The Summer Slaughter Tour Roars thru Long Island

What does an iconic band that just celebrated their 30th anniversary do next to keep the momentum going? They resurrect one of the most sought-after and legendary tours in metal history, The Summer Slaughter. What makes this tour so electrifying, beyond the powerhouse headliner Hatebreed, is the lineup of up-and-coming acts who are steadily forging their own unique marks on the ever-evolving metal landscape. The Paramount audience was fully engaged well before the band even took the stage, with Accept’s “Balls to the Wall” blasting through the PA system, setting an intense tone for the night. From the very first notes of the opening track “I Will Be Heard” to the furious final moments of “Looking Down the Barrel of Today,” the crowd was a non-stop sea of mosh pits and crowd surfing. A special shout out goes to the Paramount security team for their professionalism in ensuring everyone stayed safe while still being able to immerse themselves fully in the energy of the show. Even amid the intense chaos, moments of lighthearted fun emerged, especially when the band unleashed a gigantic inflatable Ball of Death into the crowd. Their performance was not only a fantastic retrospective of their storied career but also a clear statement to everyone present that they have far more to give — showing absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

With this many bands packed onto the bill, every act had to shorten their sets and absolutely go balls out, and that is exactly what Fugitive delivered. Their latest single, Spheres of Virulence, had the crowd hooked and eagerly looking for more

Gridiron brought their signature Rap/Metal/Hardcore fusion that had everyone bopping and moving through their entire set, all in support of their newest album Poetry from Pain.

Long Island’s own Pyrexia gave their all to the hometown crowd, showcasing exactly why they have remained a staple in the local metal scene for so many years.

Escuela Grind clearly understood the vital role of the opener, coming out heavy right from the start and steadily increasing the madness as their set progressed. With tracks like “Always Watching You” and “Ball and Chain” providing the perfect dance soundtrack, it was when Katerina paused the set to hype the audience up for Hatebreed, calling for a wall of death, that the crowd responded with full force, truly delighting the band on stage.

I always say the opening slot is the toughest of the night, but INCITE didn’t just open—they took the stage shortly after the doors opened. The audience was streaming in as they played, and they performed like seasoned veterans to a sold-out crowd. INCITE is exactly the reason to arrive early, or else you might just miss the emergence of the next big band on the scene.

The Broken Souls Tour SELL OUT NYC w/ Catch your Breath,The Funeral Portrait ,Archers and If not for me

It is very rare that a band with just one full album headlines their own tour, let alone sells it out entirely, but Catch Your Breath accomplished exactly that with remarkable success. The hard rock band hailing from Texas took the stage as if they were seasoned veterans, confidently captivating the audience. Their latest album, “Shame on Me,” provided us with a fantastic soundtrack that resonated throughout the night. Fan favorites such as "Ghost Inside the Bell," "Criminal," and "Dial Tone" were just a few of the electrifying tracks that had the crowd on their feet tonight. As this thrilling tour is set to conclude soon, we are eagerly anticipating what exciting developments lie ahead for the band in the future.

Stay up to Date - https://catchyourbreathband.com

The Funeral Portrait from Georgia impressively showcased to everyone exactly why they are ready and well-prepared to take the next significant step from intimate theatre performances to expansive arenas. Their captivating stage presence seamlessly entwines with their music in a remarkable way that truly screams out for larger stages. With their newest album, “Greetings from Suffocate City,” receiving heavy rotation on the influential Sirius XM Octane channel, it is evident why, after this current tour, the band will find themselves gracing the lineups of the most prestigious festivals this year.

Stay Up to Date - https://www.thefuneralportrait.com

Wisconsins’ Archers took the stage and instantly you could see the love between audience and band.Supporting their newest single “Never Enough” . Vocalist Nathaniel said that the band was having the most fun on this tour it was evident when vocalist Pat Glover join them on stage to share the love.Heading to Europe after this tour, they will be returning for a home coming at the Rock Fest.

https://www.archersband.com for more info.

Pennsylvanias’ “If not for Me” Opened the night we knew instantly why the audience got the early and in masses as not too miss this band. Supporting their newest Album “ Everything you Wanted”. The band handled the pressure of setting the tone for the night with their non stop energy. Heading to Europe after this tour then returning to the Louder Than Life Festival.Don’t sleep on this band.

https://www.ifnotformeband.com for more info.

Silverstein storms Long Island with their 25 Years Of Noise tour

Starting out the electrifying evening was a captivating video documentary that chronicled the band’s illustrious career, stretching from the moment the world was supposedly supposed to end to the present day. The predominant theme throughout the film was the unwavering loyalty of the band's dedicated fans, contrasted with the deep commitment the band has always shown towards their supporters. As the band finally entered the stage, the energy in the venue erupted into a feverous roar, marking the beginning of a 25-year celebration of noise. They kicked off the night with their newest song, "Skin and Bones," setting the tone for the evening. Alongside fan favorites like "My Heroine," "The After Glow," and "Infinite," the band masterfully touched upon various highlights from their extensive career. While it is common for bands to profess their love for their fans, it is sometimes rare for them to genuinely remember and express their gratitude. However, Shane took a moment to give an enthusiastic shout-out to the NYHC group, acknowledging the profound impact they have had on the band’s journey. From that electrifying moment onward, the mosh pit grew larger and more chaotic, a testament to the palpable excitement in the crowd. With this tour slated to continue through March and two anticipated new albums, "Anti-Bloom" and "Pink Moon," set to be released soon, 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for fans and the band alike.

