Sun Aug 13th - Fresh off of 3 select show performances with the likes of August Burns Red, Ice Nine Kills and Mike's Dead, Chicago's own metalcore masters Veil of Maya would return home Sunday night to take over Bottom Lounge for a special headline performance including support from For The Fallen Dreams as well as two of Chicago's top acts in Hive & Bind The Sacrifice. Bottom Lounge is a prominent live music venue in Chicago, Illinois's West Loop district. Since its inception in 2008, the venue has grown to become an important hub for music lovers, with a distinct blend of event rooms, bars, and an inviting ambience. It is conveniently located at 1375 W. Lake Street in Chicago and is housed in a multi-story masonry building. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a spacious and industrial-inspired lobby space with a sports bar ambiance, as the bar is a popular hangout for watching games from the numerous Chicago teams. Bottom Lounge's primary event area is a huge room on the ground floor with an average-sized stage and a professional sound system that is sure to shake your soul when the bass drops hit. The venue's lighting, on the other hand, has a lot to be desired, with the overwhelming majority of events here, in my experience over many years, being extremely dark and littered with strobes. The space can accommodate up to a 900 cap audience, making it suitable for a range of events from intimate shows to larger concerts. The design of the room guarantees that guests have a clear view of the stage from all vantage points. Bottom Lounge's upstairs lounge area is one of its distinguishing qualities. This more intimate location has a different vibe than the big music hall. It's ideal for those who like a more intimate setting while listening to live music. The upstairs room frequently stages smaller acts, allowing both budding artists and seasoned performers to connect with their audience on a more personal level. Bottom Lounge has a complete bar with a variety of beverages, including craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options allowing customers to sip their favorite drinks while watching performances. Furthermore, the venue serves food ranging from classic comfort foods to more gourmet ones, guaranteeing that customers may enjoy a great gastronomic experience while listening to music. Bottom Lounge's adaptability is one of its distinguishing features. It is easily adaptable to various musical genres and styles, making it an appealing destination for a varied audience. The venue's adjustable areas can accommodate a wide range of artistic expressions, including indie rock, electronic music, hip-hop, and more experimental genres. Bottom Lounge is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The crew is frequently complimented for their warmth and professionalism, which contributes to patrons' excellent experiences. The combination of industrial aesthetics, spaciousness, and attentive service provides an environment in which artists and attendees feel at ease and valued. Bottom Lounge has played and continues to play an important role in Chicago's music scene over the years. It has hosted a variety of local events, benefit performances, and new talent showcases. This dedication to community service has cemented its place in the Chicago music scene.
Courtesy of Bottom Lounge
Bind the Sacrifice is an up and coming deathcore band that emerged from the depths of Chicagoland in 2015. What began as a group of four friends, Ciran Burke as the potent vocalist, Sean Kebby and Jacob Anderson as the formidable guitarists, and Erik Stacy as the visionary producer, soon evolved into a musical force to be reckoned with. The quartet started their journey crafting songs purely for the joy of creation. Their ascent to prominence gained momentum with the release of their debut album "The Desecration of Existence" in 2017. The raw power and relentless intensity showcased in this release set the stage for their unrelenting pursuit of sonic perfection. As they began to cultivate a devoted local following, they realized the need for a live drummer who could match the ferocity of their music. In came dynamic drummer, Matt Lathan, who seamlessly integrated into the band's lineup, providing the live firepower behind the kit they needed. Following their first album, the band's trajectory took a slight turn as guitarist Jacob Anderson would depart. The rest of the band would carry on and would release their second explosive album, "Phantasmagoria," in 2018. The album solidified their place in the local deathcore scene, drawing in fans with its crushing riffs and mesmerizing melodies. The year 2019 brought a pivotal addition to the fold as guitarist Alex Kromer joined their ranks to perform live with the band. Kromer's skills blended seamlessly with the existing members, and he soon became a permanent fixture within the band. His contributions were integral to the creation of their latest single, "Singular Entity," which was released in 2021. With this release, they offered a tantalizing glimpse into their forthcoming third album, teasing fans with what's to come. In their relentless pursuit of success, Bind the Sacrifice has shared stages with an array of prominent national acts. From the bone-crushing rhythms of Enterprise Earth to the atmospheric allure of Bad Omens, the band has held their own and left audiences awestruck, also opening for the likes of: Traitors, Brand of Sacrifice, Born of Osiris, Spite, and Signs of the Swarm, among others. As they continue to push the boundaries of deathcore, Bind the Sacrifice is poised to carve an indelible mark in the Chicago deathcore scene as well as nationwide. Racking up 25.3K monthly Spotify listeners, they are set to soon unleash their third album upon the world, in an attempt to breakout and solidify their place among the genre's elite.
