By Bryan McCabe
The historic Majestic Theatre in Madison, WI, witnessed a double dose of metalcore fury on July 18th, 2024, as Attack Attack! and I See Stars treated fans to a night of pure energy. The venue buzzed with excitement as fans, clad in band tees and sporting battle-worn smiles, awaited the sonic onslaught.
Kicking off the night was up and coming artist Elijah. He instantly came out onto the stage in a fury of energy, igniting the crowd with a sense of what was in store for the remainder of the night. From start to finish, Elijah was a man possessed with passion as he commanded every inch of the stage.
Next up were electronicore icons Attack Attack!. The atmosphere buzzed with electric anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the return of the band to the stage. The band, known for pioneering the “crabcore” genre and blending metalcore with electronic elements, did not disappoint in delivering an unforgettable performance. From the moment they took the stage, Attack Attack! commanded the audience’s attention. The opening notes of “AC-130” set the tone for the evening, with its gut punching riff immediately igniting the crowd. Frontman Chris Parketny’s vocal prowess was on full display, effortlessly transitioning between brutal growls and clean, melodic singing. His energy was infectious, as he bounded across the stage, engaging with the crowd and feeding off their enthusiasm.
Despite the aggressive nature of their music, the band fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity among the attendees. The interaction between the band and the audience was genuine and heartfelt. At one point, Parketny paused to express his gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support throughout the years, creating a poignant and memorable connection. The setlist was a well-crafted mix of classic hits and newer material. Tracks like “Smokahontas” and “Sexual Man Chocolate” showcased the band’s technical proficiency and tight musicianship. As the night drew to a close, Attack Attack! ended their set with the fan-favorite “Stick Stickly.” The energy in the room reached its peak, with everyone singing along to the anthemic chorus.
I See Stars finally emerged to a stage bathed in haunting red light. Vocalist Devin Oliver wasted no time, unleashing the band’s signature blend of soaring clean vocals and guttural growls with the opening notes of “Running With Scissors.” The crowd responded with a thunderous roar, immediately transforming the packed room into a sea of bobbing heads and devil horns. Tracks like “New Demons” and “Filth Friends Unite” triggered an eruption of fan-fueled singalongs and mosh pits, proving that despite I See Stars’ absence from Madison for over a decade, their passionate fan base remained strong. Devin’s charismatic stage presence kept the energy high throughout the set, his energetic movements mirroring the fervor in the crowd.I See Stars offered an emotionally charged experience, crafting intricate melodies that intertwined seamlessly with their fierce screams.
The production quality of the concert was top-notch. The lighting and visual effects were perfectly synchronized with the music, enhancing the overall experience. Each song was accompanied by a vibrant light show that accentuated the mood and intensity of the performance. The band’s tight musicianship deserves recognition. Brent Allen’s guitar work was a perfect blend of intricate riffs and soaring solos, while Jeff Valentine’s bass lines provided a solid foundation for the sonic assault. Andrew Oliver, in charge of electronics, seamlessly stitched the different elements together, creating a cohesive and powerful soundscape.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was the performance of “Calm Snow.” The ethereal intro, paired with a mesmerizing light show, created an almost otherworldly atmosphere. As the song built up to its powerful climax, the crowd was entranced, swaying and singing along. The live rendition of this track highlighted the band’s musical versatility and emotional depth.
Overall, I See Stars delivered a concert that was both emotionally charged and musically impressive. They proved that metalcore can be more than just aggression; it can be a vehicle for exploring complex emotions and creating a powerful connection with the audience. Fans in Madison witnessed a truly memorable performance, a testament to I See Stars’ enduring talent and ability to move hearts through their music.
Photo Gallery : Attack Attack! – Majestic Theatre (07.18.2024)
