Mon, May 8th - Spiritbox, currently on their first ever US headline tour, would make their way to Chicago on Monday night for the first of two completely SOLD-OUT performances at the House of Blues, with Minnesota Metalcore veterans After The Burial and also Canada's Intervals joining them as support. The tour, which was announced last fall with sold out dates and low-ticket warnings coming in abundance, is a 24-date trek around the United States and Canada. The tickets for tonight's show sold out so rapidly that a second date was added immediately after, which also didn't take very long to sell out showing how strong of a fanbase the band has in Chicago. The outside of the venue was buzzing with excitement as music fans flocked to the famous House of Blues in the heart of Chicago, ready for a night of profound musical exploration. The House of Blues, nestled among the vivid tapestry of the city, is a hallowed spot for musical pilgrimage. Its rich history and eclectic ambience make it the ideal setting for an evening of musical immersion. With the line of eager fans stretched far and around the venue, a wave of electricity filled the air as the doors swung wide, setting the stage for a captivating encounter that would definitely sear itself into the memory of all those fortunate enough to be present tonight for this sold out performance.
Courtesy of House of Blues
Intervals, a progressive metal band formed in Toronto, Canada, in 2011 by guitarist and composer Aaron Marshall, would be tasked with opening the performance. The band's music is instrumental and heavily influenced by progressive metal and djent, a heavy metal subgenre characterized by intricate, syncopated rhythms and rich guitar soundscapes. Intervals grew in popularity thanks to their self-released EPs "The Space Between" and "In Time," which displayed Marshall's remarkable guitar capabilities and creative ability. The band's debut album, "A Voice Within," was released in 2014, and featured guest vocalists such as former Periphery leader Spencer Sotelo and former Tesseract vocalist Ashe O'Hara. Following the release of "A Voice Within," Intervals' roster was drastically altered, with Marshall remaining the lone original member. He assembled a new lineup, which included drummer Nathan Bulla, bassist Jacob Umansky, and bassist turned vocalist Mike Semesky. The band's second album, "The Shape of Color," was released in 2015 with this new lineup. "The Shape of Colour" heralded a break from the band's previous instrumental sound, with vocals on many tracks and a more melodic and approachable compositional style. The album received rave reviews and helped Intervals establish themselves as one of the leading bands in the progressive metal genre. Intervals' third album, "The Way Forward," was released in 2018, and it improved on the band's melodic and approachable sound. Guest vocalists on the album were Einar Solberg of Leprous and Chris Allison of Plini. Intervals has toured extensively throughout their history, both as a headline act and as a support act for bands such as Animals as Leaders, Periphery, and Between the Buried and Me. The band has also appeared at major festivals including Download and Heavy Montreal.
The evening began with "Alchemy," a dramatic and dynamic introduction that established the tone for the rest of the evening. Aaron Marshall's sophisticated guitar work immediately demonstrated his technical aptitude and ability to weave complex melodies. The seamless combination of strong riffs and melodic interludes, backed by the band's tight rhythm section, immediately captured the audience. "Mata Hari" followed suit, creating an ethereal ambiance in the venue. The progressive style of the song allowed each band member to shine separately while still retaining a unified sound. The interplay between the guitar and bass generated an interstellar soundscape, taking listeners to another realm. As the night proceeded, the band performed "Luna[r]tic," a captivating song that demonstrated their ability to seamlessly segue between intricate time signatures and ambient periods. The band then changed gears with "5-HTP," a harder and more aggressive track that pumped up the crowd. The thundering drums and thunderous bass created the foundation for Marshall's lightning-fast guitar solos, which left the audience in marvel. "Lock & Key" showcased Intervals' songwriting prowess even further, blending appealing melodies with intricate polyrhythms. The band's ability to construct rich and layered tunes while remaining groovy was absolutely astounding. "Touch and Go" took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. The delicate and sensitive guitar lines of the song struck a chord with the audience, while the tremendous crescendos and cascading drums provided urgency and intensity. It was a true highlight of the evening, showcasing the band's ability to connect on an emotional level with their instrumental music. "Leave No Stone" continued to push boundaries by fusing jazz, metal, and progressive rock into a sonic tapestry that defied categorization. The band's close-knit chemistry shone through as they expertly navigated the tricky time signatures and sophisticated arrangements. Finally, "String Theory," a technical and musical tour de force, brought the evening to a close. The band's chemistry peaked at this epic conclusion, where Marshall's guitar skill captivated the audience. The crowd exploded in loud ovation as the final notes of "String Theory" faded away, awed by the tremendous brilliance they had witnessed. Intervals have solidified their position as one of the most fascinating and original bands in the progressive instrumental metal scene.