HIVE, a progressive deathcore band hailing from the vibrant metal scene of Chicago, was born in 2016 and has since become a formidable force in the world of extreme music. This quintet is a fierce conglomerate of musical talents, comprising Jay Medina as the compelling vocalist, Pierre Worth and Mike Shanahan on guitars, Shady Hamid handling the bass, and Erik Shirley driving the rhythm on drums. HIVE burst onto the scene in their first year with their namesake first EP, attracting metal fans with their distinct sound. The raw power and innovation present in their music garnered praise from the metal community, setting the stage for their rapid ascent. In 2018, the band unleashed two standalone singles, showcasing their evolution and sonic growth. The year 2019 saw the release of the hauntingly intense "The Mirthless Kind" EP, solidifying HIVE's reputation as masters of crafting eerie atmospheres and unorthodox rhythms that ensnare the senses. However, it was in June of 2022 that HIVE truly made their mark with the release of their first full-length album, "EXUVIAE." They shook the metal scene, amassing a staggering 1M+ Spotify streams within a year of its release, a testament to the band's magnetic pull. HIVE's sonic landscape is one of contrasts, where harsh, unrelenting vocals intertwine seamlessly with aggressive riffs, paralyzing grooves, and unyielding rhythms. Their music draws listeners into a world of darkness and unfiltered emotion, a trait that's mirrored in their striking aesthetic. With an unwavering commitment to delivering the darkest of content, HIVE's reputation as creators of extreme ferocity extends not only to their music but also to their meticulously designed artwork and electrifying live performances. The band's indomitable spirit has allowed them to share the stage with notable acts like Oceano, Cannibal Corpse, Harms Way, Upon A Burning Body, Signs of the Swarm, Vulvodynia, and Born of Osiris. With each performance, HIVE reinforces their position as torchbearers of a bold, unapologetic musical movement. Through their unrelenting dedication to their craft, HIVE stands as a testament to humanity's fascination with the darkest aspects of existence, weaving them into their music and offering a thrilling glimpse into the depths of their creative souls.
For the Fallen Dreams is a Lansing, Michigan-based metalcore band recognized for their blend of devastating breakdowns, melodic guitar work, and emotionally laden lyrics. The band was formed in 2003 and has gone through several lineup changes since then. In 2003, drummer Andrew Tkaczyk, guitarists Jason Spencer and Jim Hocking, bassist Joe Ellis, and vocalist Chad Ruhlig created For the Fallen Dreams. They started off playing local events and immediately garnered a following in Michigan's hardcore scene. The band's debut EP, "For the Fallen Dreams," was released in 2006, exhibiting their early blend of melodic metalcore and hardcore elements. This release aided them in gaining attention outside of their local scene. The band's breakthrough came in 2008, when they released their debut full-length album, "Changes." The album's combination of forceful breakdowns, melodic melodies, and poignant lyrics struck a chord with genre aficionados. "Changes" cemented For the Fallen Dreams' place in the metalcore community. They built on their success with succeeding albums such as "Relentless" (2009) and "Back Burner" (2011). These albums cemented their reputation for powerful live shows and emotionally charged music. For the Fallen Dreams' lineup has changed several times throughout their tenure, with Chad Ruhlig temporarily quitting the band in 2012. During Ruhlig's absence, Dylan Richter took over the vocal responsibilities. Despite these changes, the band continued to create albums such as "Wasted Youth" (2012) and "Heavy Hearts" (2014). These albums represented a modest shift from their previous sound, integrating more melodic and atmospheric elements while preserving their distinctive intensity. The song "Heavy Hearts" in particular signified a notable move toward a more introspective lyrical style. The band released "Six" in 2018, which was a return to their previous sound, which was defined by aggressive guitar work and devastating breakdowns. The band released their 7th album this March with the self-titled "For The Fallen Dreams," which has been met with great fan reaction. While For the Fallen Dreams retains a loyal fan base and continues to tour, they are operating in a music world that had changed dramatically since their inception. Their ability to consistently adapt and stay relevant in a shifting musical world demonstrates their tenacity and devotion to their profession.
The night began with the atmospheric intro to "The Undertow," which gave way to a thunderous eruption of sound. The crowd surged in a flurry of activity, and the mosh pits erupted. The band's distinctive sound, a beautiful blend of melodic guitar riffs and ferocious breakdowns, was on full display. The band's excitement was contagious as they flawlessly transitioned into "What If." Vocalist Chad Ruhlig's dynamic stage presence drew the audience in, while the band's playing demonstrated their technical prowess. The crowd's excitement grew as "RE-Animate" permeated the venue. The intertwining of guttural growls and melodic clean vocals highlighted Chad's dynamic vocal range. The song's emotional depth struck a chord with fans, who sung along enthusiastically. The setlist continued with "Last One Out," a composition that created suspense with its thumping rhythms and passionate lyrics. The solidarity of the audience was evident, as they roared along with every word. With "Without You," the band provided a moment of introspection, allowing everyone to catch their breath and appreciate the band's ability to elicit emotion via their music. The harmony between the guitars and the voice of Chad created a haunting mood that captured the audience. "Unstoppable" infused a burst of adrenaline into the venue, sending waves of enthusiasm throughout. The continuous drumming and precise guitar work brought an unyielding energy to the stage, and the audience's reaction echoed the song's title. The anthemic "No Heaven" seemed to be a favorite among the audience, eliciting a flood of applause. The band's and its fans' sense of togetherness was palpable, forming a link that transcended the music itself. "Nightmares" kept the pace going, with a wonderful combination of ferocity and melody. The band's camaraderie stood out as they executed each intricate element of the song beautifully. As the set concluded, "Vengeance" provided a final release of energy.
