Nestled nicely among nearly 10,000 other metal music fans at the Credit One Arena (f/k/a UIC Pavillion) in Chicago last week, I was very appreciative to be in such great company for what was about to be some of the loudest live metal to ever grace my ear-holes.
Taking the stage for this extremely well-attended “Degenerates Tour,” were bands: Beartooth, I Prevail, and A Day to Remember. But, early in the evening, it became crystal clear to me whom, after playing only their first tune, would steal the show: I Prevail.
I Prevail came out of the gate, wasting zero time, letting every single person in that area know that they were in the house and that each one of them had no choice but to have their mind’s blown over the entire course of their set, 40 minutes….and counting. Not one person argued with them, myself included. It was certainly one of the best 40 minutes my ears and eyes have experienced in a good while and it should be noted that this band is seriously one to watch out for in the future.
There’s definitely something to be said about a band who has achieved such incredible popularity and loyalty in such a short period of time on the scene. I Prevail released their first album, Heart vs. Mind, only five years ago in 2014, although, admittedly, the initial buzz may have been attributed to their 2013 cover of “Blank Space,” by Taylor Swift, of which the band posted on YouTube and received raving reviews…..along with over 56 million views.
So, where did band come from? It’s almost like they appeared onto the scene out of nowhere, and if by “nowhere.” you mean just over fifteen miles northwest of Detroit, in Southfield, Michigan, that would be the spot.
In a sense, the band’s vocal style could be compared (just a tad) to that of Linkin Park. However, I Prevail hold their own when it comes to their own individuality. And, the energy that is displayed during their live performance is something to be witnessed firsthand.
The band’s members are: Brian Burkeiser (clean vocals); Eric Vanlerberghe (screamed vocals); Steve Menoian (lead guitar); Dylan Bowman (rhythm guitar); and Gabe Helguera (drums). You might notice the absence of “bass” guitar in that line-up however, technically, Steve Menoian does play bass for the band….but in the studio only. Yup, that’s right, there is no bass player for their live show. But, what they do have is something that most definitely stole the show this particular night is this: ENERGY.
If you’re interested (and you should be!) in catching them live before the end of the year, check out their tour schedule now at http://iprevailband.com because they are only in the U.S. until November 23, 2019, before they cross the pond for a tour in Europe.
Opening the night was the band Beartooth. They are a five-piece metal band out of Columbus, Ohio. Actually, they are a self-described “brutal metalcore” band, yet influenced by punk legends The Ramones. They have been around since 2012 and are currently touring/promoting their latest album, Disease, via Red Bull Records.
Beartooth frontman, Caleb Shomo, and the rest of the band, are clearly loved by their fans and he shows his appreciation on stage via huge smiles and by thanking them again and again for being there. It was definitely a noteworthy exchange between band and fans.
At the conclusion of this specific tour with I Prevail and A Day to Remember, Beartooth will begin their own headlining tour from January 4 to February 1, within the U.S. After that, they head to Europe to tour there, not returning to the States until April 17th.
One great thing about this band is that they love to tour. They are constantly playing out and never seem to tire, nor do their loyal fans. It has been said that Beartooth is definitely a band to keep an eye/ear on, as their popularity and fan base will undoubtedly increase within a short period of time.
Capping off the night was veteran band, A Day to Remember. They formed in Ocala, Florida back in 2003, and have a unique metal/punk style…yet much more metal than punk. They are heavy and full of energy, of which the nearly sold-out crowd enthusiastically participated by creating an impressive mosh-pit before the end of the band’s first song.
A Day to Remember is a five-piece band who have released six albums since 2005. Their most recent album, which will be their seventh, You’re Welcome, was just released a few months ago and has already been a huge success, according to sales reports. This type of quantity (and quality) is a testament to just how serious they are about their craft, not to mention the constant touring that has occurred for them throughout the years.
It should also be noted that the band put together a music festival, dubbed Self Help Fest, which was solely geared toward their fans and those who simply believe that music is in itself a way to heal old wounds and perhaps take comfort in gathering with those of a like mind. The fest was met with large crowds and several other bands taking active roles in creating a fun and successful event.
The band is totally in sync with one another and it shows. Perhaps that is due to the length of time they have been together or the experiences they have shared with one another. Either way, they are definitely cohesive as a unit and certainly on point.
The band is currently touring in the States until the end of November. Beginning in December, they will head overseas to greet their Australian and South American fans with their trademark aggressive beats and some pretty damn cool sounding vocals.
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