Fit For A King came to Rochester, NY, on one of the final stops of their Lonely God Tour with Invent Animate, Ten56, and Acres to continue the excitement from their Album last year with the same name. It was my first time seeing all of these bands live, and my first time at Anthology, so I was in for a multitude of surprises.
UK Metalcore band Acres had a few hiccups coming onto stage, but when the technical difficulties subsided, they used the anticipation to their advantage to turn that annoyance into pure energy. Acres did exactly what they needed to do: set the tone for the evening. Frontman Ben Lumber engaged the crowd with demand as they played through songs “Built To Bleed” and “Lost”. This is a band to watch out for, and if you aren’t listening to them, you’re behind.
Turning up the heat was Ten56, coming out strong with their song “Doormat”. Originally from Paris, France, I was shocked by how incredibly heavy but intentional this band was. Lighting the crowd up with their high energy, guitars swinging, and screams to vibrate off the walls. Their music explores dark and introspective themes, including “Diazepam”. I was so impressed with their ability to read the crowd, release their chaos, and know when to pull back to allow the tension to fill the quiet of their heavy down-tuned songs
Invent Animate was next, and fans almost convinced me they were the headliner with the surge in the crowd, packed in tightly. Outstretched hands welcomed the band to the stage, reaching for the energy they were ready to fill the crowd with. Starting their incredible set off with “Absence Persistent”, they were coming to Rochester to make a statement. Lead singer, Marcus Vik, has a way of commanding the stage and crowd with spins and lyrics that suck you into a trance.
By the time Fit For A King took the stage, there was not a space on the floor that wasn’t filled to be – ready to breathe in the tunes. Fit For A King has made a name for themselves for more than just metalcore veterans, but for pure energy and verses that hit fans deep within their souls. Circle pits formed and Ryan Kirby commanded the crowd while bassist Ryan O’Leary’s melodies danced around the room with his signature guitar spins. Crowd surfers came from every direction, reaching for the music as if the notes floated along the air. “Shattered Glass”, “God of Fire”, and songs like “Breaking The Mirror” brought fans on a journey through their albums. Their encore brought us to an emotional finish with “Witness The End”, a great wrap to remind bands why they stop in Rochester on any tour leg.
Fit For A King reminded fans why they sit at the top of the metalcore scene and have paved the way for others bands to follow their lead. Don’t miss out on seeing them this summer before they head over the pond to Brazil and Australia. This tour was one of the best lineups with four incredible bands giving us a night that we won’t forget for awhile. And with that, we’ll see you next time in the pit.
Amanda Miller
Photographer + Concert Reviewer for Good News York
Thank you to Caitlin McGeehan at Atom Splitter for the accreditation.
