“Weekend Warriors” in full effect on Tuesday night…
On February 19, 2008, Victory Records band Secret Lives! Of the Freemasons headlined the first record release show for their new album “Weekend Warriors”. The great mix of supporting bands for the night were Defy the Hunter, Embracing Goodbye, Dead Eyes, and Akissforjersey. Honestly, what I expected the show to be like and the way it actually turned out were almost completely opposite. I went to Greensboro expected a more Alternative/Emo show, but I was completely blown away by a phenomenal Metalcore/Alternative show North Carolina style!
The first band to kick the night off was Greensboro’s own Defy the Hunter. These guys were the perfect choice to pen the show! Their performance was INSANE! The guitarists Steven and Sam were rippin’ it up their mean 6-strings as bassist Paul was runnin’ a smooth, yet nasty bass line! While this was goin’ on, drummer Josh was showin’ off his massive double-bass skils and vocalist Cowboy was proving that he could be, as far as I’m concerned, the next Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage). Cowboy’s screams and clean vocals were equally on point! Overall, this band was the first piece of proof for the night that North Carolina is pushing out some incredible Metalcore bands!
The second piece of proof was the second band to play, Embracing Goodbye. Hailing from Four Oaks, NC, this five-piece definitely has the Southern spirit in them, but they can put on one awesome show! Mixing older Heavy metal with today’s Metal, EG helped mix up the styles a bit and kept the show interesting. Much like Defy the Hunter, Embracing Goodbye put on an amazing show that was filled to the brim with energy! Guitarists Travis Avery and Josh Kelly joined bassist Erik “Easy” Huffman in “throwing” their guitars around while tearin’ it up. At one point, all three held their guitars over their heads to reveal the phrase “Bringin’ Sexy Back” posted on the backs of their guitars! It was great! While they were killin’ it on guitars, drummer Casey Allen also proved his excellent double-bass playing abilities and vocalist Paul Huffman showcased his incredible talents along with Travis’ vocal inputs. With all these elements added together, the show continued to make it’s way through the ranks to Secret Lives! Of The Freemasons.
