Shadows Fall Celebrate 20 Years Of The War Within With An Explosive Show At Starland Ballroom
“The War Within” wasn’t just an album; it was a seismic shift in the landscape of metalcore. Released in 2004, Shadows Fall’s breakthrough record not only solidified their place in the annals of heavy music but also left an indelible mark on an entire generation of fans. With its blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and guttural vocals, the album was a sonic assault on the senses, captivating listeners with its raw energy and unrelenting intensity. Tracks like “The Light That Blinds” and “What Drives the Weak” became anthems for a disillusioned youth, channeling their frustrations and anger into a cathartic whirlwind of sound. “The War Within” didn’t just resonate with metalheads; it transcended genre boundaries, drawing in listeners from across the musical spectrum and cementing Shadows Fall’s status as pioneers of the metalcore movement.
However, despite their meteoric rise to fame, Shadows Fall eventually found themselves at a crossroads. After years of relentless touring and recording, the band announced a hiatus in 2014, leaving fans wondering if they’d ever hear new music from their beloved icons again. While the hiatus was met with disappointment, it also served as a testament to Shadows Fall’s legacy and influence. Even during their absence, their music continued to inspire a new generation of artists, ensuring that their impact on the metal scene would endure long after they’d left the stage. And now, as Shadows Fall returns to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The War Within,” their hiatus serves as a poignant reminder of the band’s enduring legacy and the timeless power of their music. And tonight, at Starland Ballroom, both the band and their longtime fans get once in a lifetime chance to celebrate Shadows Fall’s iconic work together.
It was a night of celebration, a commemoration of two decades since the release of Shadows Fall’s seminal album, “The War Within.” Fans, adorned in vintage band tees and sporting devil-horned hand gestures, gathered from far and wide, ready to be transported back to a time when metalcore ruled the airwaves and mosh pits were sacred battlegrounds. This wasn’t just another concert; it was a pilgrimage for those who had grown up with the blistering riffs and guttural screams of Shadows Fall shaping their musical landscape. Adding to the night’s brutal festivities, crushing acts like Alluvia, NORA and Fit For An Autopsy would pave the way for an absolutely epic night.
In a swirling kaleidoscope of sound and emotion, Alluvia took the stage in full assault. Led by the ethereal vocals of frontman Kevin Muller, the band unleashed a sonic barrage that was both haunting and hypnotic. Guitarist Wes Hauch wove intricate tapestries of sound, creating chaos across the fretboard as he delivered one brutal riff after another. Drummer Zach Dean anchored the performance with thunderous rhythms, driving each song forward with relentless precision. From the atmospheric depths of “The Underlying” to the frenetic energy of “Exponent,” Alluvia showcased their versatility and virtuosity, leaving the crowd spellbound and hungry for more.
As the set drew on, Alluvia delved deeper into their sonic repertoire, treating fans to mesmerizing renditions of “Sarcoma,” “Fogbelt,” and “Bog Dweller.” Each song was a journey unto itself, a sonic odyssey that transported listeners to distant realms of the imagination. The band’s chemistry was palpable, their connection onstage as tangible as the music they created together. In a world overrun by noise and chaos, Alluvia’s performance was a welcome respite, a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the soul. As the final notes of “Bog Dweller” echoed through the venue, it was clear that Alluvia had left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness to their mesmerizing performance.
NORA stormed onto the stage with a ferocity that left the audience gasping for breath. Led by the relentless energy of vocalist Carl Dupuis, the band delivered a blistering set that was equal parts chaos and precision. Guitarists Matthew Reeves and Jason Kyle unleashed a torrent of razor-sharp riffs, their fingers flying across the fretboard with lightning speed. Bassist Chris Ross powered the performance with thunderous bass lines, while drummer Jeff Gretz drove each song forward with relentless intensity. From the explosive opener “Last One for the Money” to the frenetic energy of “Deadmen,” NORA commanded the stage with an unwavering sense of purpose, leaving the crowd in awe of their sheer musical prowess.
NORA continued to captivate audiences with electrifying renditions of “For the Travelers,” “I Should Have Sent Flowers,” and “Don’t Take Pictures of the Drummer.” Each song was a visceral onslaught of sound and emotion, a sonic assault on the senses that left no room for respite. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, their synchronicity onstage a testament to years of honing their craft together. In a world overrun by mediocrity, NORA’s performance was a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the power of music to inspire and invigorate. As the final notes of “Don’t Take Pictures of the Drummer” reverberated through the venue, it was clear that NORA had left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness their electrifying performance.
