A Metalcore Fans Dream Come True

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Rockstar Culture in Concert Reviews // 1 Comment

▣Avondale Brewing Company | Birmingham, AL ▣Wednesday, May 14th 2025
▣Photographer/Journalist: Dani B.

Metalcore fans of Birmingham were treated to an unforgettable night at the Avondale Brewing Company. Leading the charge this evening was Killswitch Engage, who brought their signature mix of melody and brutality to the stage, joined by a stacked lineup featuring Boundaries, Fit For A King, and Shadows Fall.

Kicking things off, Boundaries set the tone for the night with their unbelievable, lightning-paced metal sound. These guys weren’t even done with their first song before they had fans moshing without prompt! The Connecticut-based band blasted through a setlist full of unruly riffs and impactful growls, showcasing why they’ve got one heck of a cult following in the heavy music world. This was especially evident when the band was able to effortlessly command multiple circle pits. Tonight’s performance served as an undeniable statement that Boundaries doesn’t mess around when it comes to music, crowd entertainment, and overall hype as an opening act. With the bar being set that high, my expectations could only move up from there.

Keeping the momentum to the stratosphere, Fit For A King delivered a fusion of punishing heaviness complimented by soaring melodies. Fan favorites like “End (The Other Side)” and “Backbreaker” resonated through the venue, with Ryan Kirby’s dynamic vocals shifting between brutal lows and blissful choruses. Meanwhile, bassist Ryan O’Leary kept the energy pumping, leaping across the stage and riling up the crowd as the band’s thunderous breakdowns sent shockwaves through the pit. Even moving a well-spirited fan, on crutches and in a foot cast, to mosh a bit! A personal favorite of mine was how O’Leary was able to keep his bass from flying into the crowd with how theatrical he got with spinning it around his neck (sometimes while spinning himself)! Fit For A King’s performance is something that, no matter how much I try to illustrate it to you as the reader, I just can’t put into words nor do justice. It was truly a spectacular event you must see in person!

After a slight rain delay, Shadows Fall took the stage next, bringing a relentless wave of hardcore aggression and brutality. From the first note, frontman Brian Fair directed the crowd with an almost warlike presence, with his dreadlocks acting as a baton, pacing the stage with intensity as fists flew and bodies collided in the pit. The band’s set was a nonstop barrage of crushing breakdowns and raw, primal energy, with tracks like “Thoughts Without Words” and “Souls Devoured” sending the crowd into a frenzy. Crowd surfers galore moved over the barricade, including Brian himself going into the crowd later in the set! An especially crazy moment was a pizza-fueled fan starting what was affectionately dubbed “Pizza Mosh” and getting notoriety from the band as the “best f*cking thing seen all day.” Shadows Fall left Birmingham battered and exhilarated, delivering a visceral performance that proved why they’re one of the most punishing acts coming out of the 90s and reigning into today.

As the lights dimmed and the intro music swelled, anticipation peaked for Killswitch Engage. The instant “Strength of the Mind” erupted, Jesse Leach took to center stage, embracing the fans warm welcome and singing directly into the sea of raised fists. Jesse’s vocals were flawless, transitioning seamlessly between guttural screams and powerful cleans that sent chills through the crowd. Killswitch tore through this setlist, blending classics and newer anthems, from the raw emotion of “Rose of Sharyn” and “My Last Serenade” to the sheer force of “Unleashed” and their latest single, “Collusion.”

Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, as I came to learn very quickly, was a force of energy! This man was incredible while he was sprinting across the stage, cracking jokes between songs, and sporting an “I’m With Stupid” T-shirt (of which fans in the crowd were also sporting). His infectious humor only amplified the band’s chemistry, making their performance feel both larger-than-life and deeply personal. Every member was incredibly focused, and their connection with the audience was undeniable. The night reached its fever pitch as KSE closed with “My Last Serenade,” sending the entire venue into a cathartic explosion of singalongs, moshing, and pure, unfiltered metalcore mania.

Killswitch Engage’s tour stop was everything a metal fan could ask for, hope for, and show up for. From insane breakdowns to massive mosh pits, the atmosphere felt like one big family gathering. While every band on the docket delivered, Killswitch Engage proved once again why they are metalcore royalty. If you missed this show, you missed one of the best nights Birmingham’s metal fans have witnessed in a long time.

Check out our contributor photographer, Dani B. photos now!