UNDERROATH / STATIC DRESS / JOHNNY BOOTH – THE PALLADIUM

UNDERROATH / STATIC DRESS / JOHNNY BOOTH – THE PALLADIUM

By Mia Palazzo

The Worcester Palladium is no stranger to heavy music and on September 27, the venue played host to a powerhouse lineup featuring Johnny Booth, Static Dress and headliners Under oath for the 20th anniversary of their album They only chase security. The night was filled with electrifying energy, from the chaotic stage dives to the immersive light show that kept the crowd in a frenzy from start to finish.

Johnny Booth opened the night with a blistering set that set the tone for what was to come. Hailing from Long Island, Johnny Booth has become a familiar face at the Palladium and the crowd's excitement was palpable as they launched into their opening track, '2040'. Songs like “The Ladder” and “Ring Light Altar” had the crowd headbanging while the band members grooved along with their instruments.

Photos by Mia Palazzo

Despite some challenges with the lead singer's wired mic, which got tangled as he sprinted across the stage, the band didn't lose their momentum. Johnny Booth finished strong with “Deepfake”, where the singer jumped down the barricade, screaming the lyrics with the crowd, leaving an unforgettable mark on the audience.

It was next Static Dressa UK-based band that have quickly made waves in the post-hardcore scene. With their enigmatic stage presence and dynamic sound, Static Dress delivered an exciting set. Their opener, “Disposable Care”, immediately grabbed the crowd's attention, especially with their guitarist dressed in a mask and cloak, adding an eerie atmosphere to their performance.

Photos by Mia Palazzo

Singer Olli Appleyard, wearing a crop top and makeup, commanded the stage with raw emotion, especially during tracks like “Sober Exit(s)” and “Push Rope.” The crowd couldn't get enough, with waves of crowd surfers and mosh pits forming throughout the set. “Courtney, Just Relax”, featuring World of Pleasure, was a standout moment as they closed with “Sweet”. and “Clean”, the energy in the room was electric. Static Dress proved why they are one of the most exciting acts in the post-hardcore genre today.

Finally, the main act of the evening, Under oathtook the stage, and the crowd was ready for mayhem to unfold. As one of the most influential metalcore bands of the 2000s, Under oath brought their signature blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric melodies to the Palladium, playing their iconic album They only chase security fully. The show began on a somber note, with lead singer Spencer Chamberlain appearing on a dimly lit stage, seated on a couch to perform “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape.” It was a rudimentary start, with the whole room falling silent before the energy skyrocketed with 'Young and Aspiring'.

The crowd went wild as the band burst into fan favorites like “A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White” and “Reinventing Your Exit,” with massive crowd surfers keeping security staff in a tizzy. The band even invited five lucky fans onstage to sit on the couch during “Reinventing Your Exit,” giving them a bird's-eye view of the chaos.

Photos by Mia Palazzo

As the set continued, the tension only increased, with tracks like “It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door” and “I'm Content With Losing” creating a tidal wave of musketry in the pit. Between songs, the band took a moment to celebrate bassist Grant Brandell's birthday with a champagne pop from the drummer, adding a relaxed break to the otherwise relentless set.

The encore was nothing short of spectacular. Under oath they're back with a vengeance, delivering newer tracks like “Teeth” and “Breathing in a New Mentality” with as much passion as their classics. One of the highlights was “There Could Be Nothing After This”, which they performed live for the first time on tour, much to the delight of the audience. As the night came to a close with 'Writing on the Walls', the Palladium erupted, with a final wave of crowd surfers and flashing LED lights illuminating the room.

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