What can I say? This is the first metal show I’ve ever been to. And it did not disappoint!
Deathcore, metalcore, and hardcore. Anything core in heavy music just gets my blood flowing. Considering how much I listen to it, you’d think it’d become stale at some point. Well, it hasn’t become that way for me. Hell no!
In Gloom, Regions, and Team Deathmatch all presented the reasons why it hasn’t gone out of style for my ears.
To begin, the crowd was excellent for such a small location in Grantski Records. From what I’ve seen in other local shows from other states, the crowd just feels dead on the inside. Even the people who decide to get in the pit just have no energy.
But this was different. The true passion of those in attendance was powerful, aided by the intimate atmosphere. Even those in the back were headbanging, including me!
Props to the crowd and the bands for knowing how to capture an audience.
In Gloom was first up. I absolutely love the two-vocalist approach in any band, let alone a deathcore band. Anything that reminds me of Despised Icon is a huge plus in my mind. The dynamic between Colin Hajeck and Michael Darrow is fantastic on the band’s studio sound.
Live, this two-vocalist approach does have its pros and cons.
I noticed that during switch-ups, there was a disconnect for a few seconds, at least for me. Until Colin or Michael got into a groove, it was hard to keep a focus for that few seconds as they revved up again.
However, there was a clear advantage that was present with In Gloom. Having two vocalists always makes a band heavier. Always. And considering that In Gloom had the closest death metal makeup out of the lineup, it made that even more apparent.
Regions were up next. One of my biggest takeaways from this group if you are to ever see them live on tour is to meet the frontman Jesse Weaver and to expect him to bring the most charisma to the show. He’s so damn nice!
The energy from his presence onstage is contagious and enthralling! This is especially true in the smaller indoor setting of Grantski’s place.
Considering the fact that they were put in between In Gloom and Team Deathmatch where the energy might be at its lowest, in terms of a metal show with only three bands, Regions as a whole absolutely killed it and put any doubt in that energy to rest.
I would love to see this band when they open or close a show in a larger arena-style setting.
Lastly, we had the Augusta favorites in Team Deathmatch. Obviously, this was the craziest part of the show
(the reason I fucking love heavy music) because everyone was familiar with them.
The level of interaction was to be expected given it was in Augusta but the fact that Team Deathmatch’s new EP just dropped might have raised the hype level even more.
On a side note, that EP “NO MORE TAKING CHANCES” is fantastic. The track “KIRKMAN” is sick as hell and my favorite in the listing.
Having known locals help out on vocals, if just for a brief moment is exactly why I adore metal fans and the community as a collective.
We love this shit and we aren’t afraid to show why!
This was an absolute bang and I now know what it feels like to be with people that adore the same music I have for nearly ten years.
Go support In Gloom, Regions, and Team Deathmatch.
In Gloom and Regions are currently on their “LET THEM FIGHT” tour so go see them if you can(Dates & Locations Below).
And don’t forget to support Evan Grantski and his record store.
I will be back many times in the near future.
In Gloom/Regions Past Tour Dates:
August 4: Jacksonville, FL
August 5: Augusta, GA(This Review, Duh)
August 6: Charleston, SC
In Gloom/Regions Upcoming Tour Dates(As of 8/7/23)
August 7: Charlotte, NC
August 9: Baltimore, MD
August 10: Cleveland, OH
August 11: Chicago, IL
August 12: Miller Beach, IN
August 13: Knoxville, TN
August 14: Montgomery, AL
Bandcamp for Regions:
Spotify for In Gloom, Regions, and Team Deathmatch: