Review: Nothing More than The Truth 3/10/19
Nothing More returns to shatter the PlayStation Theater for their biggest headliner yet, The Truth Tour! 2018 was a huge year for them as they were able to sell out Irving Plaza! Then, they landed an opening slot on tour with Breaking Benjamin & Five Finger Death Punch across America’s biggest Amphitheaters! With 2019 finally here, Nothing More is about to aim higher for another incredible tour package. The Truth Tour comes along with metalcore giants Of Mice & Men, Rockstars Badflower and the Post Hardcore legends Palisades! For all of you Modern Day Rock fans, this a tour you have to check out!
Nothing More’s set was colorful and full of frenzy filled rock songs that give them an identity that not too many other bands can fulfill. This is a blend that can transcend the line between high octane metal songs but still keep the accessibility that rock music is known for. Right before the band came on, a curtain eclipsed PlayStation Theater with a very ominous feeling. But then, right before the band started there was an entertaining use of finger puppets. This was definitely done to get a good laugh out of the crowd. “The Stories We Tell Ourselves” came out in 2017 and it’s still being supported very well by Nothing More. Their setlist featured many modern day staples such as “Let em Burn”, “Go to War”, “Jenny”, “Salem (Burn the Witch)” and much more. Frontman Johnny Hawkins is incredibly charismatic, he is always bouncing around on the stage in a very fun manner and headbanging in a chaotic way. While also singing along to some of the finest modern day anthems in rock. While guitarist Mark Vollelunga is playing some fantastic riffs and extremely fun guitar passages. It is a very entertaining experience to see. Johnny was also climbing up a massive ladder that was set up across the stage, which was totally another fantastic way to get the crowd hyped. The Mosh Pit was also off the wall at PlayStation Theater as many fans were bouncing around to the sick rock rhythms that Nothing More was performing. Truly a fantastic sight.
Of Mice & Men has gone through some struggles in the last three years. After original vocalist Austin Carlie quit due to Marfan’s Syndrome making the touring life much more uncomfortable, nobody knew if the band was going to continue on. Thankfully, the band has managed to continue on, now being fronted by Aaron Pauly who also plays bass. The band managed to channel in all of their current problems and come out stronger than ever. After seeing Of Mice & Men open up for groups like Slipknot and In this Moment, you could tell these guys are going to become stronger than ever before. For the band, this is a new era that won’t be slowing down anytime soon. As one of the heavier bands on the tour, Of Mice & Men shows no bounds to skip a beat at all, Aaron Pauly manage to lash some incredible screams and some really soft cleans as well while jamming out on his bass. While rhythm guitarist Alan Ashby provides some frenetically intense breakdowns to shock the audience. Of Mice & Men’s setlist featured many new hits like “How to Survive” “Defy” & “Unbreakable” to freshen up their setlist. But, as a bonus older fans got to hear classics like “O.G Loko” and “Would You Still Be There.” It was definitely a setlist that focused on the best part’s for Of Mice & Men’s live setting. Mosh pits were occurring in the middle of the audience and it was a chaotic set. I think the band greatly accomplished everything they did to win over some new fans and please a good portion of their older fan base as well!
Badflower has been making some waves in the hard rock world. Their debut full length album “Ok, I’m Sick” just dropped In February to very positive reviews. With some excellent grooves and very spoken word like vocals, this band has been aiming to reach a broader amount of fans in a short period of time. With a similar sound that can mesh between Queens of the Stone Age and The White Stripes, this is a band that’s only been around for a very short period of time. But, Badflower is doing everything they can to win over unexpected fans that do not know what is coming for them. Expect many of hard hitting guitar chords and groovy riff passages that take you back to a different age seen in songs like “Drop Dead” & “White Noise”. Vocalist Josh Katz has a soft and melodic voice. It’s confined to many highs and happy screeches that really captivated audience members. Badflower is a band you should be on the look out for in time, they look a group that can really captivate fans and newcomers in time.
Palisades have been making a steady climb in the world of Post Hardcore in such a short period of time. Their newest album, “Erase the Pain” just came out last year and they are trying to bridge the gap between the sounds of Hard Rock & Post Hardcore. This is a band that has plenty to offer for both newcomers and old fans. With hooks that remind you of bands like Glassjaw and The Used, this is a group that has a lot to offer. Touring has been a primary focus and I’m glad to see Palisades back on the road again so soon. Vocalist Louis “Lou” Miceli Jr has a lot of variety in his voice, which is fantastic for a band like this. Many harsh screams and plenty of soft cleans are all part of this routine but there is an equal amount of balance in his voice. As he doesn’t stick to more than one style for each song. Which really helps to freshen things up. Their setlist featured some classics from the self titled album such as “Let Down” and “Aggression”. But many of the newest hits like “War” & “Erase the Pain” All truly fit into the setlist. These songs are all very diverse and I believe Palisades has a fantastic future ahead of them.
Nothing More brought a juggernaut of a rock tour to New York City. There was plenty of variety for a group of all fans. Four excellent bands that are truly flying the flag for the future of rock music! Be sure to check out the rest of the tour!