Veil of Maya is a djent-influenced progressive metal band known for their elaborate guitar work, technical prowess, and dynamic songwriting. The band, which was founded in 2004 in Chicago, Illinois, has altered their style throughout the years while retaining a significant presence in the modern metal scene. The band was formed by guitarist Marc Okubo, bassist Kris Higler, drummer Sam Applebaum, and vocalist Adam Clemans. Veil of Maya played metalcore with technical and progressive aspects in their early years. They rose to prominence in the Chicago music scene and published their debut EP, "All Things Set Aside," in 2006. With complex guitar riffs and a mix of harsh and melodious vocals, this record demonstrated their potential. Veil of Maya signed with Sumerian Records in 2008, which was a turning point moment in their career. The band showcased their unique style with the publication of their debut full-length album, "The Common Man's Collapse," (now available on 15th Anniversary vinyl) which featured djent-inspired guitar chugging, sophisticated rhythms, and progressive song structures. Brandon Butler, who replaced Adam Clemans on vocals in 2010, provided a fresh element to the band's vocal approach. Their sophomore album, "[id]" (2010), further refined their sound and cemented their place in the developing djent scene. Veil of Maya's later albums, such as "Eclipse" (2012) and "Matriarch" (2015), demonstrated their progression as they added more melodic and ambient aspects to their technical prowess. These albums received positive reviews and showcased the band's ability to experiment within the progressive metal framework. "Matriarch" also saw the departure of Brandon Butler and the debut of new vocalist Lukas Magyar. His clear powerful vocals and wide vocal range provided a new dimension to the band's sound. "False Idol" (2017) stayed true to the band's progressive and djent-infused sound while exploring with new sounds and techniques, which they have expanded upon even further with their latest album "Mother"(2023) which was released back in May and has been receiving nothing but acclaim from listeners and critics alike. The band's music frequently addresses themes of human growth, reflection, and societal commentary, which has struck a chord with their following. Their live performances continue to remain lively and technically brilliant, firmly establishing them as a major force in the modern metal scene.
Taking to the dimly lit stage with dark red strobes set on overdrive, the night kicked off with the ferocious "Tokyo Chainsaw," immediately engulfing the venue in a sea of headbanging and moshing. Marc Okubo's intricate guitar work with the booming rhythm combo of bassist Danny Hauser and drummer Sam Applebaum created an aggressive and captivating musical experience. As the crowd's fervor peaked, the band flawlessly transitioned into "Viscera," demonstrating their ability to seamlessly blend sophisticated polyrhythms with soaring melodies. The commanding presence of vocalist Lukas Magyar on stage provided a layer of intensity to the performance, pushing the audience further into the music. "Red Fur" followed suit, featuring a balance between haunting atmospheric sections and explosive breakdowns. The synchronicity between the band members was a testament to their years of experience performing together. With "Godhead," Veil of Maya demonstrated their versatility by weaving elements of djent-inspired riffing with moments of introspection. The synergy between the band and the crowd was palpable, as fans shouted along to every lyric. The band hit overdrive with "Synthwave Vegan," introducing electronic elements that created an atmosphere of futuristic experimentation. The band's willingness to push boundaries and incorporate diverse influences was met with enthusiasm from the audience. "Outsider" and "Outrun" continued the onslaught of intense music, allowing each member to showcase their technical virtuosity. The intricacies of each song were flawlessly executed, and the crowd's response was nothing short of ecstatic. The short-ish 8 song set reached its climax with the explosive performance of "Mikasa," a crowd favorite that prompted a massive sing-along to close out the night. The venue was ignited with the collective energy of both the band and the audience, creating an unforgettable moment of unity capping off an incredible performance. Chicago was thrilled to spend the evening with one of the city's most successful bands, and the band appeared happy to be back home.
After touring extensively to begin the year on the Avatar Dance Devil Dance US Tour, joining August Burns Red, Ice Nine Kills & Mike's Dead for a few special dates, and now this one off headline performance, Veil of Maya will get some rest as they look forward to their Saturday Sept 9th appearance at the insanely stacked and 100% SOLD OUT Blue Ridge Rock Festival taking place next month from Sept 7th - 10th at the Virginia National Raceway. With tonight being the bands first and only scheduled headline performance since the release of their new album "Mother" back in May, I would expect to see a potential full tour in support of the album be announced either later this fall or possibly early next year. Fans will want to be sure you are following them across socials to stay up to date on the latest news! For The Fallen Dreams will have a busy Fall as they are set to join Monuments on their North American headline which spans Sept 7th - Oct 15th. The band will also have 3 headline performances of their own along the way: Sept 22nd in Council Bluffs, IA , Sept 24th in Salt Lake City, UT & Sept 26th in Spokane, WA.
Review & Photography By: Nick Buzinski
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