For more info - https://silversteinmusic.com

New Jersey's Thursday reveled in their close-to-home show, and the love from New York was clearly evident in the enthusiastic response of the crowd. The performance spanned a celebration of their illustrious career, featuring fan favorites such as "War All the Time," "Jet Black New Year," and their newest release. This particular song, "Taking Inventory of a Frozen Lake," was notably released just as the Times Square New Year's Ball was dropped, adding a layer of significance to the moment. With the exciting addition of guitarist Wade MacNeil from Alexisonfire, the band is clearly hitting on all cylinders and is looking forward with great anticipation to what 2025 has in store for them.

To keep up with the band - https://www.thursday.net

Arm’s Length let the audience know that emo and nu-metal are alive and well, and this talented Canadian band is proudly carrying the flag for these vibrant genres. With an enthusiastic set that primarily showcased tracks from their acclaimed 2021 release, Everything Nice, they captivated the crowd. Songs like "In Loving Memory," "Overture," and "Tough Love" resonated deeply with fans, reminding everyone of the emotional depth and raw energy that defines their music. It's evident that this band is well on their way to embarking on their own milestone, celebrating a remarkable 25-year tour in the future.

For more info - https://armslength.shop

Split Chain kicked off the evening with a dynamic performance, proving once again that the U.K. can rock with the best of them in the music scene. The huge crowd gathered so early in the night truly validated their appeal and the excitement surrounding their live show. With their infectious energy and powerful message, it's clear that music enthusiasts should not overlook this talented band. Be sure to check out their latest release, "I’m Not Dying to be Here," which showcases their distinctive sound and artistic vision.

For more info - https://www.splitchain.uk/home

Everclear Brought the 90's Alt Rock Hits to Long Islands' Paramount Theatre

It has been a few years since Art and the band last graced the iconic Paramount stage, but they certainly made up for the lost time with a fantastic set filled with everything you wanted to hear. Only a band with a massive catalog of hits can confidently get away with playing one of their top hits, "Father of Mine," so early on in their set and still manage to keep the audience rocking for the rest of the night away. It was also heartening to witness the love returned for the vibrant 90s scene, as it was a packed house at the Paramount Theatre, buzzing with excitement.

To keep up with everything Everclear - https://www.everclearmusic.com

Marcy Playground delivered yet another amazing performance as a quintessential 90’s rock hit machine. They had the honor of playing either the middle set or serving as the opener for Everclear, a decision that brought an electric atmosphere to the venue. The band created a fun and exciting environment for the audience to immerse themselves in the music, especially highlighted when Jimi from Jimmies Chicken Shack joined them on stage to perform the beloved song “Sherry Fraser.” They expertly split their setlist, presenting hits from their albums in a balanced fashion, ensuring that the crowd received a well-rounded experience. The night kicked off with the energetic opening track “Poppies” and culminated with the unforgettable fan favorite “Star Baby.” Of course, they included their number one hit “Sex and Candy,” which kept the crowd moving and dancing all night long.

To stay up to date with the band - https://www.marcyplayground.net

The night began with Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, and as Jimi Haha energetically welcomed everyone to the openers’ opener, the audience could feel an electric anticipation in the air. I wasn’t quite sure how the night would unfold at first, particularly as Jimi, who walked with a cane and had a noticeable limp, made his way onto the stage. However, all of my concerns quickly evaporated once he strapped on his guitar and confidently walked to the center stage. In that moment, it became clear that the band, alongside Jimi, was about to push into high gear. They delivered an exhilarating performance, showcasing their punk stoner vibe that beautifully complemented the alternative rock genre. Jimmie’s Chicken Shack was undoubtedly the perfect band to kick off this exciting night of music. Although their set felt standard and disappointingly brief for someone like me, with memorable tracks like “Do Right” and “High” included in the lineup, there was simply no way they could go wrong.

To keep up with the guys - http://jimmieschickenshack.net

Asia brings Their Heat of the Moment Tour to Paramount, Long Island

In contrast to New York's severe Heatwave, Asia's "Heat of the moment tour" was not only refreshing but also a nostalgic journey for its audience. Original member Geoff Downes, accompanied by John Mitchell, Harry Whitley, and Vigil Donati, delivered exceptionally stellar performances of hit songs like "Don't Cry," "Wildest Dreams," "Only time will tell," and, of course, the iconic "Heat of the moment." The band's magnetic and powerful show successfully transported the ecstatic crowd back to the early 80s when Asia's music dominated the airwaves. Geoff also took a poignant moment to pay tribute to the original members, especially the late great John Wetton, infusing the performance with emotional depth. Overall, it was a truly fantastic and unforgettable show that allowed attendees to fully immerse themselves in the music, momentarily escaping the scorching heat outside.

