Heavyweights of Hardcore 2 Tour Review

HEAVYWEIGHTS OF HARDCORE 2 TOUR Hatebreed Agnostic Front Diecast Love Is Red The Autumn Offering 1/07/05 HOB Reviewer: Karma E. Omowale Photos: Kimisha L. Pierce

Heavyweights of Hardcore 2 Tour was a smashing success as all five bands played their hearts out and asses off to a sold out, packed house at the Chicago HOB. Never have I seen such a pumped and loyal crowd that equally dispensed love for each and every act. It was simply amazing! This was one hell of a show. The spirit of old school hardcore was brought to the forefront! This was a show not to have missed for the simple fact that you missed the impromptu tribute to Dimebag Darrell Abbott during Diecast's set. Scott Davidson, Chicago DJ, for Rebel Radio (broadcasting on: AM 1240 WSBC;  AM 1470 WCFJ; AM 1330 WKTA), held up life size color poster. The immortalized image of Dime was touching as the emotional audience cheered wildly for the fallen metal, guitar god.

Lineup: Jamey Jasta - Frontman, Sean Martin - Guitarist, Chris Beattie - Bassist, Matt Byrne - Drummer

Sovereign ruler of MTV2’s Headbangers Ball and lead screamer for Hatebreed, Jamey Jasta, and the band took complete control of the sold out crowd as Mr. Jasta happily sported a Sick Of It All hoodie. The band never let up, from the word go; as soon as the lights went up and the curtains opened, the crowd went nuts...so did Hatebreed for that matter. In between every song the fans shouted "Hatebreed" over and over to show their love and rightfully so, the musicianship of this band reigned supreme.

Never at a loss for words, Jamey addressed the crowd as a prelude to “Beholder Of Justice”. His message was clear and simple, “Appreciate this shit! Appreciate this moment, because you never know if it’s your last!” The hordes of fans lost it as wild applause erupted and devil’s horns were hurdled towards the stage then the band cranked out the song. The crowd was strong throughout every song in their set, singing along to every tune. All hell broke during the band's anthem, "This Is Now". Other songs performed were the following: “Live For This”, in which he called upon hardcore fans and metallers to join forces; “Straight To Your Face", and "Tear It Down". The setlist was heavily comprised of songs from the band’s strong 2003 release, The Rise of Brutality.

Must be a dream come true for Hatebreed to have Agnostic Front opening for them since they are their heroes and all. It seemingly was a dream come true for the fans in attendance at this monumental show to see their heroes on stage as well.

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Lineup: Roger Miret - Vocals, Vinny Stigma - Guitar, Mike Gallo - Bass, Lenny Di Sclafani - Guitar, Steve Gallo - Drums

Kings of NY Hardcore, Agnostic Front, this band has been playing hardcore before the genre was defined as such! Being my first time seeing these hardcore giants; it worth the wait! They were unbelievable; they proved why they have been commanding the stage and captivating the hearts of many for 20+ years even though the majority of the audience were either suckling from their mother’s breasts or holding bottles of baby formula when this band came into being. This was a popular topic of conversation amongst the older crowd in bar area on the main floor.

Vocalist Roger Miret, never let go of the chokehold he had on the captured crowd from the beginning of their set to the very end! Even the kids went crazy over anthem “Gotta Go” as well as the older crowd who have been around for a minute got off their asses with pumped fists to sing along. The well-rounded set was comprised of classics, incorporating three new songs off their upcoming release, Another Voice. Old school mother fuckers were paid homage to by Miret's dedication of "Crucified" as the crowd erupted with applause.

The band sounded amazing! Staple and mainstay guitarist, Vinny Stigma brandishing a Love Is Red tee, gave it his all and them some. Bassist, Mike Gallo’s, on stage presence was ever potent as it was off; he was hanging out in the stage left bar, talking to fans, and supporting the openers. It was class act night all the way around!

Lineup: Paul Stoddard - Vocals, Kirk Kolatis - Guitar, Jeremy Wooden - Bass, Jon Kita - Guitar, Jason Costa - Drums

You can tell Diecast "Seized the Day" by winning a many of new converts over. Mouths were left agape during this Boston based band's set. It was an excellent opportunity for the band to perform songs from their latest release entitled Tearing Down Your Blue Skies.

Paul Stoddard’s usage of melodeath vocals is astounding. He can scream with the best of them but his clean vocals are better than most! The blazing guitars of Jon Kita & Kirk Kolatis was a real treat, along side the aesthetically appealing sounds emanating from the rhythm section, the group’s founders,  Jason Costa, drums & Jeremy Wooden, bass.

Paul announced, “Chicago has always been good for Diecast”, the crowd roared, and the band ripped into “Seize The Day”. The song “Remember The Fallen” (from Day of Reckoning) was dedicated to “Those that have passed away”. During this song, Jeremy signaled to the audience to do a circle pit; the fans responded in kind with one hell of a monsoon! They performed a Pantera cover where Paul sung to the crowd atop the stoop behind the barricade during which time the Dimebag banner was displayed. It left the emotional crowd a public forum to show their love for the fallen hero. Other songs performed were: “Disrepair”, “Fire/Damage”, and “Rise & Oppose”.

Here for more photos of the band on tour with American Head Charge, Index Case & Bleed The Sky

Click here to access the II part interview conducted during the Radiotakeover Tour.

Lineup: Hunter - Vocals, Roger Kilburn - Guitar, Jeff - Bass, Kyle - Drums

Natives of Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN, Love Is Red whom is signed to Jamey Jasta’s label, Stillborn Records, gave good show. In support of their latest release, Hardest Fight, again the crowd was kind and appreciative.

Their sound can be described as a mix of mid-nineties hardcore with “a modern, technically-proficient, melodic sound”. The Heavyweights of Hardcore Tour bridges the gap betwixt multigenerational audiences displaying old school hardcore and new school. However, Hunter did bring back the old school flavor by being positive and informational between songs. He jumped on the riser/barricade to keep crowd going during the last song. This is definitely a band to watch out for.

Lineup: Dennis Miller - Vocals, George Moore - Guitar/vocals, Matt Johnson - Guitar, Sean Robbins - Bass, Nick Gelyon - Drums

Like Love Is Red, The Autumn Offering is also signed to Stillborn Records. I first became acquainted with this Florida quintet's song, "Bonds In Which We Break" from their debut, Revelations of the Unsung on my favorite TV program, Music Choice: Metal and was looking forward to seeing them play especially on a bill as magnificent as this one. I was impressed with this band.

The curtains opened, the lights were down, suddenly a sound bite is playing over the PA, "If any of you fucking pricks move, I'll execute every fucking last one of you!" The lights go up and they start belting out their first song. I loved the dramatic effect! Luckily for them, the crowd did not take the opening line from Pulp Fiction to heart especially since Chicago audiences are notorious for not supporting openers. It was good to see the kids into the band and moshing during the second song of their set. The band was beaming from the movement in a more than modest pit. Vocalist, Dennis Miller said at the beginning of the last song of the set, "Alright Chicago, you have one last time to see The Autumn Offering...Let's see the floor explode!" And explode it did!

This band has a bright future ahead of them; they are a breath of fresh air. Dennis' vocals are strong as he is backed by excellent musicianship. If you haven't seen this band yet, make sure you do when they come through your town. They are heading back out with Otep, American Head Charge, and Candiria on the Alliance of Defiance Tour.

Click here interview with the band during the Return of the Worm, Cryptopsy Tour.

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