When the lights dropped out, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation as fans awaited the arrival of Fit For An Autopsy. The band, led by the commanding presence of vocalist Joe Badolato, erupted onto the stage with an energy that was nothing short of electrifying. Guitarists Will Putney and Patrick Sheridan unleashed a barrage of crushing riffs, perfectly complemented by Tim Howley’s relentless bass lines and Josean Orta’s thunderous drumming. From the ominous opener “Oh What the Future Holds” to the blistering fury of “Hellions,” Fit For An Autopsy commanded the stage with an unyielding intensity that left the audience in awe of their sheer power and precision.
As the night progressed, Fit For An Autopsy continued to deliver a masterclass in modern deathcore with searing renditions of “Hydra,” “Iron Moon,” and “A Higher Level of Hate.” Each song was a visceral onslaught of sound and emotion, as the band deftly navigated the intricate dynamics of their music with a ferocity that was both awe-inspiring and relentless. Vocalist Joe Badolato’s guttural screams cut through the air like a knife, his lyrics resonating with a sense of urgency and despair that struck a chord with the audience. Meanwhile, the twin guitar attack of Putney and Sheridan unleashed a torrent of riffage that was as punishing as it was cathartic, leaving no doubt as to why Fit For An Autopsy are considered one of the most formidable bands in the genre.
Amidst the chaos and carnage, Fit For An Autopsy also showcased their more melodic side with haunting renditions of “The Sea of Tragic Beasts,” “Your Pain is Mine,” and “Far From Heaven.” These songs served as a poignant reminder of the band’s versatility and depth, as they seamlessly transitioned between moments of crushing heaviness and haunting beauty. Bassist Tim Howley’s melodic flourishes added depth and dimension to the band’s sound, while drummer Josean Orta provided a relentless backbone that drove each song forward with unrelenting precision. By the time Fit For An Autopsy closed out the night with the haunting strains of “Far From Heaven,” it was clear that they had left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness their breathtaking performance.
And now, the main event. As soon as the stage drew black, the roar of the crowd reached a fever pitch, Shadows Fall emerged onto the stage at Starland Ballroom, embarking on a journey through two decades of metal mastery. Led by the charismatic frontman Brian Fair, the band wasted no time in launching into their opening salvo, “Thoughts Without Words.” True to form, Fair leaped onto the barricade, reaching out to fans with a raw intensity that electrified the atmosphere. With a fearless dive into the crowd, he epitomized the band’s connection with their audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of celebration and nostalgia.
Transitioning seamlessly into the haunting melodies of “Of One Blood,” Shadows Fall proved why they remain stalwarts of the metal scene. Guitarists Jonathan Donais and Matt Bachand unleashed a torrent of blistering riffs, their fingers dancing across the fretboard with precision and power. Behind the kit, drummer Jason Bittner provided a relentless backbone, driving each song forward with thunderous energy. With every chord struck and every beat pounded, Shadows Fall commanded the stage with a confidence and swagger that belied their years, reminding fans why they fell in love with the band in the first place.
As Shadows Fall launched into “The Light That Blinds,” the energy in the room surged to a fever pitch. Guitarists Jonathan Donais and Matt Bachand unleashed a torrent of thunderous riffs, their fingers flying across the fretboard with precision and power. The crowd erupted in a frenzy of headbanging and moshing, feeding off the raw intensity emanating from the stage. Frontman Brian Fair prowled the stage with a fierce intensity, his vocals soaring above the cacophony of sound with a primal urgency. With each thunderous beat, drummer Jason Bittner propelled the song forward with relentless energy, while bassist Paul Romanko anchored the performance with his driving bass lines. As the song reached its explosive climax, Fair launched himself into the crowd, singing to fans face-to-face before executing a fearless stage dive that sent the crowd into a frenzy of adulation and awe.
The band wasted no time, and explode into “Act of Contrition,” Shadows Fall showcased their versatility and depth as musicians. The song’s haunting melody washed over the audience like a tidal wave of emotion, enveloping them in a sonic embrace that was both beautiful and foreboding. Donais and Bachand’s guitars wove a delicate tapestry of sound, their harmonies intertwining with a mesmerizing grace that captivated the crowd. Fair’s vocals, meanwhile, were a study in contrasts, shifting effortlessly from haunting whispers to guttural screams. Bittner’s drumming provided a steady heartbeat that pulsed beneath the surface, building tension and anticipation with each thunderous beat. As the song reached its climax, Shadows Fall left the audience spellbound, their performance a masterclass in dynamics and emotion.
