Psychoframe came out and showed they’re not playing around by cranking the bass so high the speakers were jumping on stage along with the crowd. Between the two vocalists, the energy was so big it felt like the small stage could barely contain it.
Gates To Hell didn't let the energy dip, with three guitarists headbanging in sync, their hair whipping through the air like wind turbines and giving the sweaty room a much-needed breeze. Their heavy instrumentals and passionate growls from the vocalist kept the audience hyped from start to finish of their set.
When Stick To Your Guns came on stage, the chaos unfolded as if the gates to metal hell itself opened along with the circle pits in the middle, and the restless tornado of passionate fans didn’t stop for almost the entirety of the set. Fans were climbing onto the small stage and launching themselves into the crowd, while the band had to battle the madness themselves as cables were nearly yanked out and the guitarist caught a mic stand to the teeth.
Soma is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall venue without any frills or glamour, tucked between two gyms and a convenience store. But if there's ever a way to get up close to the bands, this is the spot. You’ll feel the rush of air from the hair whips or catch some sweat from their drenched T-shirts landing on your arm.
Boundaries had an unconventional intro by blasting Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" through the speakers covered in metal-themed illustrations. At this point the audience was up for anything, even for the Titanic classic, and when the band finally made it onto the stage, the anticipation was through the roof and the small room could barely contain it.
The chaos from the last set carried straight into Boundaries’ performance, with stray limbs flying high above the sea of hyped-up fans. People were climbing onto the stage, fists fighting in the air, and when the band declared, “The stage is yours, our instruments are yours, the night is yours,” the crowd didn’t need to be told twice.
The synergy was magnetic as both sides were giving as much as they got. Even the band seemed shocked at the turnout of their sold-out show that packed the room so tight that some fans had spilled into the hallways, peeking through doors just to catch a glimpse.
The night felt like a much-needed release for both the fans and all the performing bands, a cathartic blur where everyone let loose, embraced the chaos, and let themselves get completely lost in the heavy riffs.
