We Are Story Tellers
Northlane in Chicago was set to take the stage at The House of Blues with Invent Animate, Thornhill, and Windwaker. I arrived early to secure a prime spot to observe the lineup forming to enter the venue. To my surprise, the line stretched approximately a block and a half, filled with eager concertgoers seeking their high dose of metalcore and crowd surfing.
As I stood across the street, smoking a cigarette and taking in the scene, I could sense the energy in the air. The crowd was a mix of seasoned metalcore fans, distinguishable by their band tees and tattoos, and newer enthusiasts, buzzing with excitement for their first live experience. Conversations about favorite songs and previous concert experiences filled the air, punctuated by the occasional laugh or cheer.
The anticipation on the faces of the attendees was palpable, their eyes reflecting the thrill of what was to come. Some were already planning their strategies for getting as close to the stage as possible, while others were soaking in the camaraderie that comes with being part of a passionate community. From the electric atmosphere alone, I knew tonight was going to be an exhilarating experience to cover.
The moment had finally arrived. The stage lights dimmed, and the crowd began to whistle and cheer as the evening’s performances were about to commence. Windwaker subtly took the stage, their silhouettes illuminated only by dim backlights as they assumed their positions. The Australian band opened the show with their single, “Get Out.” As they performed, the members danced and sang energetically across the stage. The audience responded in kind, waving their hands back and forth and jumping in unison with the band’s commands, enhancing the collective experience of the evening. The synergy between Windwaker and the enthusiastic crowd set a vibrant tone for the night ahead.
As their performance progressed, the Australian band energetically delivered several other singles, including “Beautiful,” “Break the Rules,” and “Sirens.” Each song was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause, as the crowd’s excitement grew with every note. The intense guitar riffs and powerful vocals reverberated through the venue, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The Chicago crowd, fully immersed in the energy and enthusiasm, initiated a mosh pit. Bodies collided in a chaotic yet rhythmic dance, while others formed a protective circle around the frenzied activity. The harder Windwaker jammed on stage, the more intense the crowd’s moshing became, creating a rhythmic synergy that united band and audience in a shared, exhilarating experience.
The stage lights flashed in sync with the pounding beats, casting a dynamic glow over the sea of jumping and swaying fans. Sweat glistened on the faces of both the band members and the audience, a testament to the fervor of the performance. However, the time eventually came for Windwaker’s set to end. The crowd, now more awake and invigorated, eagerly anticipated the next band, ready to elevate their concert experience further.
In the words of UFC commentator Mike Goldberg, “And here we go!” Thornhill emerged from the shadows, bathed in dramatic stage lighting, and immediately launched into their electrifying single, “Views from the Sun.” The crowd instantly responded, erupting in unison, jumping up and down, while those in the front row headbanged vigorously to the powerful rhythms. The band’s metalcore screams and thunderous bass drums reverberated through the venue, shaking the very walls and igniting a visceral reaction among the audience. The lead singer’s voice, raw and commanding, cut through the air, while the guitarists’ intricate riffs and the drummer’s relentless beats created a sonic landscape that enveloped the crowd.
Fans were enraptured, many raising their phones to capture the electrifying performance, determined to immortalize the moment and share the experience with those who couldn’t be there. The stage lights flickered in sync with the music, casting a hypnotic glow over the sea of ecstatic faces. The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, their collective energy feeding off Thornhill’s dynamic presence. This synergy created an unforgettable atmosphere, a powerful testament to the unifying force of live music. The magic of the evening was not just heard but felt deeply, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present.
Sadly, the moment arrived for another incredible set to come to an end. However, before parting ways with the crowd, Thornhill concluded their performance with one of my favorite singles, “Where We Go When We Die.” This was the exact moment the crowd was instructed to perform the infamous “wall of death.” Despite its intimidating name, the wall of death is a form of moshing where the audience splits down the middle into two halves, each side of the venue, before charging towards each other and colliding in a massive display of kinetic energy. Upon Thornhill’s command, I watched as the crowd instantly parted like the Red Sea. Their faces took on a warlike intensity reminiscent of a scene from “Braveheart,” with some concertgoers jumping up and down in anticipation while others wore looks of steely determination, ready to clash with their fellow metal enthusiasts.
Then, the moment arrived. With a surge of energy, approximately sixty people from each side collided in full-force body contact, creating a chaotic yet exhilarating scene of unity. This aggressive display of camaraderie, fueled by the pounding drums, intense riffs, and raw screams, brought the set to a climactic close. The remarkable performance by Thornhill left everyone in the venue charged and connected through the powerful experience of live metalcore music.
