BORDER/ORTHODOX LIVES AT THE WEBSTER UNDERGROUND
By Kerri Nelson
LimitsThe final stop on “The Death is A Little More tour” was a sold-out show at The Webster Underground in Hartford, CT. Known for showcasing up-and-coming bands, this intimate venue was the perfect setting for the five-piece metal band. Performing in their hometown added an extra level of excitement and significance to the event.
Arriving at 5pm, I found devoted fans already lined up. Doors opened at 6 p.m. and the eager crowd poured in. The first band to take the stage was No cure from Birmingham, Alabama, but the reception made them seem like locals. As soon as the first riff hit, the mosh pit erupted and the energy in the room went from casual chatter to bodies flying on and off the stage.
No Cure combines death metal, black metal and heavy hardcore straight edge into a powerful and unique sound. Singer Blaythe Steuer, wearing eye-catching sunglasses and a green parka, commanded the stage from the moment he growled the opening lines of “The Final Truth.” The room quickly heated up, prompting Steuer to shed layers as the crowd's energy intensified. A standout moment was when Adam from The Orthodox joined them on stage for 'No Preservation', adding to the already electric atmosphere.
It was next Kaonasi from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, featuring Peter Rono (Vocals), Pao (Drums), Ryne Jones (Bass) and Alex Hallquist (Guitar/Vocals). What makes a Kaonashi performance special is the high level of interaction between the band and the audience. Throughout the night, Rono often held the microphone in the crowd, inviting fans to sing along. Their set list included songs like “We Got One”, “I Hate the Sound of Car Keys” and “Sarah & The Scraped Knee”.
Kaonashi's sound is a dynamic mix of post-hardcore, metalcore and emo. Their latest EP, A Second Chance At Forever: The Brilliant Lies From Casey Diamond, set for release on July 26, 2024, marks a significant evolution from their previous work. Known for their concept albums, Kaonashi's detailed narratives and character development immerse listeners deep into their music, showcasing their brilliance as storytellers.
The next band was Orthodox from Nashville, Tennessee, followed with their intense energy, raw emotion and genre-defying sound. Formed in 2017, the band has a consistently dedicated following. Adam Easterling (vocals), Austin Evans (guitar), Shiloh Krebs (bass) and Mike White (drums) took the stage and immediately asked the audience to come closer.
Expressing that this show was for them, they encouraged the audience to embrace everything about the experience. The most recent edition of the Orthodox, Learning to dissolve, released in 2022, featuring influences from nu-metal giants like Korn and System of a Down, with catchy, crunchy riffs and metalcore/hardcore intensity. Highlights of their set included “Panic,” with Blaythe Steuer making a guest appearance, and “Cave In,” where the opening guitar riff transitions from catchy high-pitched wails to heavy growls.
The final show of a tour is always special, a culmination of shared experiences and camaraderie built over weeks on the road. That sense of family was palpable throughout Limits tour. The members of the other bands often ran into each other on stage and in the pit, showing mutual respect and admiration. The pride was evident as they celebrated nearly every concert on the tour by selling out and praising Limits for their hard work, kindness and dedication. The city's audience wholeheartedly agreed, making the final performance a truly memorable event.,
The show was intense throughout the night, but it was clear that things were about to reach a fever pitch as Limits opened with “Easily Erased” from their 2024 album Death is little more. The crowd's energy soared, with people jumping on stage to dive in every direction. The machine expanded to fill almost the entire room, and even a man dressed as a banana joined the fray.
The band, consisting of Matt McDougal (Vocals), Ryan Sydlik (Guitar), Kevin Stevens (Bass), Tim Sullivan (Drums) and Josh Solomon (Guitar), often talked about the familiar faces in the crowd, underscoring the sense of community and family in the room.
Their set list covered their discography, from Hartford County Misery classics like 'Dog Teeth' and the encore 'Reign of Pain' to new tracks like 'Turning Hate into Rage', 'A Pale Light Lingers' and 'Darkness Share'. Limits they are constantly elevating their music with each release and their latest album is a testament to their growth. The album features tighter melodies, epic destruction and moments of calm amidst the chaos. Just when you think you've reached the height of aggression, Limits it pulls you into an ethereal melody before ramping back up to full volume.
As the show reached its climax, Limits they gave it everything they had, leaving it all on the stage. Moshers left with war wounds, the ceiling dripping with water thrown onto the crowd and wet confetti from the early evening stuck to the floor. The atmosphere was charged with tension, a communal catharsis that left both the band and the audience exhilarated and exhausted.
LimitsTalent and a relentless commitment to touring ensure a bright future. They'll hit the road in July with Beartooth before heading overseas in the fall, continuing to bring their explosive energy to fans around the world.
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