea,” considering how much I’ve loved “Eternal Blue” and “Fear of Fear.” Essentially, every new release from Spiritbox has resonated with me. It was truly special to hear these songs performed live for the first time. I appreciate the emotional depth and sonic exploration in the new album, which showcases meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a thoughtfully crafted conceptual piece. Amidst the atrocious injustices occurring today, “Soft Spine” has turned into my anthem of frustration for the year. I can’t count how many times I’ve replayed this track. I genuinely wonder how those who don’t listen to metal manage during these times. Some of my other favorites include “Fata Morgana,” “Black Rainbow,” “No Loss, No Love,” and most recently, “Ride the Wave.”
The setlist mainly showcased tracks from “Tsunami Sea,” similar to their 2022 tour, which focused on songs mostly from “Eternal Blue.” Although they included a few favorites from earlier releases, I was disappointed that I missed the chance to hear “Cellar Door” live again. As mentioned before, Emma performed “Soft Spine” alongside Spiritbox, and there was also a surprise appearance by Andrew Dijorio, the lead vocalist of the Long Island-based band Stray From The Path. The atmosphere resembled a reunion from the 2022 TDWP show. Stray From The Path is known for their candid approach to social justice and politics in their music. This particular TDWP tour was definitely not for the MAGA variety. LOL.
Courtney radiated beauty and authority onstage, showcasing her dynamic vocals. The intricate guitar melodies by Mike Stringer, coupled with Zev Rose’s powerful drumming and Josh Gilbert’s resonant bass lines, delivered a performance that was both sonically rich and emotionally intense. This proves exactly why this band has swiftly secured a place among my favorites. I’ve long been searching for new music that resonates with me emotionally, much like Korn and Nine Inch Nails did in my younger years. It’s so exciting to rekindle my love for metal again.
Going to the show was truly an unforgettable experience! I’m happy to have seen them on their own tour again, where they played so many of the songs from their discography that I adore. The band’s evolution is clear, shining through not just in their music but also in their live performances. I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for Spiritbox. I’m pretty sure this album will be on repeat for the next year or so.
Set List:
1. Fata Morgana
2. Black Rainbow
3. Perfect Soul
4. Jaded
5. The Void
6. Tsunami Sea
7. Secret Garden
8. Circus With Me
9. Rotoscope
10. Sew Me Up
11. Hysteria
12. Soft Spine (with Emma Boster)
13. Holy Roller
14. No Loss, No Love (with Andrew Dijorio)
15. Crystal Roses (with Saxl Roses)
16. Ride the Wave
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