The SOLD OUT Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, became the epicenter of modern rock as Nothing More took the stage for a night brimming with high-energy performances, supported by the explosive talents of Veil of Maya and Wage War.
The evening kicked off with Veil of Maya, the Chicago-based metalcore band known for their intricate guitar work and dynamic sound. From the opening riffs of “Tokyo Chainsaw,” the band set an aggressive tone, captivating the audience with their technical proficiency and relentless energy. Vocalist Lukas Magyar commanded the stage with his versatile range, shifting seamlessly between guttural screams and melodic passages. Guitarist Marc Okubo dazzled with his intricate solos and complex rhythms, demonstrating why Veil of Maya is a standout in the metalcore scene.
Tracks like “Outsider” and “Mikasa” were particularly well-received, with the crowd erupting into a sea of headbanging and mosh pits. The band’s tight performance and engaging stage presence laid a solid foundation for what was to come, leaving the audience primed and eager for the next act.
Following Veil of Maya, Wage War stormed onto the stage, raising the intensity even further. Hailing from Ocala, Florida, Wage War has quickly risen to prominence with their blend of crushing breakdowns and anthemic choruses. The band opened with “Stitch,” immediately capturing the crowd’s attention with its heavy riffs and powerful vocals from Briton Bond and Cody Quistad.
Wage War’s set was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring hard-hitting tracks like “Low” and “Grave,” which showcased the band’s ability to balance brutality with melody. The dual vocal dynamics between Bond and Quistad added depth to their performance, creating a dynamic interplay that kept the audience engaged throughout. Drummer Stephen Kluesener and bassist Chris Gaylord provided a thunderous rhythm section, driving the band’s sound with precision and power.
The crowd’s energy reached a fever pitch as Wage War closed their set with “Manic,” leaving the audience buzzing with anticipation for the headliner.
As the lights dimmed and the stage was set for Nothing More, a palpable sense of excitement filled the air. The San Antonio rockers took the stage with an electrifying presence, launching into their new song “If It Doesn’t Hurt” from their upcoming album “Carnal” due out June 28, 2024. Frontman Jonny Hawkins immediately captivated the audience with his intense, emotive performance, his voice soaring effortlessly over the band’s powerful instrumentation.
Nothing More’s set was a masterclass in modern rock, blending elements of hard rock, alternative, and progressive metal into a cohesive and exhilarating experience. Songs like “Go to War” and “Jenny” resonated deeply with the crowd, with Hawkins delivering each lyric with heartfelt emotion and raw intensity. Guitarist Mark Vollelunga, bassist Daniel Oliver, and drummer Ben Anderson were equally impressive, their tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence driving the performance forward.
One of the standout moments of the night came during “Fadein/Fadeout,” a poignant ballad that showcased the band’s ability to convey deep emotional themes through their music. Hawkins’ powerful vocal delivery and the band’s atmospheric instrumentation created a hauntingly beautiful experience that left the audience in awe.
The show reached its climax with the anthemic “This is the Time (Ballast),” a song that perfectly encapsulates Nothing More’s sound: heavy, melodic, and emotionally charged. As the final notes rang out and the band took their bows, the audience erupted into applause, clearly moved by the performance they had just witnessed.
Nothing More
Wage War
Veil of Maya
