▣Iron City | Birmingham, AL  ▣Wednesday, October 16th 2024
▣Photographer/Journalist: Dani B.

With the weather getting colder as October rolls on, I was in search of some heat. What better place to get that than from a night out at a metal show in Birmingham! As I headed to the venue, I saw the flocks of fans gathered at Iron City. They were there for a night of hard-hitting music on the second leg of Asking Alexandria’s All My Friends Tour. The British metalcore giants, known for their electrifying performances and powerful lyrics. They were joined on this tour by the next supporting acts: Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, and Archers. Each band brought their own unique energy, setting the stage for a mind blowing experience.

Archers kicked off the evening with a dynamic performance that established an powerfully energetic presence right from the start. Their sound blended post-hardcore and melodic elements. It resonated well with the early crowd. Many in attendance seemed to be avid fans. Frontman Nathanael Pulley showcased impressive vocal range and stage presence, captivating fans with emotionally charged lyrics. Ben Koehler moved with dominance. He showcased his ability to command attention to his corner of the stage through his guitar work. All while Grayson Mesarosh kept the beat alive on drums. The band’s standout tracks drew applause. Songs like “Bitter” and “Drag Me Out” set a high bar for the night ahead. Archers’ infectious energy was a perfect introduction, priming the audience for the heavier acts to follow.

The Word Alive took the stage with a direct presence. This Arizona based trio, with special guest guitarist Logan Abernethy, blends metalcore and electronic elements to create a visceral experience. Telle Smith, lead vocals, engaged the audience with a passionate performance. He especially captivated the crowd during tracks like their newest single “Nocturnal Future” and the crowd pleaser “One of Us.” The band’s tight musicianship was obvious, with each member contributing to a strong sound that resonated throughout the venue. The connection between the band and the audience deepened during their set. This was evident. Each band member went out of their way to connect to the audience. They tossed picks, threw drum sticks, and gave away pins to a few kids in attendance. All in all culminating in a circle mosh pit that encapsulated the spirit of the night.

Continuing the party came Memphis May Fire, who brought a blend of aggression and melody that left fans breathless. Frontman Matty Mullins approached the stage and engaged the crowd with anthems like “Left for Dead” and “Infection.” On that note, many of the audience members knew the lyrics to “Infection.” This was surprising despite it only being out since September 4 of this year! Their set featured a faultless balance of heavy riffs and melodic choruses, showcasing the band’s versatility. The energy peaked as the audience sang along to “Chaotic.” It created a unified experience strong enough to incite multiple crowd surfers. Memphis May Fire’s performance set a high standard for Asking Alexandria. They made it clear they were a force to be reckoned with when it came to entertaining the elder emo audience.

As the intermission music stopped for Asking Alexandria, the excitement in the air reached intoxicating levels. With their latest album, “Where Do We Go From Here?,” fresh in fans’ minds, the band opened with a powerful rendition of “Welcome,” instantly igniting the crowd. Danny Worsnop displayed his signature charisma, leading the audience through an emotional roller coaster with both belligerence and vulnerability. The band’s setlist featured a mix of fan favorites and newer tracks. Creating a balanced experience that catered to long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The musicianship of Asking Alexandria wasn’t a force to be reckoned with either. Guitarists Sam Bettley and Cameron Liddell delivered intricate riffs and solos. These resonated through the venue. It was enough to make anyone get up and move. The rhythm section impressed with its energy. Bettley’s bass and drummer James Cassells drove the songs forward. They kept the audience captivated. Highlights of the night included an enthralling performance of “Where Did It Go?.” The song had everyone singing along. And a heart-stopping rendition of “Someone, Somewhere,” showcasing the band’s ability to blend heavy instrumentation with emotional lyrics.

Throughout the night, the camaraderie among the touring bands was clear. Band members often appeared on or off to the sides of the stage. They supported the act performing at that time. This collaborative spirit added a unique layer to the concert, showcasing the bonds formed within the music community. The transitions between acts were seamless, keeping the energy alive. The audience’s enthusiastic responses showed their appreciation for each band’s contributions.

Asking Alexandria closed their set with an explosive encore, leaving fans exhilarated and wanting more. Their ability to connect with the audience both musically and emotionally, makes them stand out in the metalcore scene. The short of the long, the night at Iron City was a celebration of hard rock and metalcore alike. The night not only highlighted Asking Alexandria’s growth. They have come an incredibly long way from the early Emo music era in 2008 to now. It also displayed the talent of their supporting acts on the All My Friends Tour. Each band delivered memorable performances that intertwined heavy instrumentation with genuine emotion, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

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

ARCHERS

THE WORD ALIVE

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE

ASKING ALEXANDRIA

Check out the band websites for more info –

Archers

The Word Alive

Memphis May Fire

Asking Alexandria

SETLIST

Welcome
Dear Insanity
Down to Hell
Into the Fire
Where Did It Go?
Dark Void
Things Could Be Different
Someone, Somewhere (Acoustic)
I Don’t Need You
Moving On
To the Stage
If You Can’t Ride Two Horses at Once… You Should Get Out of the Circus
A Prophecy
The Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel)

Encore
Don’t Pray for Me
Alone in a Room