A Killer’s Confession
September 20, 2024
By Andrew Latshaw
The Winchester Tavern was buzzing with anticipation as fans of A Killer’s Confession packed into the intimate venue for the highly anticipated CD release party. The night promised to be a powerful showcase of their latest work, and the band delivered on all fronts. Let there be no doubts, when AKC throws a party, there is no holds barred!
The evening kicked off with a couple local openers Reticulas and High Early, and a not so local band, Cultus Black. These awesome people setting the tone, their high-energy sets warming up the crowd and building the excitement for the headliner and most anticipated AKC. The atmosphere was electric by the time A Killer’s Confession took the stage. The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and the band launched into their opening sequence, instantly engulfing the room in a wall of sound.
Frontman Waylon Reavis, known for his commanding stage presence, was in top form. His vocals ranged from intense growls to melodic, haunting choruses, perfectly capturing the dynamic energy of the band’s new material. Reavis engaged with the crowd throughout the set, ensuring that every person in the room felt connected to the performance. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, each member seamlessly blending their skills to create a powerful, cohesive sound.
The setlist was a balanced mix of tracks from the new album Victim 1 and fan favorites. Playing the range of their catalog demonstrated the band’s ability to weave heavy riffs with atmospheric melodies, creating an emotional rollercoaster for the audience. The newer songs carried a raw, visceral energy that resonated with the crowd, many of whom shouted the lyrics back at the stage. The passion was palpable, both from the band and the audience, as the night progressed.
The highlight of the night came when the band played “GREED” from their new album. The song’s intensity, paired with a mesmerizing light show, created a cinematic experience that had everyone in the venue transfixed. The Winchester’s intimate setting allowed for a close connection between the band and their fans, making the performance feel personal and immersive.
The addition of the special guests was a powerful conclusion to the night! There was Aaron Nordstrom of Gemini Syndrome was on hand, J Mann and Shmotz from Mushroomhead also made appearances this night to thrust us older metalheads back to the late 90’s and early 2000’s! There was another special guest for the night that warmed a lot of hearts for sure! The crowd turned their screams and admiration to 11 with every guest, but then Morgan Bauer came out, and we were elated to see him return to the kit! He has been taking some time off and seeing him back in that seat just really hammered that cherry on top and finishing off the evening!
A Killer’s Confession always brings the energy to a fever pitch, and again I have to say that bringing back those blasts from the past took us over the edge. The crowd was left wanting more, a testament to the band’s captivating performance and the strength of their new material.
Not everyone has the history with these musicians that I do. For almost 30yrs these men have been in my life in one capacity or another. I remember hearing Waylon for the first time at a show in 2005, I have been a fanboy ever since. I have met J Mann and Schmotz many times over the years at shows all over the country. Seeing these guys on stage, and Morgan making his guest appearance… like I said, it completed the night.
For an old school metal head who will forever remain a kid at heart, these guys are more than musical nostalgia to me, they are a part of who I am today and for that I am eternally grateful!
