▣The Novo | Los Angeles, CA ▣Saturday, November 2nd 2024
▣Photographer/Journalist: Jason Jackson

For fans who have been there from the start, this was not just another concert. It was a full-circle moment for a band that’s gone from small Southern California venues. Venues like, The Cobalt Cafe and Chain Reaction. To headlining major stages and earning a dedicated fan base worldwide. Vocalist Rory Rodriguez’s emotional transparency and the band’s dynamic sound made this night feel intensely personal and deeply significant.

Catch Your Breath opened the evening with their melodic, metalcore-infused sound. Drawing in the crowd with tracks like “Dial Tone” and “Savages.” Their blend of emotional lyrics with intense instrumentals had the audience engaged from the get-go. Setting the perfect tone for the night’s progression. With each song, they underscored their position as a rising force in the metalcore scene. Connecting with fans eager for bands that are not afraid to dive into emotional depths.

Australian metalcore outfit Alpha Wolf took the stage next, bringing their well-known intensity. Tracks like “Akudama” and “Bleed 4 You.” Are known for their aggressive style and unrelenting breakdowns, had the crowd in a frenzy. Lifting the energy to a level that only a live Alpha Wolf performance can achieve. Their hard-hitting sound and magnetic stage presence underscored why they’ve become a staple in the modern hardcore scene. Paving the way for Dayseeker’s powerful homecoming set. A charged atmosphere that felt almost primal, priming everyone for the night’s main act.

With an opening song like “Dreamstate” – Dayseeker instantly pulled the crowd into their world. Combining haunting synths with driving guitars and Rory Rodriguez’s soaring vocals. Moving through a carefully curated setlist that included “Crooked Soul” (featuring Benny Scholl), “Burial Plot,” and “Homesick.” Rodriguez gave it his all, his voice filled with raw emotion that had fans singing along with every word. As he paused to speak to the crowd, Rodriguez expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling the night one he would “never forget.”

Reflecting on their early days playing small local venues. Rodriguez shared his appreciation for those fans who had been with them since the beginning. This deeply personal connection reached a high point as he spoke about his late father—a central inspiration for Dark Sun. And how meaningful it was to know that his father’s story had touched so many lives through the music. For longtime fans, this was a poignant moment that highlighted just how far the band has come. While staying true to the themes that resonate universally: love, loss, and healing.

For Dayseeker – The Novo show was more than a concert. It was a full-circle moment that honored their roots, and celebrated their evolution. It shared a deeply personal message with their audience. It was a night of music and memories. The kind of catharsis that only comes when a band puts its heart and soul on stage.

Check out our contributor photographer, Jason Jackson photos now!

CATCH YOUR BREATH

ALPHA WOLF

DAYSEEKER

Check out the band websites for more info –

Catch Your Breath

Alpha Wolf

Dayseeker