Another hard rockin' gig put on by the stupid idiots from Triple B Records and the last show of the summer slam weekend. Everyone was having fun all night to every band, and two touring bands from Oklahoma were added last minute (Piece of Mind and Upright). the two will not be included in this review but if you enjoy heavy bands I'd recommend them both.
https://pieceofmindhc.bandcamp.com/
https://uprightok.bandcamp.com/
Pummel
Genre: Hardcore/Crossover FFO: Forced Order, Leeway, Cro-Mags
Pummel started the Boston wave for the night. Pummel is a rather newer band, to my knowledge who play hardcore with a thrash metal edge, favorable to anyone who has a Slayer patch stitched on a jacket. Their sound gives off a good NYHC vibe, and you could tell each member was full of passion as they played. For a newer band, the crowd was still reacting positively with some movement and mic shares. Catch these guys at venue near you.
https://pummelhardcore.bandcamp.com/
Vantage Point
Genre: Hardcore/Hardcore Punk FFO: In My Eyes, Inside Out, Stop and Think
I know I've reviewed Vantage Point before and probably had a different FFO but they're starting to become a favorite for me to see live. Each time Vantage Point plays, they seem to have more and more energy and of course always put their heart into the set. Vantage Point opened with a Turning Point cover (I didn't realize until I was told by a friend) which immediately got the crowd moving. Vantage Point played a few new songs off a promo that was released last week that definitely keep the Boston hardcore vibe going. If theres one thing that will always come to my mind when I think of this band, its definitely Russel's presence as he performs, always spontaneously running back and forth, jumping up and down, I'm shocked at how he doesn't tire out just from a few songs. Always a fun time to see these guys play.
https://vantage-point.bandcamp.com/
Abuse of Power
Genre: Hardcore FFO: Fury, Turning Point, Have Heart
Abuse of Power from Atlanta was next. This is another band that is slowly becoming a crowd favorite and has surprisingly played Hardcore Stadium more than you would think. Abuse of Power got the crowd wild with their modern aggressive hardcore with a slight melodic edge. Each time these guys play their sets get better and better. Boston tried to make Abuse of Power feel at home. Everyone rushed for the mic for every song they played and there were two steps all around. This band doesn't even need to try to their best for a good crowd reaction far from home.
https://abuseofpower.bandcamp.com/
FREE
Genre: Hardcore FFO: In My Eyes, Turning Point, Bane
Another current favorite of mine for Massachusetts hardcore. FREE is another band whose sets get better and better as they go on. To start, vocalist Patrick Flynn shouted "This is for Massachusetts hardcore!" and proceeded into MA Flex. The song being an anthem the crowd opened up a huge pit and piled up for the chance at the mic. Patrick has reputation of giving inspirational words during his set and stated FREE was meant to be an acronym: Free to be, Right to Choose, Equal to me, Equal to you (as written in the song We Live Free). He stated hardcore is for the youth and its not about trying to get on Warped tour or anything, and gave an appreciative shout to Andy of Praise stating he's done a lot for hardcore. He said a lot and I apologize for not being able to remember it all clearly. The gist of it was basically to keep hardcore alive. FREE of course ended the set with the song We Live Free, and of course this is the signature sing a long song with an even bigger pile up of kids screaming "WE LIVE FREE!". FREE is an incredible band both on the record and live that whether you like them or not, you will see what the hype is about.
https://freehc.bandcamp.com/
Praise
Genre: Melodic Hardcore FFO: Turning Point, Chain of Strength, GIVE
Praise was the last band to go. In my opinion Praise is probably the ultimate hardcore sing a long band. Not a lot of moshing anything just good vibes, good friends, and good songs. Praise are also a very unique hardcore band playing a very melodic style with indie and 90's inspired riffs and self persevering lyrics. The crowd was up front and personal during the set singing every word with the guitar melodies that you could fall asleep to, and if I recall cprrectly they also played a cover near the end of the set, can't say I recognized it though. Praise don't play shows as often as others and haven't come to Boston since America's Hardcore Fest back in December and the fans having building tension ever since and showed just as much passion as the band. If you hear of Praise playing near you, I would recommend seeing them, it might be a while before they come back.
https://reactrecords.bandcamp.com/album/leave-it-all-behind
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