By Nate Follmer
The Baltimore Soundstage was alive with energy and anticipation as fans gathered to celebrate a night of intense music and unforgettable performances. Dragged Under, Kingdom of Giants, Caskets, and Blessthefall took the stage in a lineup that promised a blend of modern intensity and a dash of nostalgia. As an extra treat, the night marked the 10th anniversary of Blessthefall’s iconic album “Hollow Bodies,” adding another layer of excitement to an already electric atmosphere.
Dragged Under: Bursting onto the Stage with Raw Power
Kicking off the night, Dragged Under immediately set the tone for the evening with their raw energy and highly engaging crowd work. Lead singer Anthony Cappocchi knows how to work a room with his wit and antics between songs. Their set is a constant stream of high energy chaos mixing elements of punk, hardcore, and metal. Tracks like “Instability” incited a frenzy of headbanging and moshing, while songs like “Chelsea” showcased the band’s ability to infuse emotional depth into their music. The ebb and flow of their performance kept the audience engaged and invested from start to finish.
Kingdom of Giants: Modern Melodies with a Punch
Following Dragged Under, Kingdom of Giants took the stage with a blend of modern metalcore that perfectly blended intricate melodies and heavy breakdowns. Their performance was a testament to their mastery over the art of dynamics. Their songs effortlessly shifted from expansive soundscapes that enveloped the audience to bone-rattling breakdowns that sent shockwaves through the venue. The crowd’s response was a testament to the band’s ability to create a symbiotic relationship between their music and the energy of the audience, resulting in a powerful feedback loop of intensity.
Caskets: Dark and Atmospheric Vibes
Caskets brought a darker and more atmospheric element to the stage, captivating the audience with their haunting melodies and emotionally charged lyrics. Caskets’ performance created an atmosphere that was both melancholic and beautiful. Songs like “Lost in Echoes” and “Glass Heart” showcased the band’s ability to evoke a range of emotions, while keeping the energy of the room high. The intricate interplay of melodies and the emotive delivery of vocalist Matt Flood created a synergy that resonated with the audience, inviting them to immerse themselves in the emotional journey.
Blessthefall’s “Hollow Bodies” Anniversary: A Nostalgic Celebration
Just when I thought the crowd couldn’t go any harder, it was time for the main event. Blessthefall took the stage to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their landmark album “Hollow Bodies”, which was released on that very day 10 years ago. The crowd erupted in cheers as the band kicked off their set with “Exodus”. The first few songs brought an onslaught of non-stop crowd surfers across the barricade. The band’s performance was a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary energy, reminding everyone in attendance why “Hollow Bodies” had left such an indelible mark on the post-hardcore scene.
The connection between Blessthefall and their fans was unforgettable. The unity between the band and the audience transformed the venue into a communal space, where every word and melody was shared between the two. During the performance of “Buried In These Walls,” it was as if the entire crowd became a chorus, singing along with every word, phone flashlights in hand, creating a powerful moment of unity that encapsulated the essence of the album’s anniversary.
Members of Kingdom of Giants joined the crowd and surfed their way to the front of the barricades. Blessthefall’s merch manager, Dusty Winter, was carried by the crowd from the back of the venue all the way to the front in celebration of the evening. Dragged Under’s Anthony Cappocchi joined Blessthefall onstage to sing “Youngbloods”. Many fans came to the event dressed in costumes, but the two standouts were one I dubbed “Spiderkid” and another dressed as a crab (because we WERE in Maryland). The entire venue felt like one giant family who came together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of an incredible album.
Blessthefall ended the evening with a five song encore consisting of their new song “Wake the Dead”, “Cutthroat”, “2.0”, “What’s Left of Me” and the unforgettable classic “Hey Baby, Here’s the Song You Wanted”. Maybe we’ll get a 15th year anniversary tour for “Witness” next year. I don’t think the nearly sold out Soundstage would complain.
Blessthefall’s show at the Baltimore Soundstage was a testament to the enduring impact of “Hollow Bodies” and the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their core essence. It was a night of celebration and unity centered around a landmark album that, for an evening, turned the Soundstage into a family.
