Danny Wimmer Presents – higher identified by the DWP acronym – has redefined the rock competition expertise within the US, turning it right into a masterclass in music promotion since 2011. Nowhere is that this extra evident than at Louder Than Life, Louisville’s premier rock competition, which has grown from its modest beginnings with 36,000 attendees to almost 200,000 rock fans in 2024. Because the competition celebrated its tenth anniversary this yr, the objective was clear: to not solely preserve however to amplify its legacy, delivering a multi-day spectacle that geared toward rocking tougher, sooner, and most significantly, louder than ever earlier than. Within the wake of a historic 2023, the anticipation was palpable because the crowds started to fill the occasion grounds beneath a cloudy and overcast day that appeared the best setting to kickstart the festivities.
Day One: Numerous Sounds and Festive Moments Begin The Festivities With A Bang
Among the many bands to grace the stage throughout Thursday’s phase of this four-day occasion was Boston-born indie rock band Lifeless Poet Society. Their seven-song set highlighted their eclectic and infrequently eccentric mix of musical influences and showmanship. The band’s sound – which they liken to an previous seven-string that guitarist Jack Collins had bought throughout his highschool days, and subsequently had all of its frets soldered off in order that it couldn’t be performed usually – definitely defies standard enjoying. From the bluesy swagger of the opening monitor “.CoDA.” to the quirky grooves of “Operating In Circles” the quartet was all about making a scene. This was underscored throughout “Operating In Circles” when vocalist/guitarist Jack Underkofler handed his guitar to Badflower’s Josh Katz and proceeded to have his tattoo artist Annie Miao end a chunk on the naked pores and skin of his very decrease again space, whereas persevering with to sing, staying nonetheless and leaning his physique ahead. Positively a primary, he was belting out the brooding but whimsical verses of “Harm,” by the point Miao was executed along with her needles.
Subsequent on the roster of early afternoon sights had been Los Angeles rockers Budderside, who made a major impression in the course of the early afternoon. Generally known as one of many final bands signed to Motörhead’s former label by Lemmy himself (simply earlier than his passing), Budderside introduced an older faculty mix of gothic and 80s sleaze rock influences to the desk, all of the whereas sustaining the trendy character that has typified American exhausting rock in newer occasions. Led by the raspy and extremely distinctive wail of vocalist and founder Patrick Stone and that includes Quicker Pussycat/Dorothy’s guitarist Sam Bam Koltun and Dorothy/Corey Taylor’s solo bassist Eliot Lorango, they delivered a set filled with vitality and professionalism. Effectively-crafted melodic hooks, hard-edged riff work, tasteful technical shows, and enthusiastic crowd work typified their efficiency, with standout choices together with the ethereal and melancholic “Joker”, the angst-driven and industrial-tinged cruiser “Ain’t Alright” and the heavy rocking crusher “Energy Hour”.
Mexican various rock trio, and frequent competition fixtures, The Warning laid down the exhausting rocking regulation with a transparent eye to the current. Using excessive off the late June launch of their newest studio album Hold Me Fed and quite a few subsequent tour dates, they reserved the overwhelming majority of their stage time to pummeling the lots with new materials from mentioned album. Led by the extremely charismatic persona of frontwoman and guitarist Daniela Villarreal, who might be equated to the twenty first century’s reply to each Ann and Nancy Wilson of Coronary heart, this three-sister outfit had the lots transferring and grooving to punchy banger anthems like “MORE”, Six Toes Deep” and “Hell You Name A Dream”, happening with the Louisville crowd as famously as their favored dwell entries of yesteryear. Drummer Paulina made mincemeat of her package whereas pulling her share of the group work, whereas bassist Alejandra – trying a tad skinnier than the final time we noticed them – laid down some tasty grooves whereas protecting a smile on her face. That mentioned, probably the most raucous response would come on the tail finish of the set once they threw in an energy-infused rendition of fan favourite “Evolve”.