For more info - https://originalasia.com

Playing right before the headliner could be a bit unnerving, but not for the 70’s rock group Focus. Led by original member Thijs Van Leer on the Hammond and Flute, the band mesmerized us with all their hits, including "House of the King," "Sylvia," and of course, the iconic "Hocus Pocus." Their performance was a true testament to their enduring musical prowess and stage presence.

To Keep up with Focus - https://focustheband.co.uk

Martin Turner, the bassist and founding member of Wishbone Ash, showcased his unwavering passion for the band, which resonated with the audience. Through renditions of timeless classics like "Throw Down the Sword," "The King Will Come," and "Doctor," Turner demonstrated the enduring relevance and power of their music.

For more info - https://www.martinturnermusic.com

Setting the stage for the night was the renowned English prog rock act, Curved Air. The crowd was treated to an amazing performance led by the talented Sonja Kristina on vocals, accompanied by the skilled Kirby Gregory on guitar and the mesmerizing Grzegorz Gadziomski on violin. Despite playing a shorter set, they truly showcased the depth and longevity of their impressive career.

For more info - https://www.curvedair.com

Kamelot Brings The Awaken the World tour to The Paramount,NY . With Guest Seven Spires and AD Infinitum

On the evening of April 26th, 2024, a bustling Friday night saw crowds fill restaurants, bars, and The Paramount where fans eagerly gathered to witness Kamelot's epic performance. The elaborate stage lighting set the perfect mood for the band's melodic power metal set featuring tracks primarily from their latest album, The Awakening, along with a delightful nod to classics from previous albums. The stunning vocals of Melissa Bonny added an extra layer of magic to selected songs, making it a night that will be cherished by all in attendance. Concluding the US tour in late May before going to Europe. Don't miss this tour if you can.

Fore more info:

https://kamelot.com

Hailing from Boston, the Symphonic metal band Seven Spires proved to be the ideal choice for setting the stage for Kamelot. Adrienne Cowan's powerful vocals and their masterfully crafted songs created an excellent buildup to the main act. Despite having only three albums in their repertoire, Seven Spires delivered a fantastic performance, including tracks from their latest album, "Gods of Debauchery." and two new songs from there yet to be released album A Fortress Called Home. Their appearance at The Mile High Power Festival served as the sole USA date before embarking on a tour in Japan. For the most recent updates, be sure to visit their official website.

https://sevenspiresband.com/home

Ad Infinitum kicked off the evening with their signature powerful European symphonic metal, captivating the eager fans who arrived early to witness their performance. Showcasing a blend of tracks from their latest album, "Chapter III: Downfall," among others from their Three Chapters collection, the band delivered an unforgettable set. As their limited USA tour approaches its conclusion in May before they embark on their European tour, Ad Infinitum proves to be a must-see act for any music enthusiast seeking a truly remarkable live experience.

For more info:

https://adinfinitumofficial.com

Aether Realm Brings down NYC in support of TYR

On March 29th, 2024, it had been quite a while since North Carolina's Aether Realm graced a New York City stage with their unique Folk Metal sound. Supporting TYR and joined by Trollfest and Dead Crew of Oddwood, the eager audience filled the venue to capacity, enthusiastically anticipating the return of their southern brethren. Aether Realm delivered a powerful set, drawing heavily from their acclaimed albums "Redneck Vikings From Hell" and "Tarot," igniting a never-ending swirl of energy in the lively mosh pit.

For info check out:

https://label.napalmrecords.com/aether-realm

TYR took the stage to a massive ovation, reminiscent of the grand entrance of fearless warriors. Skillfully interacting with the audience right from the start, they delivered a diverse set of songs from their extensive repertoire, including the latest tracks from Battle Ballads which were warmly received. Despite encountering minor technical issues, their performance successfully enthralled the crowd. With a tour across the United States until April, before venturing overseas again, there are ample opportunities to experience this remarkable tour firsthand.

For more info:

https://tyr.fo

Trollfest lit up the stage with more than just their Balkan Music, captivating the audience with their elaborate Pink Flamingo costumes, each member donning outfits that perfectly complemented their album titled Flamingo Overlord. The songs, with their strong emphasis on merry drinking, resonated deeply with the crowd, who enthusiastically joined in the dancing, beer-swilling, and overall festive atmosphere. The band's 20th-anniversary celebration was truly a fantastic display of musical talent and camaraderie.

For more info;

https://www.trollfest.com

Opening the evening was the perfect band to set the tone for the night - all the way from sunny California, the Dread Crew of Oddwood took the stage. Their pirate renaissance style was not only entertaining but truly captivating. Watching and listening to them was an absolute delight. For those intrigued, their latest album 'Rust and Glory' is now out and ready for your enjoyment.

For more info:

https://thedreadcrewofoddwood.com