Stepping into Arizona Pete’s for a metalcore show is always an electrifying experience, and this particular night, headlined by the formidable August Burns Red (ABR), was no exception. As a content creator for pets.edu.vn and a devoted pet enthusiast, I often find parallels between the raw energy of a live metal show and the untamed spirit of our beloved animal companions. This concert, my first metalcore immersion of 2018, resonated deeply, reminding me of the vibrant energy we cherish both in music and in our furry, scaled, and feathered friends.
Having last witnessed August Burns Red’s sonic onslaught at Carolina Rebellion two years prior, the announcement of their return to North Carolina was met with immediate ticket purchase. This tour, a celebration of their newly released album “Phantom Anthem” (October 2017), promised a night of intense musicality and passionate performance.
Arriving at Arizona Pete’s around 4 PM, I joined the eager crowd for the VIP meet and greet scheduled for 5 PM. Having attended VIP experiences six times before, I knew the drill, but the excitement of meeting August Burns Red never diminishes. Each band member greeted us warmly, signing personalized posters and engaging in brief conversations. Mentioning my role as a metal college radio DJ for WKNC, NC State’s station, sparked an enthusiastic reaction from the band. Their genuine appreciation for radio play, with the singer humorously noting, “you’re literally the only person that will play us on the radio,” was both humbling and encouraging. The meet and greet culminated in a group photo, a tangible memory of connecting with the artists behind the music. Upon seeing me again for the photo, the band members playfully exclaimed, “look, it’s our favorite DJ!” – a moment that underscored the welcoming atmosphere they cultivate.
Following the VIP session, we had early access to the merchandise area and prime spots near the stage. My friend Savannah joined me, and together we secured our positions at the front, ready to immerse ourselves in the sonic waves about to erupt from the stage.
Ocean Grove, hailing from Australia, was the first band to ignite the stage. As is customary, their Australian origin prompted a playful “USA” chant from the crowd. My own curiosity extended to wondering if they were acquainted with fellow Aussie metal giants Parkway Drive, In Hearts Wake, and Thy Art is Murder. While the crowd’s initial reception was somewhat reserved, Savannah and I embraced the energy, moving to the rhythm. Their setlist included tracks like “Beers,” “Intimate Alien,” and “Thunderdome,” punctuated by a memorable, and somewhat surreal, stage antic: a friend of the band dressed as a Hooters girl, complete with wig and fake anatomy, adding an unexpected layer of theatricality to their performance – an image indelibly etched in memory.
Erra took the stage next, eliciting a more pronounced engagement from the audience. Mosh pits began to form, and the energy in Arizona Pete’s noticeably amplified. From my vantage point at the front, I joined the headbanging throng, enjoying their powerful renditions of songs such as “Drift,” “Seven,” and “Skyline.”
Then came Born of Osiris (BOO), a band I’ve seen multiple times, each performance reinforcing their reputation for delivering an unforgettable live experience. The moment they launched into their set, Arizona Pete’s exploded with energy. Mosh pits intensified, crowd surfers surged forward, and the collective voice of the audience roared back the lyrics. Born of Osiris are masters of crowd interaction. Their vocalist’s dynamic stage presence extends into the audience, creating a palpable connection. He reached out, grasped hands (including mine), offered the microphone to fans, and consistently fueled the crowd’s fervor. The guitarists and bassist mirrored this engagement, consistently at the stage front, delivering a visually captivating performance. Even their keyboardist was a whirlwind of motion, running, shouting into the mic, singing, and directly engaging with the crowd. Their performance is a spectacle of energy and connection. Post-show, I had the opportunity to reconnect with the singer, guitarist, and drummer, all of whom expressed sincere gratitude for radio airplay – a testament to their down-to-earth nature. Vocalist Ronnie even remembered me from a previous Charlotte show, making the interaction feel like catching up with old friends. Their setlist was a powerhouse of fan favorites, including “Bow Down,” “Empires Erased,” and “Machine.”
Ronnie Canizaro, Vocalist for Born of Osiris, captivating the crowd at Arizona Pete’s.
Lee McKinney, Guitarist for Born of Osiris, delivering a powerful performance at Arizona Pete’s.
Finally, the moment arrived for the headliners, August Burns Red. The instant they stepped onto the stage, the crowd at Arizona Pete’s transformed into a frenzy. Pressed against the stage, the intensity was palpable – elbows jostling, hair pulling, the delightful chaos of a truly immersive metal show. Bruises, in this context, are badges of honor. The entire venue sang along, mirroring the band’s infectious energy. August Burns Red’s stage presence is captivating; they consistently engaged with the audience, approaching the stage edge, acknowledging individual fans, and radiating genuine appreciation. A massive mosh pit and a wall of death erupted during their set, a testament to the music’s raw power. The guitarist, locking eyes with me, smiled, waved, and mouthed “my favorite DJ” – a surreal and appreciated moment of connection. The singer, frequently at the front of the stage, exuded energy that showered the front rows – an occupational hazard of prime positioning. Hand grabs, shared vocals, and an overall sense of shared experience defined their performance. Headbanging was mandatory, even amidst the close quarters, resulting in a minor stage-induced head bump – a small price for total immersion. Before their final song, the singer playfully requested more crowd surfers and stage divers, adding a humorous caveat to “watch out and not hit the pretty girl up in the front.” Scanning the predominantly male crowd around me, the implication was clear – a lighthearted moment of band-audience interaction. During the breakdown of the final song, the singer, in a completely unexpected gesture, put down his mic, looked directly at me, opened his arms and said, “get on stage.” Completely taken aback, I was helped on stage, handed the setlist, and addressed with words lost in the adrenaline rush of the moment. My focus shifted to the packed venue and the impending stage dive. Leaping into the crowd, I was carried through the surging mass and safely deposited back into the mosh pit – a quintessential metal show experience. August Burns Red closed their set with iconic tracks like “King of Sorrow,” “Hero of the Half Truth,” and “White Washed,” leaving the crowd exhilarated.
This night at Arizona Pete’s was more than just a concert; it was an immersive experience, a powerful reminder of the energy and connection that live music fosters. Just as we cherish the unique personalities and spirited energy of our pets, the raw passion and collective enthusiasm at a metalcore show like this are equally invigorating and life-affirming. Arizona Pete’s proved, once again, to be the perfect venue for such an unleashing of musical energy. This show was an incredible start to 2018, leaving me already anticipating the next opportunity to experience live music’s vibrant pulse.
THE SAW
