On Friday, December 19th, From Ashes To New hosted a memorable hometown event at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center. The show sold out quickly, showing just how strong the loyalty is for this close-knit group of Pennsylvania bands. From the moment the doors opened, you felt an instant sense of community that reminded me of why so many talented artists and scenes continue to grow and thrive from PA.
As a fellow local capturing this event meant so much to me. It was a celebration of support that only a hometown crowd could offer.
The night started with Twist It from Philadelphia, PA, who wasted no time making an impact. Blending pop and metal elements, Twist It leans toward a modern djent-inspired sound that sets them a part from other artists within the same genre.
The band features vocalist and powerhouse frontwoman Kayla Hallman, guitarist Logan Smith, and drummer Sara Higgins. Their on-stage chemistry is electric. Kayla’s vocals paired with their unique sound made it clear why they were a perfect fit for the lineup.
If I had to pick a favorite moment, “Undertow” stood out, keeping the crowd captivated from start to finish. They kicked off the night with a great stage presence, effortlessly setting the tone for everything that followed.
One song I highly recommend is their latest single, “Runaway,” which captures that familiar urge to escape and the feeling of being pulled under. It hit hard from start to finish.
Next up were Harrisburg’s own metalcore band, What Lies Below, known for their deep roots in the local scene and the fierce loyalty of their fans. Their heavy sound and mix of harsh/clean vocals sounds even more powerful live.
For fans of progressive metal and metalcore in general, What Lies Below is a must-see. Experiencing their raw energy live was unforgettable based off of the crowd’s reaction, and it really showed how much they are respected locally. I shared a core memory in the pit during their set, joining in as crowd surfers of all ages made their way to the front repeatedly.
The band includes vocalist and frontman Andrew Watson, guitarist and vocalist Mike Watson, Zach Erickson on bass, Sam Hart on guitar, and Jonah Luteman on drums. In 2025, What Lies Below released three new songs, each adding fresh intensity to their live set.
Following them were more hometown legends, If Not For Me, a staple in Pennsylvania’s metalcore scene, still proving why they’ve built such a loyal following.
This band features Hayden Calhoun on guitar, Patrick Glover on vocals, Cody Frain on drums, and Zac Allen on bass. Their set was emotionally charged with a striking balance between heavy aggression and vulnerability.
Their recent single, “Retrograde,” has become a favorite of mine. Its blend of clean and harsh vocals and driving beats came across perfectly live, keeping everyone engaged from start to finish.
Finally, From Ashes To New took the stage, the room erupting the moment they appeared. They owned the stage immediately, feeding off the energy of fans who had been waiting all night for this moment.
Originating from Lancaster, PA, From Ashes To New has become a powerhouse in the modern rock scene, known for mixing hard rock, metal, and hip-hop. The band features Danny Case on vocals, Matt Brandyberry on vocals and bass, Lance Dowdle on guitar, and Maty Madiro on drums.
The connection with the crowd was undeniable as sing-alongs filled the venue. This show was a full-circle moment for the band, celebrating their progress while honoring their roots.
My favorite song they played was “Through it All,” which was the first I ever heard by them when they were rising in the local scene. I couldn’t help but sing along with everyone else.
This night was a reminder of the strength of Pennsylvania’s music community and the support that keeps it thriving. From local openers to headline acts, every artist made this sold-out show one to remember.
In the end, it truly felt like home. Clearly, Pennsylvania’s music scene is thriving for good reason.