After The Burial, a Minnesota-based metal powerhouse, would follow with a relentless bombardment of bone-crushing riffs and deafening rhythms. The band formed in 2004 in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. The band had undergone a few lineup changes over the years and is currently comprised of Anthony Notarmaso on vocals, Trent Hafdahl on guitar, Adrian Oropeza on bass, and Dan Carle on drums. With elaborate guitar work and violent vocals, After the Burial's early sound was highly influenced by death metal and metalcore. The band's debut album, "Forging a Future Self," was released in 2006, and their second album, "Rareform," was released in 2008. With intricate time signatures and increased guitar harmonies, "Rareform" had a more technical and advanced sound. In 2010, After the Burial faced a tragedy when their founding guitarist Justin Lowe passed away. Despite this setback, the band persevered, releasing their third album, "In Dreams," in 2010. The album demonstrated the band's ability to merge heavy metal and progressive elements perfectly, with sophisticated guitar work and soaring melodies. Following the release of "In Dreams," the band's lineup was altered once more, with Adrian Oropeza joining as a second guitarist. "Wolves Within," the band's fourth album, was released in 2013, and featured a more aggressive and uncompromising sound while yet retaining the band's distinctive intricacy. After the Burial released their fifth album, "Dig Deep," in 2016. The album maintained the band's technical and strong musical legacy while also introducing more melodic elements. After the Burial has toured extensively during its career, sharing stages with bands such as Killswitch Engage, Trivium, and Between the Buried and Me. The band is recognized for their intense live shows and excellent musicianship. After the Burial is still pushing the frontiers of progressive metal today, with their latest album, "Evergreen," published in 2019. The album has a more atmospheric and experimental sound, while preserving the band's trademark heaviness and skill.
Their performance started with "In Flux," a scorching opener that established the tone for the remainder of the set. With Anthony Notarmaso encouraging the audience to bounce and ripping into one of his signature screams, Trent Hafdahl and Justin Lowe's smashing guitars quickly took hold of the venue, while Dan Carle's furious drumming carried the song forward with relentless power. It was evident that this was going to be a night to remember as the crowd eagerly responded with a surge of enthusiasm. With its bone-rattling breakdowns and rich guitar harmonies, "Collapse" sparked a mosh pit frenzy. The band's technical ability shone through as they expertly handled complicated time signatures and blazing guitar solos. The crowd was entranced by their precision and the intensity of their performance. The audience shook as "Lost in the Static" ripped through the air, its churning riffs and pummeling rhythms producing a wall of sound that encompassed them. The crowd was shouting along to the song's thunderous chorus and iconic hooks, establishing a single link in the pandemonium of the pit. After a brief pause, the band kicked into one of their newest tracks "Nothing Gold," an ambient and emotionally driven piece. The haunting melodies intertwined with the band's ability to compose songs that are both aggressive and emotionally introspective. With its unrelenting tempo and whirling guitar work, "Exit, Exist" continued to push the bounds of intensity. The band's tight-knit chemistry was on full display as they successfully handled the intricate sections and unleashed a wall of sound that left the audience in a state of sheer sonic ecstasy. The second of their newest releases, "Death Keeps Us From Living," demonstrated the band's ability to switch between devastating heaviness and melodic interludes with ease. The soaring sweet voices combined with guttural screams provided a touch of vulnerability to the auditory assault, capturing the audience and dragging them deeper into the musical universe of After The Burial. As the night progressed, the band performed a ferocious rendition of "A Wolf Amongst Ravens," a song that exemplifies their characteristic sound. The crowd erupted in a frenzy of headbanging and raw energy in response to the lightning-fast guitar sweeps and earth-shattering breakdowns. The punishing intensity of the performance reflected After The Burial's standing as one of the most revered bands in today's metal scene. The set reached its climax with "Behold the Crown," a monumental anthem that left no doubt as to who reigned supreme on the stage. The band's unrelenting energy and the crowd's unyielding enthusiasm collided in a cathartic explosion of sound and movement. As the final notes reverberated through the venue, the audience erupted into a deafening roar, grateful for the sonic journey they had just experienced. Chicago always shows up in force to support After The Burial and tonight's performance was no different, further proving After The Burial are a favorite amongst the Chicago metal scene.
