Review: The Senses Afflict NYC

     THE AMITY AFFLICTION & SENSES FAIL on tour together truly unites a vast population of fans with different preferences in music. Both bands have an extremely diverse and dedicated fanbase in the metalcore/post-hardcore scene, yet they sound so completely different from each other. That is the beauty, however, for “The Misery Will Find You” tour. These were some of the biggest bands playing on last year’s Warped Tour, and to see both on the same tour brings forth quite an audience. Along for the support is the heavy message driven SILENT PLANET and Pop Punk band BELMONT. This is lineup was very unique due to the different subgenres of Metal and Rock in one fantastic package.

      The Amity Affliction knows no bounds at all. In their Australian hometown of Brisbane, they are absolute superstars and one of the biggest metalcore acts to emerge from Australia in recent years. The Amity Affliction have a melancholy approach, yet their music reaches a diverse group of people who cope with many different personal struggles. Their setlist was filled many newer staples from the last album when they released “Misery”. The two opening tracks, “Drag the Lake” & “Ivy (Doomsday)” set the tone for what this show was going to be about. Fans connect with their music on another level of emotion, and that is by far one of the best things The Amity Affliction has done musically. Later on in the set,  TAA performed older hits like “Don’t Lean on Me”, “Death’s Hand” & “Open Letter” in the later part of the set. This tour has a greater focus on the newer songs, but The Amity Affliction confidently combine their material during their live performances. Vocalist Joel Birch screams from the heart as if that could never be enough to convey the concept and emotion of a song. There is true anguish in his voice and it’s all represented in a wonderful way with each track. On clean vocals, bassist Ahren Stringer breaks out some angelic cleans to bring a fluidity with lyricism. His soft voice truly blends in and gives The Amity Affliction an absolutely incredible identity when it comes to melody. An absolutely fantastic voice in a superb way. The Amity Affliction truly gave it their all at this show to make sure all of their fans were entertained in a glorious way.

     Senses Fail is an absolute juggernaut in the Post-Hardcore genre. Despite numerous lineup changes throughout the 17 year tenure of the band, the group stays musically committed and consistent to writing extraordinary songs.  The New Jersey group has not missed a beat at all and these guys continue to be in it for the long haul. Senses Fail have mastered the art of hype at their shows, clearly evident when opening their set with “Can’t Be Saved”, you can fully understand the immersion and pace of the first half of the performance. Their whole setlist was absolutely filled with fan favorites like “Calling All Cars”, “Lady in a Blue Dress”, “Rum is for drinking, Not for Burning” and much more. It was truly a wonderful night for old school fans of Senses Fail. The music moved at a super brisk pace and kept fans bouncing along to the fun of it all. The mix of happy and harsh music that Senses Fail does is a treat to see. True masters of their craft.

     Silent Planet’s melodic ambition has absolutely zero boundaries. Apparently, Silent Planet were the replacement act after Bad Omens dropped off the tour, but what a fine replacement these guys are. This is by far the biggest show they’ve ever done in NYC to date and they truly deserve to be on a bill like this. Silent Planet has played with many diverse bands like Norma Jean, Phinehas, The Contortionist, The Devil Wears Prada, For Today, Hail the Sun and many more. The melodic Metalcore sound fits incredibly for a tour package like this. Vocalist Garrett Russell invokes demon vocals that can only suffice for Silent Planet’s lyrical and musical talent that speak of genocide, starvation and war, just some of the things Silent Planet write about in their music. Their setlist was a short one, but absolutely sweet, with many great songs featured like “Panic Room” & “Native Blood”. The newer songs such as “Absence” & “The New Eternity” blended so well within the setlist, it was such a spectacle to fully witness. If you’re looking to see a spectacular and innovative metalcore band live, Silent Planet will quench that thirst.