Sharkey’s in Liverpool has long been a staple of the Syracuse hardcore and local music community. Whether it’s volleyball leagues, casual bar food, or stacked lineups, Sharkey’s has proven time and time again that it’s a venue that shows up for its people. When I found out the show had oversold and needed to be moved to the outdoor pavilion, my first thought was the obvious one—January in Syracuse is no joke. Endless Fire was putting on this show to get us ready for a series leading up to their ultimate Summer Fest, making us wish for warmer days.
But somehow, it worked. Whether it was Sharkey’s impressive winterization efforts or simply the collective heat of a packed hardcore crowd refusing to be slowed down by the cold, the night felt electric. It was a reminder of what makes this scene special: people show up, no matter the conditions.
Frozen Ground and Unreal City kicked off the night, immediately setting the tone with no wasted time. Their sets were loud, relentless, and exactly what was needed to wake up the crowd and get bodies moving. Cross of Disbelief followed, backed by a group of fans who clearly came ready—every breakdown hit harder with the pit responding right on cue.
Nasty was the band that caught me off guard in the best way. Celebrating their first overseas tour in the United States, their set felt like a full-on celebration of hardcore’s reach and unity. The band’s gratitude was undeniable, and the Syracuse crowd returned that energy tenfold. By the time their set wrapped, it was clear this wasn’t just another stop on a tour—it was a moment. I walked away wanting more, which is exactly what a great hardcore set should leave you with.
The atmosphere shifted the moment Missing Link stepped up. The crowd was already primed, but as the first notes hit, the energy skyrocketed from 50 to 100 in a heartbeat. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a takeover. Locals pulled up their sleeves and began a relentless cycle of stage runs and crowd-crashing, turning the room into a whirlwind of motion. There is an “inner circle” feel to a Missing Link set. If you weren’t already a fan, the sheer intensity and the seamless synchronization between the band and the pit made you feel like you were missing out on a well-kept secret. It was true hardcore fashion: dense, dangerous, and demanding. By the time they finished, the FOMO was real for anyone who hadn’t yet joined the club
Following that level of intensity is no easy feat, but Haywire was ready to roll. One of the most refreshing aspects of their set—and the genre at large—is the lack of theatrical ego. There’s no grand entrance; just a “let’s get to work” attitude, punctuated by their signature movie-clip intros. Opening with their self-titled anthem, they immediately locked the crowd into a groove of catchy, energetic jams that make head-nodding mandatory.
Between the riffs, the band shared some major milestones, announcing upcoming music and a high-profile tour with Dropkick Murphys. However, the highlight of the set was the vulnerability. The singer took a moment to bridge the gap with the audience, sharing the personal histories behind “Feeling Depressed” and “Always By My Side.” It’s easy for outsiders to dismiss hardcore as noise, but when you hear a band lay bare their hardships and inspirations, it becomes impossible not to be captivated.
This night was a reminder that hardcore is a lifestyle. It’s a community of dedicated souls who will show up in 20-degree weather just to feel that connection in the pit. It’s about the stories told behind the screams and the shared sweat of the crowd.
Hardcore lives and breathes in rooms like this. And with that—we’ll see you in the pit.
-AM