Formed in Canada in 2016, Spiritbox consists of power couple Courtney LaPlante (vocals) and Mike Stringer (guitar), which also features Zev Rose (drums) and the newest member Josh Gilbert (bass), formerly of As I Lay Dying. Spiritbox is well-known in the metal and alternative music sectors for their dynamic and genre-blending sound. Courtney LaPlante, originating from British Columbia, Canada, was formerly a member of the metalcore band iwrestledabearonce. After leaving the band in 2016, she joined Spiritbox with guitarist Mike Stringer, also previously of iwrestledabearonce. The duo was later joined by drummer Ryan Loerke, and together they began to create music that broke typical genre limits, further advancing their sound with the latest addition of bassist Josh Gilbert. Spiritbox's music incorporates metalcore, progressive metal, post-hardcore, and djent influences, among others. Heavy riffs, sophisticated guitar work, atmospheric textures, and LaPlante's powerful vocals, which fluidly shift from beautiful melodies and ferocious screams, define their sound. Lyrically, the band delves into themes such as introspection, emotional turmoil, and existentialism. Spiritbox released their debut song, "The Mara Effect, Pt. 1," in 2017, followed by the EP "Spiritbox." These early releases drew recognition for their creative approach to heavy music and contributed to the formation of the band's characteristic sound. Spiritbox's music videos, which showcased their artistic vision and engaging performances, also gained critical recognition. Spiritbox proceeded to release songs and EPs throughout the next few years, including "Blessed Be," "Perennial," and "Holy Roller," which achieved broad acclaim and reinforced their status in the metal industry. Their music appealed to a wide range of listeners, attracting fans from both the metal and alternative rock scenes. "Eternal Blue," Spiritbox's debut full-length album, was released on September 17, 2021. The album gained widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, demonstrating the band's maturation and improvement in songwriting and musicianship. "Eternal Blue" delves into a variety of emotions and experiences, with songs like "Circle With Me," "Secret Garden," and "Constance" sticking out as standouts. Spiritbox has toured extensively throughout its career, appearing at a plethora of major festivals and sharing the stage with prominent groups like as Ghost, Architects, and Periphery. Their enthralling live concerts and energetic performances have solidified their status as a band to watch. Spiritbox's distinct blend of heavy and melodic sounds, paired with contemplative and emotionally driven lyrics, has earned them a devoted and ardent following. Spiritbox continues to push the frontiers of heavy music with their distinct sound and unwavering drive, cementing their position as one of the scene's most exciting and innovative artists.
The night started with the haunting melody of "Sun Killer" pumping over the PA which established the tone for the auditory journey that was about to take place. The band would take the stage veiled behind a sheer curtain covering the width of the stage, which had a mixture of ambient lighting and laser designs being projected from the sound that would dancing across the curtain giving the impression we were watching the band from another realm. Courtney LaPlante's ethereal vocals soared over Mike Stringer's intricate guitar work, providing a captivating contrast that lured the audience into Spiritbox's world of atmospheric metal. The audience erupted when "Hurt You" blasted through the speakers, its thunderous riffs and pummeling rhythms sparking a fire. The band's ability to fluidly segue between bone-crushing heaviness and delicate beauty was on full show, winning over everyone in attendance. "Yellowjacket" buzzed through the air, filling the room with a surge of adrenaline. The addictive hooks and gripping chorus of the song had the audience singing along, creating a unified link that rang throughout the room. From start to finish, the audience was captivated by the band's immaculate performance and unwavering energy. The sheer curtain would fall at the conclusion of the song, fully revealing the band for the rest of the night as "Rule of Nines" unleashed a torrent of intricacy and intensity, demonstrating the band's ability to mix complicated arrangements with an obvious sense of groove. Spiritbox's intricate guitar lines and booming drumming formed a sound tapestry that captivated the audience and left them in awe of their musical abilities. The band's latest offering, "The Void" would submerge the venue in an upbeat and positive atmosphere as the fast faced track progressed the night. The interstellar ambience and crushing tone of the song engulfed the crowd, transporting them on a sonic trip through mysterious landscapes. The band's strong musicianship