NEW YORK, NY–I have followed Emmure their entire career: From a little known metal band that could barely fill a Jersey legion hall all the way to the band that is signed to one of the largest labels on the independent scene and selling out major venues all over the country.
I was brought to my knees by their performance at NYC’s Blender Theatre–brought to my knees. Though I’m not too big on their latest album, The Respect Issue, Emmure’s live rendition of the album is something that can’t be put into words. I don’t think the smile left my face as I watched the band perform the most exciting set ever, featuring songs from the Needlework EP, Goodbye To The Gallows and Respect Issue.
At one point during the set, every band on the tour, Legia, On Broken Wings and Recon, were on stage spraying water into the crowd, grabbing mics to sing along and in true rock star fashion, blazing to stage right.
The Emmure set was just the cherry on the hardcore sundae, however. Everyone at the show was lucky that there was still a venue left after the Recon set. Seriously, if you’ve never seen Recon live, please go; they have the innate ability to bring out the animal in every person in the crowd. When they sing, “I will have my revenge!” its almost like they are speaking to you directly and telling you to take out every frustration from times past on any person that gets in the way of your spin kick.
I can not forget to give props to On Broken Wings; it was my first time seeing them live and it will not be my last, mark my words. They found a fan in me that night.
Even though all the bands on this tour make insanely tough music, they have to be some of the nicest and funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Did I mention how down to earth they are? Name one mainstream band that works their own merchandise table and is kind enough to hold a conversation with each person that come their way. Didn’t think you could.
Kudos guys on being hardcore with a heart.
