This January Periphery kicked off the Juggernaut Tour to support the release of their double album of the same name. This show was one hell of a first concert for the new year, featuring a diverse lineup of talent that made for a phenomenal evening.
Opening the show was Montclair, NJ progressive rock outfit Thank You Scientist, who delivered a stunning set of infectious, jazz-infused compositions that are fun and exciting. To be honest, I only knew Thank You Scientist exist because of this tour but after witnessing their tight execution and jaw-dropping performance I am most certainly a fan. They are a band to look out for in the years to come.
Up next was Wovenwar, the outfit that brings together the former members of As I Lay Dying with Oh, Sleeper frontman Shane Blay. The band did an excellent job – not surprising considering the caliber of musicians the band consists of – effortlessly navigating the complexity of the select cuts they chose to perform from their self-titled release. The band had great presence that did not lack energy. They swayed the audience with the dual vocal performance brought by bassist Josh Gilbert and Blay; dazzled with the melodically heavy acrobatics of guitarists Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hipa; and rattled the venue with the aid of drummer Jordan Mancino’s thunderous power. These seasoned musicians may be starting from square one with the new band but I don’t see it taking them long to establish themselves once more.
Serving as direct support for the tour was Texas alternative metal outfit Nothing More, another group that I was more than unfamiliar with until more recently. Shame on me for that because the band floored me with a flawless set that was undeniably entertaining. Nothing More is more than a band but an ensemble of true showmen that ooze energy and raw power. From the moment they hit the stage until the last note of their set the group was electric. Again, this was another band that I cannot recall hearing of until more recently, which I honestly cannot believe that I was unaware of such a great live act – that has been around for over a decade nonetheless. The band were fun and eclectic in their execution such that the audience was captivated the entire time.
Closers Periphery were nothing short of amazing and on point in their presentation. The D.C. based djent outfit could not have picked a better title for their upcoming double-album because that moniker is exactly what they have become. The crowd roared as the band walked onstage and proceeded to deliver an impeccable performance with hypnotic stage lights that complemented the chugging riffs and booming rhythms of the progressive metal sextet. Vocalist Spencer Sotelo’s clean vocals were vibrant and his growls coarse and powerful. The guitar trio of Misha Mansoor, Jake Bowen, and Mark Holcomb blended perfectly between heavy, crushing riffs and soaring melodies. Drummer Matt Halpern’s pounding articulation and bassist Adam “Nolly” Getgood’s slick bass lines accentuated and really brought everything together. The band enthralled the audience and fed off their energy, inciting mosh pits and intense crowd participation throughout the entire set. Periphery is an absolute powerhouse live and on record, it is no wonder why they have risen to become one of most influential acts in recent years.
This tour is certainly living up to its name, leaving a trail of . If this tour is making a stop near you I highly suggest you attend, you will not regret it. Tonight is the 9th stop of the 28-date trek at the Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, NM. The remaining itinerary can be found here.
Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega are scheduled for release next week on January 27th through Sumerian. The former is currently stream in its entirety, you can listen to it here.