Metal is alive and well, and LA locals made that fact very clear when they showed up and showed out on this sold-out night at Echoplex!
Aviana, a Swedish metal band, started off the night with "Delirium," forcing the crowd to move to the rhythm, banging their heads, and pumping their fists in the air. The band had a powerful presence, perhaps leaning into the stereotypes of distant and reserved Swedes, yet exuding a strong sense of confidence and assurance in who they are. The drummer and two guitarists wore masks and black hooded jackets. Lit by the glowing light tubes, the guitarists swirled their guitars in sync, enchanting the audience and preparing them for more to come.
Windwaker came next with an unexpected fusion of metal chords, rap, EDM beats, and seamless transitions, from melodic singing to powerful growls. These guys know how to keep your attention, with constant changes in sound, and the expressive energy of the lead vocalist, taking you on a roller coaster ride, lasting for the full thirty minutes of their set. Liam, the vocalist, really upped the crowd’s energy by opening the first circle pit of the night. His energy was contagious, pulling everyone into the moment. To close out their set, he asked the audience to light up the room with their phone flashlights, revealing multiple disco balls hanging around the venue.
Like Moths To Flames took the torch and kept the energy flowing. The set included songs from their early albums as well as titles from The Cycles From Trying To Cope, their sixth album which was released a year ago. The vocalist had excellent synergy with the fans, chit-chatting and cracking jokes throughout the set on topics ranging from parking troubles to Viagra. At one point, someone requested he take off his pants, and he playfully responded that he would need to be paid for that—but settled for taking off his t-shirt and wearing it over his head instead. The crowd loved every moment and didn't want to let them go, even started chanting “One more song” after the band left the stage.
Nearly a year after conquering the stage of Echoplex as an opening band for ERRA’s headline tour, Make Them Suffer is back to take the stage, this time as headliners themselves. This Australian metalcore band premiered their fifth studio album last fall, making it a debut for their new keyboardist/co-vocalist Alex.
The fans were already ramped up from the previous bands, but as soon as these guys came on stage, it was clear who was the main event of the night. The venue could barely contain the raving energy of the fans, as everyone was singing, jumping, and banging their heads to the drums. Throughout the whole set, crowd surfers were riding the wave and carefully avoiding the storm of the mosh pit that kept opening up in the middle. The band primarily performed songs from their self-titled album but also gave attention to their other albums, including at least one song from each.
With the audience spanning from early teens to those nearing retirement, it was clear that Make Them Suffer knows how to touch the hearts of everyone, regardless of age. From the very first note to the last accord of the night, the fans were giving their all, headbanging and passionately singing along. The band returned for an encore with their hit song "Widower," sending the last burst of energy through everyone present. The night ended with the fans feeling connected, showing that the power of music transcends who you are or where you’re from.