Once again, I was thrilled to capture the essence of one of my favorite bands in the new era of metalcore as Invent Animate took the stage. Before beginning their set, they engaged the audience, asking how many had previously attended one of their shows. To my surprise, a vast majority of the audience raised their hands. The band responded with a knowing smile, “Okay, good, then you know what to do.”
With that, Invent Animate launched into their single, “Sleepless Deathbed.” The stage lights flickered dramatically, casting an intense glow over the sea of eager faces. The room buzzed with anticipation, and as the first notes hit, the energy exploded.
The crowd immediately began to crowd surf, with waves of concertgoers propelled towards the front of the stage. The scene was a chaotic yet exhilarating display of unity and passion, as fans were lifted and passed overhead, their ecstatic faces illuminated by the pulsating lights. Increased security personnel rushed to the front and the photo pit, expertly managing the “catch and release” of the crowd surfers to ensure their safety.
The synergy between Invent Animate and their audience was palpable. The band’s powerful performance, characterized by heavy riffs, thundering drums, and intense vocals, resonated deeply with the crowd. Each note seemed to electrify the room, with fans screaming the lyrics back at the band, their voices merging into a single, powerful chorus.
As the song progressed, the energy only intensified. The crowd moved as one, a living, breathing entity, surging with the music. The relentless momentum of the performance and the visceral connection between the band and the audience set the tone for an unforgettable evening of metalcore excellence. The raw emotion and fervor on display were a testament to the unifying power of music, creating a moment that would be etched in the memories of all present.
As Invent Animate progressed through their setlist, the highly anticipated moment arrived for them to perform “Heavener.” The stage lights dimmed, casting a serene glow over the venue as Marcus Vik, the lead singer, began to softly sing. The crowd, in perfect unison, joined him, their voices rising to match his:
“I will wait, as I’m already home, I’m already home,
I will stay, if you’re all on your own (Heavener!)”
The harmony between Vik’s vocals and the audience’s heartfelt singing created a poignant and powerful atmosphere, showcasing the deep connection between the band and their fans. This moment, filled with raw emotion and unity, highlighted the profound impact of Invent Animate’s music on their listeners. Thereafter, they performed “Without a Whisper” and “Immolation of Night,” delivering each song with remarkable precision and energy. Their immaculate performance captivated the audience until the very end, leaving an indelible impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
The room erupted with cheers, screams, and whistles as Northlane’s stage lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of their performance. The anticipation was thick in the air as the band took their positions. Northlane opened their set with the electrifying single “Carbonized,” and the crowd immediately responded by jumping up and down in perfect unison, creating a sea of undulating bodies.
The energy in the venue was palpable, with fans crowd-surfing and recording the headliner’s dynamic performance. The strobe lights flashed in time with the pounding rhythms, casting dramatic shadows and enhancing the intensity of the moment. The powerful riffs and driving beats reverberated through the room, drawing the audience deeper into the experience. From my observations, the crowd maintained a relatively relaxed demeanor, albeit highly engaged, until Northlane launched into “Clarity.” At that moment, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. A massive twenty-person mosh pit spontaneously erupted in the center of the floor, with concertgoers throwing themselves into the fray, embodying the raw energy and aggression of the music.
Crowd surfing intensified, with waves of fans being lifted and passed overhead towards the stage. Security personnel were on high alert, moving swiftly and efficiently to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Their primary objective was to maintain a balance between the exhilarating chaos and the well-being of the attendees, catching and releasing crowd surfers with practiced precision.
The synergy between Northlane and the audience created an unforgettable scene of controlled chaos. The band’s performance, combined with the crowd’s fervent response, perfectly encapsulated the essence of a live metalcore show—intense, immersive, and unforgettable. The connection between the performers and their fans was undeniable, each feeding off the other’s energy in a powerful, symbiotic relationship.
As Northlane’s performance progressed, they delivered some of their notable singles such as “Mirror’s Edge,” “Clockwork,” “Nova,” and “Solar.” Each song was executed with intense energy and precision, captivating the Chicago crowd.
However, the time eventually came to say goodbye. The band exited stage right, waving to the enthusiastic audience. The crowd’s whistles and cheers echoed through the venue for about three minutes straight, a testament to the night’s electrifying atmosphere.
In response to the fervent applause, Northlane returned to the stage for an encore performance of “Citizen.” This final song provided the crowd with a few more moments of bliss before the reality of the evening’s end set in, as the House of Blues lights permanently came back on. With the encore complete, it was finally time for the crowd to head home and the band to bid their farewells. The show was over. Overall, the event was a great success, with each band delivering masterful performances throughout the night. I was thoroughly impressed by all the acts and grateful for the efforts of the security personnel who ensured the safety of everyone present.
Until next time, House of Blues, thank you for another unforgettable evening.
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