Knocked Loose x Denzel Curry x Superheaven x Boundaires
11.3.26
Boundaries
Boundaries hit you in the face with chaotic energy from the minute their set started. This metalcore band from Hartford, Connecticut brought raw emotion to the stage with their heavy lyrics and abrasive intensity. Lead vocalist Matthew McDougal’s raw and aggressive screams give Boundaries such a brutal and high-energy sound, which is complemented perfectly by bassist Nathan Calcagno’s higher screams and drummer Tim Sullivan’s melodic clean vocals. These guys had no problem getting the crowd moving and started out the night with a hard-hitting and powerful set full of heavy breakdowns and hardcore intensity that set the stage perfectly for this sold-out show.
Superheaven
I went into this show never having listened to Superheaven, and they were definitely a surprise coming off the back of Boundaries’ set. Immediately, I noticed the 90s grunge influence in Superheaven’s blend of alternative rock and post-hardcore. Dual lead vocalists Taylor Madison and Jake Clarke created a dynamic set while atmospheric melodies and fuzzy distortion added an almost hypnotic feel to some of their songs. Listening to these guys made me nostalgic for Soundgarden and Nirvana, whose influence you could hear throughout their set. Even though their influences are clear, Superheaven delivers a modern and authentic take on the classic 90s grunge sound. I have to admit I was a little surprised at Superheaven as a choice for this lineup following Boundaries, but both bands’ balance of heavy instrumentals with melodic vocals, along with emotional and melancholic lyrics, made these two bands complement each other well for the first half of the show.
Denzel Curry
The third act brought a third genre to this dynamic lineup with Denzel Curry. From the first song, Curry had control of the crowd, and he was determined to keep them moving. Watching a massive sea of people jump at his command and crowd-surf in waves made it clear how much love Denzel Curry’s fans have for him and his music, and I can see why. I had so much fun watching a hip-hop set with the atmosphere of a hardcore show. Curry’s powerful stage presence brought high energy throughout the set that you could feel along with the booming bass all the way from the back balcony. Not only did he bring high energy, but he carried that intensity and pace all the way to the end of the set. As a performer, Curry brings something for everyone. Even if you didn’t come into the Fillmore as a Denzel Curry fan, you could get completely immersed in the music and atmosphere, jump up, down, and into a circle pit, and really appreciate music that brings together hip-hop, trap, and punk music into something really unique. The cherry on top of this set was a rowdy and high-energy mashup of Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name” and “Bulls on Parade”, ending with Curry jumping off the stage and into the arms of his adoring fans.
Knocked Loose
I came into this show ready for the notoriously chaotic energy of a Knocked Loose show, and I was absolutely not disappointed. If Denzel Curry had a sea of fans, Knocked Loose turned it into a tsunami. Waiting below the stage, watching the crowd as the set was about to start, you could feel the air buzzing with anticipation. They made sure to build the suspense, creating a feeling of mystery and unease as you waited impatiently for the moment. Their set made me feel like I was at a haunted church in the forest and created an atmosphere that really helped turn it into an experience. As soon as lead vocalist Bryan Garris let loose his first piercing scream, the room turned absolutely electric. Garris’ uniquely visceral and high-pitched screams, along with raw and heavy breakdowns and energetic drumming, came together to create Knocked Loose’s heavy metallic hardcore sound, which you couldn’t mistake for any other band. This band’s raw intensity and powerful stage presence made for a truly rowdy crowd and the most crowd surfers I’ve ever seen in one show. This show was truly an experience. I had so much fun during Knocked Loose’s set that I almost forgot to keep taking photos. Watching from the balcony, the massive wall of death commanded by puppet master Bryan Garris to end the set was my favorite part of the night, and I have gained a serious respect for what this band can do.