combined with LaPlante's powerful vocals created an unreal experience. With its beautiful melody and thoughtful lyrics, "Halcyon" provided a welcome break in the midst of the storm. The enthralling combination of LaPlante's expressive vocals and the band's atmospheric instrumentation generated a sense of calm that allowed the audience to take their breath before the next barrage of aural ferocity. "Circle With Me," a track that demonstrated the band's ability to generate anthemic and addictive metalcore, brought the contagious energy back in full force. The intense energy pouring from the stage drove the crowd into a frenzy of activity. The chemistry and stage presence of the band were palpable, sparking a fire in the audience that lasted long after the final notes drifted away. Spiritbox then surprised everyone by covering No Doubt's "Hella Good," infusing the famous tune with their trademark blend of heaviness and atmospheric beauty. The audience rejoiced in the song's familiar tune, appreciating the band's unique take on it and celebrating the unity of multiple musical worlds colliding. "Rotoscope" descended on the auditorium like a sonic hurricane, its unrelenting tempo and savage guitar riffs shaking the building's base. The band's technical talent was on full display, and the audience was mesmerized by their ability to execute intricate pieces with such accuracy and power. The setlist continued to captivate with "Secret Garden," a song that showcased Spiritbox's ability to craft music that transcends boundaries. The ethereal sounds perfectly melded with the hefty grooves, resulting in a sonic landscape that transported the audience to a realm of deep emotions. The gloomy and unnerving mood of "The Mara Effect, Pt. 3" filled the auditorium. The band's ability to create tension and then unleash explosive catharsis was impressive, dragging the audience deeper into the depths of their musical vision. The unmistakable starting riff of "Holy Roller" echoed through the air, sending the audience into an uproar of headbanging and moshing. The song's infectious energy and catchy hooks had everyone in the venue under its spell, united in their shared love for Spiritbox's unrelenting sound. "Hysteria," a relentless assault of razor-sharp guitars and booming drumming, propelled the night ahead. The band's raw strength and ferocity were unparalleled, leaving the audience stunned and exhilarated. "Constance" demonstrated the band's ability to compose emotionally charged songs, with LaPlante's expressive vocals driving the song's tragic message. The audience responded with sincere cheers and a sense of deep connection to the raw vulnerability and musicality on show. The night concluded with the compelling title track, "Eternal Blue." With its deep layers and stunning melodies, the band released a musical tidal wave that washed over the audience. Everyone in attendance was left with an indelible impression of the song's broad scope and fascinating dynamics, a testament to Spiritbox's ability to produce music that transcends genre barriers and resonates on a deeply emotional level. As the final notes of "Eternal Blue" echoed into the night, the audience stood in awe of the journey they had just experienced. Spiritbox's performance tonight was a testament to the band's unique vision and unparalleled talent. With their captivating blend of atmospheric beauty and bone-crushing heaviness, they proved themselves to be one of the most innovative and captivating acts in modern metal.
With the tour on its final remaining dates and totally sold out, you unfortunately won't be able to attend this one if you haven't yet secured your tickets. Spiritbox will embark on an EU/UK tour later this month, supporting the likes of Ghost, Bring Me The Horizon, and Motionless In White, depending on the date. Later this year, in September, the band will also be supporting Shinedown and Papa Roach on "The Revolutions Live Tour," as well as performing at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival on Saturday, September 9th. After The Burial will be on the road again in September as support for Motionless In White's tremendously stacked "The Touring The End Of The World Tour," which also includes Knocked Loose and Alphawolf. The band will also be making a stop at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival on Friday, September 8th. Although Intervals has no future shows or tours scheduled at this time, lead man Aaron Marshall has recently been added to John Petrucci's Guitar Universe 4.0, which will take place at the W Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida from August 3rd-6th. The band has also recently issued new vinyl copies of their albums "Circadian," "The Shape of Color," and "In Time," which are currently available at shthppns.com.
Review & Photography By: Nick Buzinski
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