An amazing lineup of metal bands graced the stage at Webster Theater in Hartford, Connecticut. Atreyu were the headliners but those who arrived early were treated to a varying array of great metal music.
Opening the show was an alternative metal band from Bangkok Thailand, Defying Decay. Formed originally by 3 friends in 2010, they have grown into a dynamic and energetic act. They have released 2 studio albums and 1 live release. 2015 saw them debut with “All We Know Is Falling” which was followed by 2019’s “Metamorphosis”. A 2020 live release is available on streaming platforms and is titled “LHRTG911”. They hit the stage with unrivaled energy that followed through their entire set. Members jumped around wildly and the somewhat cool crowd began to warm up to what they were hearing and seeing. By the end of the set, Defying Decay had won the audience over. Their visual display was as outstanding as their music and left folks wanting more.
Next up, out of Atlanta via LA was Tetrarch. Formed in 2007 by lead singer Josh Fiore and lead guitarist Diamond Rowe, this hard-driving band had the crowd revved up right from the start. They are touring in support of their latest release, April 2021’s highly acclaimed ‘Unstable’. It’s a perfect title for an album released during the middle of a worldwide pandemic that doesn’t seem to end. Their set consisted of a healthy dose of old songs but “Unstable” was certainly highlighted in their set. Tetrarch is a band that has endured the test of time in spite of only releasing 2 full-length albums. That reinforces the strength of their live performances. They are a band that thrives on the road.
The Texas metalcore band Crown The Empire roared onto the stage next. CTE, as their fans know them, have put out 4-studio albums with their latest, “Sudden Sky”, released in 2019. The band, and most notably singer Andy Leo, commanded the attention of the crowd from the beginning to the end of their set. The energy of the crowd rose with each song they delivered. Leo called for a circle pit and the crowd delivered with a fevered intensity. Being the band preceding a headliner can be a daunting task as people anxiously away the main act. However, CTE had their own fans in the audience and they certainly won over those who were there for Atreyu.
Finally, the headliners hit the stage shrouded in fog and solid red lighting. Their surroundings produced an almost ominous effect as Atreyu thundered to life. The band is promoting their June release, Baptize which is also the name of the tour. Baptize is the first release featuring former drummer Brandon Saller on vocals. Saller stepped in for Alex Varkatzas who departed in late 2020. Saller proved that he was up to the task of frontman that night in Hartford. Due to some sound issues, he stopped the band and asked forgiveness, and told the crowd they were leaving the stage to let the crew get the sound right. Once things were squared away, they took the stage with the same prior intensity. Sometimes sound/equipment issues will take the wind out of a band’s sails. Not so with Atreyu because they are consummate professionals.
Their professionalism is no doubt derived from the fact that they love what they do. You can tell when bands “go through the motions” on stage because they are out there to make a buck. Atreyu is out there because they love their fans and want to deliver the best show they can. They move about the stage giving the viewers a chance to see everyone involved as opposed to standing motionless. If there isn’t a fierce look of intensity on any band member’s face, there is a huge smile. It’s no wonder this band has been able to survive since 1998 in spite of a 3-year hiatus from 2011-2014. Atreyu has a passion for what they do. That passion is the glue that holds them together! They are on tour through Mid-December so check out the dates HERE and catch them if you can!
