Metalcore Dropouts Tour with The Devil Wears Prada and Fit For a King Came to Sac and it was magnificent
September 21, 2023 - Last May, co-headliners The Devil Wears Prada (TDWP) and Fit For A King (FFAK) announced they were going on tour together. The “Metalhead Dropouts Tour” started last Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Ace of Spades in Sacramento, California. I purchased my ticket months ago, and it’s a good thing, because Sunday night was sold out!
I saw TDWP last March when they supported another one of my favorite bands, August Burns Red. I was instantly blown away and I became a fashionista, supporting all things Prada (TDWP-related, that is). Having them co-headline with another band I have always loved, FFAK, made this tour a dream lineup for me. Adding in two more bands, who I had not listened to, COUNTERPARTS and LANDMVRKS was definitely not a mistake. Both bands were excellent choices.
First up, LANDMVRKS. I had never heard them before and I quickly understood I was being spoiled hearing them live. This melodic metalcore band from Marseille, France had me at 'Oui'. Since this was my first time hearing LANDMVRKS, I didn't know what to expect. Vocalist Flo Salfati had me mezmerized. The band's style (to me) is reminiscent of Linkin Park, one of my favorite bands. And, although this was my first time hearing them, it was clear by the crowd, that LANDMVRKS is followed by many. Almost the entire front row were singing right along with Salfati! The band’s crushing percussion and dueling guitars complement Salfati’s extensive vibrato. I got the shirt. I got the album. I am now a fan. Merci Beau Coup, LANDMVRKS!
The energy in Ace of Spades was absolutely electric as Hamilton, Canada's own metalcore band, COUNTERPARTS took the stage. Formed in 2007, COUNTERPARTS has consistently turned out solid music of emotionally-charged, brutal reality, and their set that night was no exception. Brendan Murphy's voice commands your attention and his consistent use of the entire stage to ensure as much crowd participation as possible leaves nothing to the imagination. Chaotic, loud, energetic are three words that can best describe their performance. COUNTERPARTS, in my opinion, is a band that you MUST see live. No excuses.
After COUNTERPARTS, it was time for co-headliners FFAK to take the stage. Formed in 2007, American Christian metalcore band from Tyler, Texas came out swinging with their popular hit 'Annihilation'. The entire crowd screamed "Rebuild! Redemption! Welcome annihilation!" Lead vocalist Ryan Kirby has a unique style where he can go from a primal scream in one breath to singing clean the very next breath. The band's lyrics are hard-hitting. 'Reaper' is one of my favorite songs from FFAK. You can actually feel the words.
"Oh God, I've got a story to tell; I've touched his hands, let him drag me to Hell; Oh, God is there a soul to steal? It's wrapped in death, the reaper is real."
Amazing song with thought-provoking lyrics. If I wasn't already a fan of FFAK, this song would have sealed it.
By the time TDWP took the stage, I was exhausted, sweaty, and ready for more. TDWP has been a favorite of mine since I heard them earlier this year. From Dayton, Ohio, TDWP shows you just where Christian metalcore can take you. You don’t have to believe in a higher power to understand their lyrics are universal. In their song ‘Salt’, TDWP questions what is real, and tries to explain how we have all felt at one time – trapped, unable to find the right words, trying to find ways out of the confinements of our own minds, our mental and physical health. Mike Hranica’s guttural vocals paired with Jeremy DePoyster’s vocals and chaotic energy are apropos for the lyrics,
“Pour the salt into the wound; Let the rain wash over you; If everything I said was true; Then why am I paralyzed?”
The lyrics are vivid, relatable, bringing to the surface the pain and confusion felt by many but rarely recognized. The instrumentals of TDWP are often explosive, fast-paced, and Hranica’s and Jeremy DePoyster’s vocals bring the fan full circle and up in our feels. I can’t even begin to explain the surge of energy that poured out of Ace of Spades the other night. This tour is special. This tour is not to be missed. For info on the tour, to buy the bands’ merch, follow the links below.
For TDWP tour info and merch, go here: TDWP!
For FFAK tour info and merch, go here: FFAK!
For COUNTERPARTS tour info and merch, go here: COUNTERPARTS!
For LANDMVRKS tour info and merch, go here: LANDMVRKS!
For more of my photos, go here: Metalcore Dropouts Tour!
Go support the arts! Do it now! :)
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Mike Hranica, TDWP
