Words and Photos: Josh Trotter
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The heart of Nashville’s vibrant music scene pulsed with raw energy as progressive rock enthusiasts gathered at the legendary Exit/In venue for an unforgettable evening of sonic exploration. On a crisp Saturday night, the stage was set for a musical journey with Caligula’s Horse and Earthside, two bands renowned for their genre-defying sounds and captivating performances.
As the lights dimmed and anticipation crackled in the air, Earthside emerged onto the stage amidst a cascade of cheers. Hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, Earthside wasted no time in enveloping the audience in their rich tapestry of sound. Blending elements of progressive metal, post-rock, and orchestral arrangements, their music transcended conventional boundaries, inviting listeners into a realm of boundless imagination.
From the opening notes of “Mob Mentality” to the soaring crescendos of “A Dream in Static,” Earthside commanded the stage with effortless precision. Guitarist Jamie van Dyck’s intricate riffs danced seamlessly alongside Frank Sacramone’s thunderous drumming, while keyboardist Ben Shanbrom added layers of ethereal texture to the sonic landscape. Bassist Ryan Griffin held down the groove with undeniable flair, anchoring the band’s expansive soundscapes with his pulsating rhythms.
As Earthside’s set reached its climax, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, their fervent cheers echoing throughout the venue. With a final bow, the band bid farewell to Nashville, leaving an indelible mark on all who bore witness to their transcendent performance.
After a brief intermission filled with eager anticipation, the stage was once again alight with energy as Australia’s own Caligula’s Horse took their place in the spotlight. With a reputation for delivering electrifying live shows, the band wasted no time in launching into a set filled with passion, precision, and unbridled creativity.
From the pulsating rhythms of “Dream the Dead” to the ethereal melodies of “Slow Violence,” Caligula’s Horse captivated the audience with their signature blend of progressive rock and metal. Guitarists Sam Vallen and Adrian Goleby traded blistering solos with effortless grace, their fingers flying across the fretboard with unparalleled dexterity.
Bassist Dale Prinsse and drummer Josh Griffin formed a formidable rhythm section, laying down a foundation of thunderous grooves and intricate polyrhythms. Their tight, cohesive playing provided the perfect backdrop for frontman Jim Grey’s soaring vocals, which effortlessly traversed a wide range of emotions and octaves.
As the set progressed, Caligula’s Horse treated the audience to a diverse array of musical offerings, from the atmospheric beauty of “Atlas” to the relentless intensity of “The Cannon’s Mouth.” Each song was delivered with unwavering passion and conviction, leaving no doubt as to the band’s formidable talent and artistic vision.
Yet it was during the epic closer, “Rust,” that Caligula’s Horse truly left their mark on the audience. As Grey’s haunting vocals reverberated through the venue, a sense of collective catharsis swept over the crowd. With its soaring melodies and poignant lyrics, “Rust” served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music, leaving not a dry eye in the house.
As the final notes faded into the night, the audience erupted into rapturous applause, their cheers echoing off the historic walls of Exit/In. For those fortunate enough to bear witness to Caligula’s Horse and Earthside’s unforgettable performance, it was a night to remember—one filled with moments of raw emotion, unbridled energy, and undeniable talent. As the crowd spilled out into the streets of Nashville, the echoes of the evening’s music lingered in the air, a testament to the enduring power of progressive rock and the unbreakable bond between artist and audience.
North America w/ Earthside (January/February)
01/31 Union Stage – Washington,DC
02/01 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA
02/02 Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA
02/03 The Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
02/04 Le Studio TD – Montreal, QC
02/06 The Axis Club – Toronto, ON
02/07 Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
02/08 Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
02/10 Exit – Nashville, TN
02/12 The Underground – Charlotte, NC
02/13 The Masquerade (Hell) – Atlanta, GA
02/15 Come Take it Live – Austin, TX
02/16 Granada Theatre – Dallas, TX
02/18 Nile Half House – Phoenix, AZ
02/19 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
02/20 The Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA
02/21 Cornerstone – Berkley, CA
02/23 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
02/24 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
02/25 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC
Australian East Coast w/ WHEEL (April)
25/04 Max Watts – Melbourne, VIC
26/04 Manning Bar – Sydney, NSW
27/04 Triffid – Brisbane, QLD
Europe & UK (May/June)
14/05 Kent Club – Hamburg, DE
15/05 Hole44 – Berlin, DE
16/05 Rock Cafe – Prague, CZ
17/05 Backstage Club – Munich, DE
18/05 Analog – Budapest, HU
20/05 The Factory – Verona, IT
21/05 Legend Club – Milan, IT
22/05 Exil – Zurich, CH
23/05 Luxor – Cologne, DE
24/05 Boerderij – Zoetermeer, NL
25/05 Muziekgieterij – Maastricht, NL
26/05 Melkweg – Amsterdam, NL
27/05 Backstage – Paris, FR
29/05 Rescue Rooms – Nottingham, UK
30/05 Thekla – Bristol, UK
31/05 Gorilla – Manchester, UK
01/06 O2 Academy Islington – London, UK
Tickets available at caligulashorse.com
Caligula’s Horse are:
Jim Grey – lead vocals
Sam Vallen – lead guitar
Josh Griffin – drums
Dale Prinsse – bass
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