Escape the Fate + Black Tide + William Control - Middle East (Cambridge, MA; Feb. 22, 2009)

For some of us at melophobe, attending a Hot-Topic sponsored, all-ages screamo/post hardcore/thrasher metal show is about as appealing as Dante’s ninth circle of hell. But some of us ARE fourteen, experiencing our first mosh pit, and praying the Middle East doesn’t announce our name over the loudspeakers as our mom disapprovingly waits at the top of the steps (that happened a handful of times). Yes, the sold-out Middle East was full of eager, underage kids ready to sing, jump, mosh, and thrash to Escape the Fate, Black Tide, William Control and Attack Attack. We couldn’t quite comprehend the appeal of the groups that relied on screamed lyrics and backing tracks more than the guitars that laid limp in their hands. But the young kids from Black Tide played straight-up retro metal with fierce riffs and in-your face-guitar solos. We get that. It’s no wonder Black Tide is getting so much attention from the metal scene.

Ohio’s own Attack Attack opened the Boston night of the This War is Ours tour. Their laryngitis delivery, mixed with dips into drum machine dance interludes, caught on quickly with the crowd. Maybe it was the long wait in the sleet and rain that brought such energy for an opening band, but there was an unusual intensity to the pumped fist banter from lyricist Nick Barham. 

And now for something completely different. As the natty voice behind Seattle’s Aiden, Wil Francis has been recently touring solo in support of his disc Hate Culture under the pseudonym William Control. Backed by a flailing guitarist, Francis vogued across the stage and posed out his lyrics of dark isolation. Grainy film clips accompanied the music, setting a gothic counterpoint to the rest of the evening’s music. Wil voices the teen angst unique to gay teens, a group whose silent struggle all too often results in suicidal actions. In style and music, here was the authentic voice that should be raised against the often homophobic world of hard rock.

The (re)ascendancy of metal (thanks Metallica and Rock Band) found its chosen son(s) in the wailing riffs and punishing arpeggios of Black Tide. Though by far the most recognizable name on the bill—at least for this 30 year old reviewer—the boys in black did not ride a lightning of success through the Middle East Downstairs. Their story of underage problems for the Ozzfest sponsors (Jägermeister does support family values after all), and Sharon’s support, makes for a great backstory. In my view, the only story you need is to listen as they shred “Shout” and “Shockwave” into your eardrums. Once these guys are all old enough to drive, they will go even further.

Headliners get all the love. Better lights, more crowd recognition, and in the case of Escape the Fate, double transparent stage signs with their name tattooed in full glory. Like Attack Attack, the band has gone through the trauma of replacing their lead singer and has come through unscathed. The style of This War is Ours is a huge departure from the more straight-ahead rock sound of their first album. Nonetheless, it seems to leave the kids wanting more. Craig Mabbitt launched his voice and body full into the crowd, offering his whole self to their adoring cheers. Look for Escape the Fate to continue their success this summer on the Warped Tour.

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