Words and Photos:
Nashville, often referred to as the Music City, has a thriving live music scene with venues that cater to a wide array of musical tastes. On a crisp fall evening, Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville hosted a lineup that promised to deliver a diverse range of heavy music. The bands in question were Polaris, Currents, Varials, and Paledusk, and they did not disappoint. From the moment Paledusk took the stage to the final encore of Polaris, the audience was treated to an unforgettable night of powerful performances that left a lasting impression.
The evening began with Paledusk, a Japanese band hailing from Kyushu. They set the tone for the night with their unique blend of metalcore and EDM. Paledusk’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing as their music transcended the boundaries of traditional heavy genres. The band’s ethereal soundscapes, combined with intricate guitar work and haunting vocals, created an otherworldly atmosphere that immediately drew the audience in.
Paledusk’s setlist featured tracks from their multiple albums and EPs, showcasing their ability to craft emotionally charged music. “Slay!!” and “Black Ice” stood out as highlights, evoking a sense of introspection and melancholy. The band’s dynamic stage presence and the use of atmospheric lighting further enhanced the overall experience, leaving the crowd in awe.
As Paledusk concluded their set, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation for the next act. Varials, a hardcore band from Philadelphia, took the stage with an explosive energy that was impossible to ignore. The band’s frontman, Travis Tabron, commanded the stage with a charismatic and intense presence. His aggressive and emotive vocals resonated throughout the venue, and the crowd responded with a sea of mosh pits and crowd-surfers.
Varials’ setlist featured songs from their latest album, “Scars For You To Remember,” a ferocious and unrelenting record that delves into themes of personal struggle and inner turmoil. Tracks like “The Cycle Of Violence: Chapter 1” and “Circles” hit with unrelenting force, channeling the raw emotions that drive the band’s music.
As Varials tore through their set, it was clear that their fans were in their element. Brooklyn Bowl was transformed into a whirlwind of movement, with fans throwing themselves into the music with unbridled passion. Varials left an indelible mark on the Nashville crowd, delivering a performance that was both cathartic and intense.
After Varials, Currents, a progressive metal band hailing from Newtown, Connecticut, took the stage by storm. Their music was a ferocious blend of technicality and aggression, and it was evident from the very first notes that Currents was here to make a statement.
The band unleashed a relentless barrage of intricate guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and guttural vocals, leaving no room for respite. Tracks like “Vessels” and “Rot” showcased the band’s virtuosity and precision, with each member of the band exhibiting impressive skill on their respective instruments.
Currents’ set was a sonic assault that left the audience both exhilarated and exhausted. Their performance was a masterclass in modern progressive metal, and it was evident that they had won over many new fans in the audience that night.
As the night reached its climax, the stage was set for the headliner, Polaris, a metalcore powerhouse from Sydney, Australia. Polaris has been making waves in the heavy music scene with their blend of melodic and crushing elements, and their performance in Nashville was highly anticipated.
From the moment Polaris took the stage, it was evident that they were on a mission to deliver an unforgettable performance. Their setlist included tracks from their critically acclaimed albums, “The Mortal Coil” and “The Death of Me,” and the band’s musicianship was nothing short of extraordinary. The dual vocal assault of Jamie Hails and Jake Steinhauser was a standout feature, with their seamless transitions between clean and harsh vocals adding depth and power to the music.
Songs like “Lucid” and “Masochist” demonstrated the band’s ability to create anthemic, melodic moments, while tracks like “Dusk to Day” and “Hypermania” showcased their penchant for heaviness and intensity. Polaris’ live performance was a testament to their ability to translate their studio sound into a captivating, dynamic, and high-energy stage show.
Throughout the night, the crowd sang along, moshed, and crowd-surfed, creating a sense of unity and exhilaration that is unique to live heavy music events. The energy in Brooklyn Bowl was turned up to eleven, and the bands fed off the crowd’s enthusiasm, creating a symbiotic relationship that elevated the overall experience.
In conclusion, the Polaris, Currents, Varials, and Paledusk concert at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, TN was a night of musical bliss for heavy music enthusiasts. Each band brought their unique style and energy to the stage, resulting in a diverse and unforgettable experience. Paledusk, Currents, and Varials set the stage on fire with their distinctive sounds, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Polaris, as the headliner, demonstrated why they are one of the most exciting bands in the modern metalcore scene, delivering a breathtaking performance that left the crowd in awe.
Brooklyn Bowl provided an excellent setting for the concert, with its intimate atmosphere, excellent sound quality, and spacious stage that allowed the bands to truly shine. As the final notes of the night echoed through the venue, it was clear that Music City had once again lived up to its reputation, offering a night of music that would be remembered by all in attendance for years to come.
About Author
