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.
