Let's just jump into this one, shall we? Is there anyone in the metalcore/heavy music scene that isn't aware of the legends in The Home Team? For over a decade, the band has been putting in the work to become one of the most exciting, electrifying, and enticing bands in the scene. They recently stopped by on The Crucible of Life Tour alongside Makari and Arrows in Action for a sold-out show at The Studio at the Bomb Factory. A night full of moshing, crowd-surfing, baddie-core mischief, and memories that will last a lifetime. If you missed this show, you really did miss out.
Kicking the night off with a GIANT bang was UnityTX. Now, you might be saying to yourself, "Wait, they weren't listed on the bill. What's going on?". Well... Let me tell you. The Home Team took to social media to announce that for a select few dates of their tour, they're adding a special guest. Dallas was lucky enough to have the hometown heroes in UnityTX be that special guest. The Home Team stated:
"For the first 7 years of our band, any chance we got, we’d try to be the local opener for a national tour. Getting that chance was always huge for us, so we wanted to add some bands we like to select dates of The Crucible of Life tour! All of these bands rip, and you should go listen to them even if they’re not playing your city.
LA: @itstruenorth
Dallas: @unitytx
Worcester: @pulsesva
Chicago: @actadvband
Minneapolis: @sifynmusic"
There's not many acts I know that can have the vocalist from the headlining band out to watch their entire set, but UnityTX checked that box off easy. Immediately exploding into an insane set full of moshing, breakdowns, and a desire to set the night off correctly, the fans in attendance did the best they could to match that energy on stage. I've probably seen UnityTX perform a dozen times on a variety of stages and bills, and each and every time they continue to exceed my expectations. If you're unaware of UnityTX, you better fix that issues ASAP.
Hitting the stage next was Makari. Led by Andy Cizek, who if I was to name every band he has had a part in would need it's own article, the band gave a nice vibe change from UnityTX. Incorporating elements of heavy with some groovy pop-punk type vibes, fans were here for it. All you could see as you looked across the venue was a sea of fans and venue staff alike vibing to the music and dancing the night away. Each and every moment of Makari's set continued to amplify that energy and they did not let up once the entire night. While this was my first time getting to experience Makari live, I hope that this is not my last!
Arrows in Action came out to a primed and ready crowd, thanks to the work from Makari. I had no idea what to expect from the trio, but I was anything but disappointed. I don't think there was any better choice to fit the direct support slot for this tour other than Arrows in Action. As the night progressed, the band kept feeding off the energy from the crowd, and made sure to deliver a performance of a lifetime. I thought the highlight of the set had to be when drummer Jesse Frimmel left the kit to assist on vocal duty. I sincerely hope that Arrows in Action will be back in the DFW area as soon as possible.
After much moshing, dancing, partying, and livin' it up, it was finally time for The Home Team to grace the stage. Sitting here and thinking about it, I don't think I've actually had the luxury of seeing The Home Team live. I won't sit here and lie and say I've been a "Day 1" fan, but I did learn of the band years ago due to the deathcore band For The Likes Of You and Ryne Olson's involvement in the project. Between that randomly coming across the song "She's Quiet" on Spotify one day, I have been hooked for quite a while.
Hearing the roar of applause from the fans in attendance as the band took the stage was not only deafening, but something that could make the jaw of anyone drop to the floor. It seemed no matter where you looked that there was someone screaming to their heart's content. With their signature heavy-pop/ baddie-core/ metalcore sound, it was one of the best performances I've seen not only this year, but maybe even for a few years now.
As the band continued to give one an insane performance, including a quick vocal feature from Arrows in Action, I don't think I'd be able to choose a moment as my favorite. Getting to hear "Walk This World With Me" live for the first time might have to take that spot, though, if I just had to choose a top moment. The worst moment of the night should be as obvious as can be. Of course I'm talking about when The Home Team unfortunately had to say goodnight to the people of Dallas.
As the tour continues on until around the beginning of December, almost every stop of the tour is sold out or is just about to sell out. If you somehow haven't gotten a chance to get tickets for this run, you better hope you can find some decently priced resale tickets and don't make the same mistake next time around!
