Summer of Loud Brings Midweek Metalcore Mayhem to Camden, NJ

The Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ transformed into a metalcore paradise last hump day as the Summer of Loud Tour delivered one of the most stacked lineups in recent memory. With four rotating headliners sharing the stage, fans witnessed an unprecedented celebration of heavy music that left the amphitheater shaking until well past our bedtime.

Dark Divine kicked things off and set a dark, melodic tone. Their early set—featuring songs like “The Reaper” and “Cold”—was more than just openers: it was atmosphere building, a shadowy invitation into what was becoming a heavy day. The raw vibe was genuine, and despite the mid-afternoon hour, fans were already moving.

Alpha Wolf turned the volume up hard. Their brutal breakdowns and guttural screams cut through the Camden heat, delivering a fierce version of modern hardcore. Tracks like “Creep” and “Akudama” hit heavy and fast. Their intensity made the crowd prepared for the rest of the day’s lineup.

The Devil Wears Prada stepped on with confidence. Opening with “Watchtower,” they tore into technical breakdowns and melodic hooks. Favorites like “Salt,” “Broken,” and “Sacrifice” landed with precision. Mike Hranica engaged the crowd, and despite the steep schedule, their 30-minute run felt tight and impactful.

Next, The Amity Affliction took over.. Their mix of post-hardcore emotion and melodic catharsis had fans swaying and screaming at once. “Like Love,” “All My Friends Are Dead,” and “I See Dead People” resonated emotionally—bringing both mosh and sing-along moments.

Parkway Drive opened the headlining “rotation” with Australian intensity that was absolutely infectious. Winston McCall’s stage presence was magnetic as the band tore through “The Void” and “Vice Grip,” with the crowd forming massive circle pits during “Wild Eyes.” Their blend of metalcore aggression and anthemic choruses created some of the night’s most euphoric moments, particularly when they closed with “Crushed” and the drum riser spun and entire stage were engulfed in flames.

Killswitch Engage was up next, launching into “Rose of Sharyn” as thousands of voices joined Adam Dutkiewicz’s crushing riffs. Jesse Leach commanded the stage with veteran presence, delivering emotional performances of “The Signal Fire” and “My Curse” that reminded everyone why KSE helped define the genre. Their set bridged generations, with longtime fans headbanging alongside newcomers discovering metalcore’s founding fathers.

I Prevail proved why they’re leading metalcore’s new wave, seamlessly blending heavy breakdowns with radio-ready hooks. Eric Vanlerberghe’s vocals shined on “Hurricane” and “BGasoline,” while their cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” had the unexpected effect of uniting metal purists and pop fans in glorious chaos. The band’s energy was relentless, with guitarist Steve Menoian delivering crushing riffs that had the lawn section moving as one massive organism.

Beartooth closed the night with Caleb Shomo’s raw emotional intensity leading the charge. Opening with “The Lines,” they delivered a cathartic performance that felt like group therapy through heavy music. “In Between” and “The Past Is Dead” showcased the band’s evolution from hardcore roots to arena-ready anthems.

Summer of Loud proved that metalcore isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of a genre that continues to evolve while honoring its roots, bringing together four bands at different career peaks to create something truly special in Camden.