With “What Drives the Weak,” Shadows Fall unleashed a relentless barrage of aggression and intensity that left no doubt as to their prowess as metal titans. The song’s thunderous riffage and blistering solos ignited a firestorm of energy, inciting a maelstrom of headbanging and fist-pumping among the crowd. Fair’s vocals were a force of nature, his growls and screams cutting through the air like a knife. Behind the kit, Bittner unleashed a relentless onslaught of percussive fury, his thunderous drumming driving the song forward with unstoppable momentum. As the final notes rang out, Shadows Fall left the audience breathless and hungry for more, their performance a testament to the enduring power of metal music.
As Shadows Fall delved into “Inspiration on Demand,” the band showcased their ability to craft intricate melodies and soaring harmonies that belied their reputation as purveyors of raw aggression. Donais and Bachand’s guitars danced and intertwined with a delicate grace, their harmonies building to a crescendo of euphoria that swept over the crowd like a tidal wave. Fair’s vocals soared above the music with a haunting beauty, his lyrics resonating with a sense of introspection and longing. Bittner’s drumming provided a steady pulse that drove the song forward with a relentless energy, while Romanko’s bass lines added depth and texture to the band’s sound. As the song reached its climax, Shadows Fall left the audience breathless and awestruck, their performance a testament to the band’s versatility and musical prowess.
With “The Power of I and I,” Shadows Fall unleashed a sonic onslaught of crushing riffs and thunderous rhythms that left the crowd in awe of their sheer power and intensity. Donais and Bachand’s guitars blazed with a ferocity that was matched only by Fair’s primal screams and guttural growls. Bittner’s drumming was a relentless barrage of thunderous beats and blistering fills, driving the song forward with unrelenting force. As the song reached its climax, Shadows Fall left the audience gasping for breath, their performance a masterclass in brutality and aggression.
With “Those Who Cannot Speak,” Shadows Fall showcased their ability to craft epic, sprawling compositions that pushed the boundaries of the metal genre. The song’s intricate melodies and shifting dynamics captivated the audience, drawing them into a sonic journey that was as exhilarating as it was unpredictable. Donais and Bachand’s guitars soared and swirled with a hypnotic grace, their harmonies weaving a tapestry of sound that enveloped the crowd in a haze of euphoria. Fair’s vocals were a study in contrasts, shifting effortlessly from haunting whispers to blood-curdling screams. Behind the kit, Bittner unleashed a relentless barrage of percussive fury, his thunderous drumming driving the song forward with unstoppable momentum. As the final notes echoed through the venue, Shadows Fall left the audience spellbound, their performance a testament to the band’s unrivaled musicianship and creativity.
As Shadows Fall surprised fans by bringing out Corey Pierce from God Forbid on drums for “Fleshold,” the crowd erupted in cheers of excitement and disbelief. Together, Shadows Fall and Pierce unleashed a sonic assault that was nothing short of awe-inspiring, their chemistry onstage palpable as they tore through the song with ferocious intensity. Donais and Bachand’s guitars blazed with a fiery intensity, their riffs and solos intertwining with a precision and power that left the audience in awe. Fair’s vocals were a primal roar, his lyrics cutting through the air like a knife. Behind the kit, Pierce proved why he’s considered one of the best drummers in the business, his thunderous beats and blistering fills driving the song forward with relentless energy. As the song reached its climax, Shadows Fall and Pierce left the audience breathless and exhilarated, their performance a testament to the enduring power of metal music.
With “King of Nothing,” Shadows Fall delivered a blistering performance that left the crowd in awe of their sheer intensity and power. The song’s thunderous riffage and pummeling rhythms incited a frenzy of headbanging and fist-pumping among the audience, as Donais and Bachand’s guitars blazed with a ferocity that was matched only by Fair’s primal screams and guttural growls. Behind the kit, Bittner unleashed a relentless barrage of percussive fury, his thunderous drumming driving the song forward with unstoppable momentum. As the final notes rang out, Shadows Fall left the audience clamoring for more, their performance a testament to the band’s unwavering commitment to their craft and their ability to deliver an unforgettable live experience.
Closing out the evening with “Redemption,” Shadows Fall left the audience breathless and hungry for more, their performance a masterclass in intensity and emotion. The song’s soaring melodies and anthemic choruses washed over the crowd like a tidal wave of euphoria, as Donais and Bachand’s guitars blazed with a ferocity that was matched only by Fair’s impassioned vocals. Behind the kit, Bittner unleashed a relentless barrage of thunderous beats and blistering fills, driving the song forward with a relentless energy. As the final notes faded away, Shadows Fall left the audience with a sense of catharsis and renewal, their performance a testament to the enduring power of music to uplift and inspire.
