chiodos makes the wellmont theater come alive on 11/23/35

Review by Micahel Palmeri
Photography by Alyssa Arroyo

I consider myself a pretty big post-hardcore fan, so I’m kind of kicking myself for not having started listening to Chiodos years ago. But November 23rd, at The Wellmont Theater, I got possibly the best introduction to the band I could’ve asked for. Before even talking about Chiodos’ show, I really have to talk about the openers: Big Ass Truck and Emmure (also Hawthorne Heights).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Ass Truck and Emmure are quite possibly the best bands I’ve ever seen as openers. I was high up in an upper balcony seat, but from what I could tell, the pit was like an absolute zoo (in the best way possible). My seats were fantastic—I could actually *see* the stage from them,
which is typically a problem for me considering my height—but Big Ass Truck and Emmure’s music was like a “MUST MOSH” signal sent directly into my cells. And considering that seemed to be the point, I say that was a great thing.

Hawthorne Heights came on after Emmure, and I must admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Hawthorne Heights. The sonic whiplash between Emmure and Hawthorne Heights was so intense that I think it knocked the wind out of me, but I think that may have been on purpose. It’s like a palate cleanser—Big Ass Truck and Emmure were both pretty heavy bands, heavier than Chiodos. Hawthorne Heights served as a good counterpoint to that while not feeling *completely* jarring. The crowd seemed to really like Hawthorne Heights’ performance, and a not insignificant amount of people came specifically excited to see *them*, so I’ll say they did good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then Chiodos came on. Well, scratch that. First, a some mysterious phantom in a black hood swinging a pendulum came on first. Eerie music and all. That’s the kind of theatrical nonsense I absolutely love, so I was hyped just from that. And *then* the band actually came
on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First of all, Craig Owens’ voice live is actually jaw dropping. I’m half convinced that man sold his soul or something, because wow, can you save some talent for the rest of us, Craig? Second of all, whoever the lighting designer was for this show needs an award or something. I know the
lighting is a bit of an odd thing to notice, but I’m a huge nerd, so I always do. The lighting at this show was so good I could’ve cried. Third, one of the guitarists also did keys *and* additional vocals, and that guy was an absolute legend. Spectacular on both of his instruments, and
amazing vocals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The setlist that night was spectacular, too. A good, healthy mix of fan-favorites and deep-cuts. I hadn’t known whether to expect a straightforward back-to-back play through of All’s Well That Ends Well (this is the 20th anniversary tour of that album) or more of mixed setlist, but I’m happy we got the latter. They ended the night with my personal favorite song (which, I’ll admit, is a pretty basic choice): Baby, You Wouldn’t Last A Minute On The Creek. All in all, Chiodos at The Wellmont Theater was an amazing time and probably one of the best shows I’ve been to so far this year.