For a hardcore band to gain steam as quickly as Knocked Loose has it unheard of in todays heavy music scene. With a a culture that is very in tune with DIY and no barricade shows the thought of a hardcore band playing a larger venue would seem off putting to most. Knocked Loose however closed their tour with a dream of theirs, playing a sold out show at the House Of Blues in Chicago, IL.
Opening up the bill was SeeYouSpaceCowboy. With their blend of hardcore infused with elements of grindcore and mathcore they kicked the evening off with a cannon fire blast of speed. Following up was Candy bringing a darker brand of hardcore. With moments of slow building heaviness but also guitar solos Candy is able to bring elements of different genres and blend them together in a unique hardcore branded style.
Back from the dead with their first time in Chicago since breaking up was favorites Rotting Out. With a more Suicidal Tendencies style hardcore Rotting Out had the entire sold out room moving and jumping around. With their quick songs that had singalongs throughout Rotting Out showed that not only are they back, but they’ll be bigger than they ever were.
Fan and genre favorites Stick To Your Guns came out next and showed why they continue to be a staple in the scene. From instantly catchy singalongs to mosh worthy moments STYG has everything covered to a perfection. Jesse Barnette had crowdsurfers flying over the barricade, pits going nonstop, and everyone singing along to every word he said. Its clear to why even newer bands see the worth of bringing along and learning from the likes of STYG.
Last but not least in a very heartfelt set was Knocked Loose. From opening for Beartooth on that same set a year ago to selling the room out themselves frontman Bryan Garris stated to sell this room out was a band goal of theirs from the start. Making it the final stop of the tour where so many friends and family could come to see the show they made sure it was a set to remember with confetti cannons and a balloon drop even.
The crowd made sure to give them an evening to remember with constant crowd surfing and some of the biggest craziest pits I’ve seen in that venue ever. Its clear by this set how Knocked Loose has connected with fans and I see them growing even more from here. They will continue to carry the hardcore torch with them and do it proud bringing new fans along the way.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Alex Valentovich: Apocalyptic Demise Photography
Knocked Loose
Stick To Your Guns, Rotting Out
