A Night of Metalcore Shock and Awe Rocks Greensboro’s Piedmont Hall
On October 15th, 2024, The All My Friends North American Tour 2024, featuring Asking Alexandria, Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, and Archers, is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about metalcore tours of the year. Each band delivered a distinct yet cohesive experience, giving fans an unforgettable night full of powerful performances and intense energy that rocked the stage at Piedmont Hall in Greensboro North Carolina.
The night began with ARCHERS, who, despite being a relatively new act compared to the heavyweights on the bill, made an impressive mark. Their emotionally charged set blended indie rock, alternative pop, and emo influences, providing a melodic contrast to the heavier acts that would follow. The band’s performance resonated with fans of softer rock, while still offering enough intensity to fit into the night’s overall metalcore vibe. Songs from their recent releases showcased a blend of anthemic choruses, heartfelt lyrics, and energetic riffs. Archers set the mood perfectly, making sure the audience was primed for the night to escalate.
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The Word Alive took the stage next, delivering a set that was both emotionally engaging and musically intense. Known for their fusion of post-hardcore, electronic rock, and metalcore, they captured the crowd’s attention with a diverse soundscape. Vocalist Telle Smith’s dynamic performance, ranging from hauntingly melodic vocals to guttural screams, added depth to the music. The band’s use of electronic elements created a modern and atmospheric backdrop, adding to the diversity of the night. The crowd responded energetically, especially during the heavier breakdowns, and the seamless blend of clean and screamed vocals made their set a standout. Filling in on guitar was Logan Abernathy, who is a powerhouse, and an amazing talent on stage! Abernathy brought mesmerizing energy to all the fans in the crowd.
Memphis May Fire raised the bar even higher, bringing a set that was intense, raw, and filled with emotion. Their mix of melodic metalcore and post-hardcore elements perfectly balanced aggression with anthemic, sing-along choruses. Frontman Matty Mullins led the charge with impassioned vocals, combining personal, introspective lyrics with heavy, crushing instrumentation. The crowd was deeply engaged, shouting along to songs that delved into themes of struggle, resilience, and hope. Known for their electrifying live shows, Memphis May Fire once again proved why they are a staple of the genre. The tight musicianship, particularly the blend of clean guitar melodies and heavy, downtuned riffs, kept the audience hyped from start to finish.
Finally, British metalcore band headliners Asking Alexandria took the stage, closing out the night with a performance that was nothing short of explosive. The British band, hailing from York, North Yorkshire, brought their signature blend of metalcore, hard rock, and electronic elements, ensuring that their set had something for every type of fan. Despite frontman Danny Worsnop not feeling 100%, his vocal performance was top-notch. Known for his versatile range, Worsnop switched seamlessly between clean singing and aggressive screams, driving the energy of the show. The band played a well-rounded setlist that featured both their newer material from their 2023 album Where Do We Go From Here?, and older hits like “The Final Episode” and “Moving On,” much to the delight of long-time fans.
The chemistry between the band members was evident, with guitarist Cameron Liddell and bassist Sam Bettley constantly engaging with the audience. Liddell’s guitar work, full of technical riffs and high-energy solos, added a fiery layer to the performance, while Bettley’s bass and headbanging antics kept the crowd engaged. Drummer James Cassells laid down a powerful rhythm section, driving the performance forward with intensity. Their stage presence was magnetic, as they fed off the crowd’s energy and took the show to another level. Fans were particularly excited to hear deep cuts and rarely played songs, making the experience even more special for long-time followers of the band.
The Overall Experience:
What set this tour apart was the diversity in the lineup. Each band, though rooted in the metalcore or post-hardcore genres, brought its own distinct flavor to the night. Archers opened the evening with a melodic, emotional tone, The Word Alive captivated the audience with their blend of electronic and post-hardcore sounds, Memphis May Fire fueled the crowd with intense breakdowns and emotional lyrics, and Asking Alexandria closed the night with a powerful mix of old and new tracks that had fans moshing, screaming, and singing along.
The overall atmosphere was electric. From the opening chords of ARCHERS to the final breakdown from Asking Alexandria, the crowd was deeply invested. Mosh pits, crowd surfing, and fans shouting along to the lyrics were common sights throughout the night. The mix of clean vocals and screams, alongside technical instrumentals and electronic touches, kept the show fresh and engaging from start to finish.
In conclusion, the All My Friends North American Tour 2024 is a testament to the vitality of the metalcore and post-hardcore scenes. The combination of established acts like Asking Alexandria and Memphis May Fire, alongside the rising talents of The Word Alive and ARCHERS, ensured a diverse and powerful lineup. Fans looking to attend future dates of this tour are in for a night of high-octane performances, heartfelt moments, and a celebration of all things heavy and melodic.
Written by Senior Photojournalist Shawn Flaherty with Rock News UK and Rock News US