Sick of It All is SELLING OUT Irving Plaza
Another fantastic hardcore show returns to the New York City area, this time it’s our legendary friends in Sick of it All! For 33 Years, New York City’s premier hardcore band have stood against the test of time and they have beaten out all of the musical fads that have gone up against them. Sick of It All have stuck to their grind and that has allowed them to create enduring hardcore classics. Three fourths of the original lineup are still in the band to this day, you can truly feel the brotherhood they share whenever it’s time to tour or create a new album. Plus, they sold out the famous Irving Plaza! Currently, they are touring in support of their newest album, Wake the Sleeping Dragon! For this tour, they have brought along Buffalo’s Snapcase, Boston’s Slapshot and Chicago’s La Armada! If you’re looking to get a classic hardcore fix that brings together bands that you should have under your radar, then Sick of it All is here to provide that excitement!
Sick of it All shows blend together the best of both worlds in the style of frenetic hardcore and powerful heavy metal provided with extremely heavy shouts and scowls from vocalist Lou Koller. Potent guitar riffs coming from brother Pete Koller, massive bass lines from Craig Steari and heavy drums from Armand Majidi. Sick of it All has a massive amount of great chemistry that comes together when the band starts playing in a live setting. Concert goers will easily get thrashed about with the legacy of New York’s most refined ensemble. An extremely heavy mosh pit that showed no mercy at all for fans. The setlist was a massive 22 songs that featured an incredible mix of everything that you have truly come to except with Sick of it All. Classics like “Step Down”, “Injustice System”, “Scratch the Surface” & “Us vs. Them” all provided a wonderful time for all inside Irving Plaza. While newer hits like “Road Less Traveled”, “Black Venom” and “Inner Version” are all fresh but familiar takes on what makes Sick of it All work so well.
Snapcase’s groovy blend of hardcore is extremely raw and energetic. Snapcase did break up in 2005 and did a brief reunion in 2007. But, since 2010, the band has gone back to playing shows full time once again. Featuring an extremely heavy drum snare, screeching vocals and breakneck guitar patterns all add up to another enduring hardcore band from New York State. Snapcase has managed to gain an underground following that has helped them rise from the ashes since their initial breakup. There sound is still incredibly modern, despite the era they come from. When Snapcase started, the pit became absolutely intense. Featuring a good amount of two stepping and hardcore dancing. A very chaotic set for sure that kept the pace moving.
Slapshot from Boston is another powerful and enduring hardcore act. Since 1985, the band has been writing melodies that really convince listeners to stand up for their problems and the band hasn’t let up since their formation in the 1980’s. With a sound that merges the angst of Black Flag and the flair of the Cro-Mags. Breakneck guitar riffs that move at the speed of sound and vocals that shatter all expectations are all part of what made Slapshot sound gain so much recognition. Plus, Vocalist Jake Kelly wasn’t afraid to crack a joke or two in between songs to lighten up the mood. Slapshot’s legacy doesn’t let up at all especially in their live settings.
La Armada was initially formed in the Dominican Republic in 2001, but the band has resided in the Chicago area roughly around 2008. This band is definitely one of the most unique acts to be featured on the tour. As the band sings about political issues that need to be made more aware in the world. La Armada has a hardcore sound overall, but in some cases you can hear small bits of speed metal throughout their songs. As many of them move at such a breakneck pace. La Armada also attracted a small but tightly crafted niche of moshers. Those who went into the mosh pit early on truly felt the prescience this ensemble wanted to show off.
Sick of it All provided a fantastic hardcore lineup for many fans in the New York City area, they kept energy high and mighty throughout their entire and showed that they love playing live shows all the time. This show was truly one to remember for both newcomers to Sick of it All and old school fans.
