March 10th Detroit, Michigan – It was a Thursday night in ‘the D’ and most of the metalheads that I knew were getting ready to head down to The Fillmore for what was sure to be a great night of live music. I’ve seen Killswitch several times over the years but this would be my first time seeing August Burns Red. I’ve been a fan of the band for a couple years now and really dig a bunch of their songs but I’ve heard seeing them live is a must. Myself and two friends got there around 7:00pm, grabbed my ticket and we headed into the concert. We had a few minutes before the show started to walk around, chat with a few friends that we ran into and then grabbed a drink and headed down for  the first band of the night. A newer project for Howard Jones, ex-Killswitch Engage singer. A band called Light The Torch.

Light The Torch was really good, which I already knew from the couple songs that I had heard of over the past few years and when they were called Devil You Know, but seeing this band live was different. All very talented musicians that played well together and Howard’s voice still had the power and range he’s always had. Great set from the guys and the perfect way to start out the night with this lineup. Loved finally hearing ‘The Safety of Disbelief’ played live. That’s always been a favorite of mine from them.

Next up was August Burns Red and it was time to see what all the hype was about regarding them and the whole ‘must see them live’ tag that so many people that I knew kept throwing out to me. Well, they were right. What a great band and so much energy. They literally blew the stage power after the first few songs and just kind of laughed about it for the 2 minutes or so it took to get everything fired back up. There wasn’t a song that I didn’t like and they were so fun to watch. Every member of the band was extremely talented and had great stage presence but the drummer just blew me away. This guy was a total beast on the kit and and not only was he an incredible drummer he was so fun to watch. He totally reminded me of Morgan Rose from Sevendust with his talent and his style. I’m an even bigger August Burns Red fan now and I want to give a big nod to them for shouting out having some of ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’ early in the day, Eminem’s new restaurant downtown. Great set, good stuff.

A quick break to grab a last drink and chat a bit more with some people and it was time for Killswitch Engage. I’ve lost track of exactly how many times I’ve seen them but I know it’s at least 6 or 7. I knew what to expect and have always really enjoyed this band but it never ceases to amaze me how good they are live and how many great songs they have. I love watching these guys do their thing, amazing chemistry, so heavy and so much fun to watch. Song after song cranked out and the band literally had a production line of crowd surfing going non-stop throughout the entire set. It was really something amazing to see. All that in addition to the little mosh pits that broke out in different areas of the main floor made it extra fun to watch, not only the band but the crowd just going all out and having such a good time. I loved the choice of songs for their set but I always look forward to seeing them do ‘Hate By Design’, ‘Always’ and ‘In Due Time’ live. I really need to give Jesse props too because he’s gotten so good at singing and screaming, something that wasn’t happening that first album when Jesse was the original singer. He really stepped up, obviously because of having to do some of the Howard stuff, but also to keep Killswitch going in that direction. I totally respect that and I’m glad that it happened. I love the way they have sounded this last four or five albums. The band ended their set with Howard Jones coming out for a few songs and even though we knew it was going to happen, it still got everyone riled up and the crowd went crazy. It was great to see him back doing those couple songs but it literally gave me goosebumps when they played ‘The End of Heartache’ and the place just erupted. Almost everyone in attendance actually drowned out the band. Another great Killswitch Engage experience.

Wrapping it up, a much needed night of live metal music was had. It was great to see everyone having such a good time, every band was on their A-game and delivered exactly what everyone wanted and at the end of the show it was total satisfaction. Thanks Killswitch Engage, August Burns Red and Light The Torch. Thanks for giving us a reason to go out on a weeknight and thanks for bringing the metal. Until the next one !

– Howie