Review: SHADOWS FALL Reunion Concert at The Palladium

   It’s been six years since Shadows Fall had a show and not knowing when another would happen again, people traveled in droves to the band’s hometown of Massachusetts for their one time reunion show. Being the relentless concert fan that I am, I made the trek from New York City to Worcester because this was history. Aside from being a rare reunion, Shadows Fall presented a set list of dreams over a lineup that made it worthwhile for fans near and far. It was truly the best that Metalcore has to offer for all old and new with beefed up support from Unearth, Darkest Hour, Within the Ruins, Sworn Enemy and Carnivora. Hosting almost all legendary metal concerts in the New England region, there was no other venue worthy of hosting an historic one off show than The Palladium to deliver an ultimate and memorable experience.

   Shadows Fall proved that a six year hiatus could never cause them to miss a beat. Members Jason Bittner who currently plays drums for Overkill and Jon Donais (guitar, Anthrax) returned their seasoned musicianship to the Shadows Fall set. Time has been very kind to the Shadows Fall guys, as they performed with the precision that any fan would have expected. Iconic lead vocalist Brian Fair’s talents have gone unscathed since returning to the stage. His heavy scowls, angelic cleans and massive shrieks were well preserved to fill the Palladium and the ears of loyal fans. 

   Shadows Fall’s unique mix of Metallica styled thrashing and super precision-based At the Gates melodeath elements sets them apart in a live setting as one of Metalcore’s pioneers. Add Hatebreed influenced breakdowns and there lie the ingredients to cook up one of the most chaotic metal bands on the planet with their hometown as its garnish. The mosh pits were absolutely wild, as any metalhead would expect, fans shoving and scattering about to no limit. The Shadows Fall setlist was absolutely incredible as well. Massive hits like “Thoughts Without Words”, “Redemption”, “Still I Rise”, “The Light that Binds” and “Fire from the Sky” reverberated throughout the Palladium flawlessly. No true Shadows Fall fan could be disappointed with this setlist, let alone such a reunion in the making. 

   Unearth in Massachusetts felt like Christmas came a week early for many of us fans. The feral crowd reaction that they were welcomed with was incredible to say the least. Unearth’s presence is guaranteed to be a max-level mosh pit that could rival a Slayer or Lamb of God experience. Their set effortlessly conjured an insane chaotic mix of traditional moshing and hardcore dancing. It was during the last song, “My Will be Done” that former Unearth bassist John Maggard entered the stage to scream guest vocals with Unearth vocalist Trevor Phipps and it was an amazing highlight of the event that all would never forget! 

   The last time I saw Darkest Hour was in 2015 when they were performing Undoing Ruin in its entirety. It’s great to see that the Washington DC metal legends are still tighter than ever before in a live setting. Vocalist John B Henry’s near death metal-like vocals are absolutely phenomenal to no end. The screams and shouts that come from this guy are ceaseless and stronger than ever. Meanwhile, founding guitarist Mike Schleibaum is shredding away at and swaying his axe in true guitar hero form, an absolute sight to behold! Darkest Hour’s set included so many fan favorites such as, “The Sadist Nation”, “With a Thousand Words to say but One” & “Convalescence”. A great mix for old school fans to sink their teeth into and also win over some newcomers who were finally able to get the Darkest Hour experience.

   Shred heavy Within the Ruins is probably the most recognizable djent band right now. Merging together the on point guitar patterns of thrash metal and the extremely heavy tendencies of deathcore in one fantastic package for all extreme metal bands to enjoy. Current vocalist Steve Tinnon commands the crowd since graciously taking over for WTR former vocalist Tim Goergen and has successfully maintained the band’s juice since the transition. His crowd interaction and mosh command is definitely a highlight for Within The Ruins shows. Founding guitarist Joe Cocchi’s guitar leads are a fan favorite and stronger than ever.  The chemistry this band has in a live setting is absolutely fantastic and I’m glad Within the Ruins have kept a strong dynamic throughout the years. Massive hits like “God Amongst Men”, “Calling Card” and “Feeding Frenzy” were forceful. Within The Ruins certainly kept the energy going mid-show.

   Hardcore band Sworn Enemy brought the New York City beatdown up to Massachusetts. As a hardcore punk band that also crosses over Thrash Metal, Sworn Enemy are East Coast favorites. Massive beatdowns with tracks like, “Prepare for Payback” and “As Real As It Gets” brought a fresh sound to the lineup that night with hardcore dancing at the core of the venue. Although a short set, Sworn Enemy always has a memorable impact at each show they perform and are constantly proving their time and energy on stage is never to be underestimated.

   As the concert’s first band of the evening, Carnivora faced the challenge many openers do when tasked with “stirring up the pot” for the night, but make no mistake, Carnivora is a band that blends together different styles from groove metal to deathcore in a very fun package that all metal fans can appreciate and theirs was a tasteful set that was chosen to open a heavy hitter show like this. “Witch City ” and “Hypogenic” are just a couple of great tracks Carnivora brought to the metal famished Worcester crowd. There wasn’t too much movement during their set, however, fans who came early to Carnivora’s set most likely found another band to add to their playlist!

   The Shadows Fall reunion show was an astounding return to form. Successfully merging some of the greatest metal bands from the last two decades at one of the most iconic metal venues in the United States made for an unforgettable event. Shadows Fall left us wanting more and a deep nostalgic feeling of when they’ll perform again. Those who got to witness another piece of metal history at the Palladium have unlocked an achievement to tell a Shadows Fall tale. Thank you again Shadows Fall, we appreciate all of the fantastic music you have made and we love the high energy you always bring to the table!