There was a massive amount of energy amidst the sea of black shirts and facial hair, which was only matched by Hatebreed's "The Rise of Brutality Tour" last Friday at the Showplace Theatre. Hatebreed, who was supported by opening acts Six Feet Under, Every Time I Die, Death Threat and the unexpected Bleeding Through, made a triumphant return to the Buffalo hardcore scene.
Kicking it off was Bleeding Through who, as of late, is struggling to finance their own touring.
"We were turned away at the border and had to cancel four shows in Canada. Hatebreed has been gracious enough to allow us to tag along for a few dates, and we'd like to thank them," announced lead singer Brendan Schieppati. "Give it up for the kings of hardcore."
Bleeding Through was the only band of the night to feature a female member, Molly Street, who plays synthesizer to give the band a darker, more gothic sound. It added another dimension to a group otherwise considered straight metal. The addition of Bleeding Through only made the bill more stylistically diverse. As hardcore shows go, this was more eclectic than usual.
The uninspired and scream-free Death Threat followed, receiving little crowd response and deservedly so. One could notice the light bulbs shine a little brighter as Death Threat left the stage, making way for the hometown heroes, Every Time I Die.
"It is so f?Ae_ing good to be back in Buffalo, and see some familiar faces in the crowd," said Keith Buckley, lead vocalist for the group.
Of the three minor-label bands, Every Time I Die easily received the most heartfelt greeting. Their on-stage presence was unparalleled for the night. Stage dives and flips were not only expected, but also hotly anticipated. The pit opened up like an exit wound as the band took stage; their mere presence prompted its appearance.
Six Feet Under was the oddball of the evening. They were the only death metal band among hardcore bands, but the crowd did not seem to mind. The pit was equally as active and the crowd response was at their whim.
Chris Barnes showcased his uncanny ability to scream on only two notes for an hour straight. What is impressive is that they are several octaves apart. The band's tightly-wound rhythm section coupled nicely with the crowd's desire to pump their fists in sync with lyrics which commented on subjects ranging from disembowelment to the legalization of marijuana.
Hatebreed lead singer Jamey Josta's entrance to the stage brought a massive push from the entire crowd, crushing those against the gate. The pit was possibly the most viscous the Showplace had ever seen. Josta provoked them to unleash enough aggression to hinder everyday activities.
Hatebreed played for nearly an hour and a half (unheard of for a hardcore act), leading off with "Proven," the first track off the new album "Perseverance." Josta shouted inspirational lyrics to a crowd dying to shout them back. The "Kings of Hardcore," as dubbed by several of the supporting acts, tested the knowledge of the crowd, playing songs off their first, seven-track EP, "Under the Knife," released in 1996.
The audience never failed them and Hatebreed continually expressed appreciation of fan support.
"If they took our tour bus away right now, we'd come out and play for you guys in a station wagon," promised Josta.
It's this kind of commitment to the music that left the head-banging throngs begging for more - not to mention their physical on-stage presence. Sean Martin pounced on the galloping rhythm guitar parts and Matt Byrne's double bass pounded like the heart of a coke addict.
There came a point in the show when the band decided to stray from the set list completely and just play songs that came to mind. Josta introduced one song, "Prepare for War," and they stopped playing as quickly as they started.
"We haven't rehearsed that one enough," he chuckled, as the crowd cheered with the knowledge that they were not receiving a conventional show, but something specially reserved for their fans.
Wrapping it up with "Last Breath" and their first single ever, "I Will Be Heard," Hatebreed and their fans left the Showplace satisfied. Pit enthusiasts embraced and fans up front made it clear to each other that all head butts were accidental.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