The heaviness issue obtained an enormous improve subsequent, courtesy of Texas metalcore masters Fit For A King. As all the time, the identify of their stage sport would show an uber-kinetic show from all concerned, with bassist/help vocalist Ryan O’Leary and guitarist Daniel Gailey getting their fair proportion of airborne time with their now signature incessant jumps, as lead vocalist Ryan Kirby explored the whole stage and screamed his proverbial coronary heart out. Although all the time a band searching for the heaviest potential mode of expression, their aggression issue has seen a very robust improve in recent times, with pummeling anthems off their two newest albums like present opener “Reaper” and “Vendetta” stealing a lot of the present. A harrowing rendition of their most up-to-date single and cinematic feat “Technium” reigned supreme amongst all in attendance as the top, with a correspondingly insane degree of motion from the group to indicate for it.
Most decibels made means for stylistic intrigue and elaborate visible presentation with the arrival of the Ohio various/progressive rock fold Starset. Their programmatic musical medley in seven elements would encompass heavy use of fog and pyrotechnics that completely accentuated the futuristic theme of their songs, to not point out a grand elevated platform for the drums and keyboards that had been flanked by two violinists, making a cathedral-like association for the eyes and ears alike. Clad of their Sci-Fi-themed costumes, the band moved concerning the stage in a methodical but natural style amid a sea of dancing lights amid the smoke and flames. Kicking issues off was the leadoff single of their upcoming album “Courageous New World”, bathing the viewers in a sea of spacey symphonic ambiance whereas stomping the airwaves with a pummeling metallic groove. Just lately unleashed second single “Degenerate” additionally noticed a boisterous efficiency amongst an assortment of acquainted anthems like “Carnivore” and “My Demons” and was equally effectively obtained as anticipation for his or her upcoming fifth studio LP continues to mount.
Los Angeles various rockers Badflower got here up subsequent, with a extra standard method to rocking this huge home with no partitions, and arguably codified themselves because the emo rock group that each lady in attendance beloved. This isn’t an train in hyperbole, as quite a few younger girls within the entrance row might be noticed tearing up as they sang alongside to this outfit’s second ode “Don’t Hate Me”. Frontman Josh Katz – showing on stage for a second time within the day – and wearing overalls together with his hair dyed in pink beneath a neon inexperienced hat, was the principle point of interest, delivering passionate vocal traces throughout rousing energy ballads like “Ghost” and “The Jester”, whereas his bandmembers had been no slouches within the vitality division. Their set reached its pinnacle throughout their closing rendition of “Stalker” when Katz proceeded to dive off the stage and crowd-surf to the present’s conclusion whereas nonetheless maniacally singing whereas his physique was horizontally being held by tons of of fingers.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has given rise to some notable abilities, however few are as compelling as Highly Suspect. The band’s distinctive mix of gritty guitars, unconventional keyboard rhythms, and a cinematic method to sound, blended with hip-hop influences, type a sound that stands out, particularly in a dwell setting. Their set exemplified this, beginning extra calmly and steadily constructing as much as an intense and highly effective climax. Amid the ocean of witnessing souls had been quite a few indicators that includes the letters “MCID”, the acronym for My Crew Is Dope, figuring out probably the most diehard members of their international fan base that had been in attendance. This quintet of eclectic and forward-looking rockers, led by the haunting and soulful vocal efficiency of helmsman and guitarist Johnny Stevens, delivered an intensely concerned but accessible medley of 9 choose anthems because the afternoon daylight started to provide method to night. There have been a number of clear peak moments throughout their efficiency, the lion’s share of them occurring throughout their renditions of the gritty rocker “Lydia” and the extra spacey and industrialized “My Title Is Human”.
South African-turned-American post-grunge mainstays Seether got here to rock out with a no-holds-barred angle, turning many heads with a mix of the anticipated and the surprising. Using excessive on the reception of their just lately launched ninth studio LP The Floor Appears So Far, Shaun and firm did nothing else than swing for the fences, with a stage setup that ditched their extra elaborated and kind of normal blue and purple mild show in favor of a fog machine, with the brand new album’s artwork projected on an enormous LED display screen within the backdrop.
But aside from a ringer displaying of “Judas Thoughts” off the newest album, the band favored the infectious hook and crunchy guitar-driven division, with crowd favorites of yesteryear like “Treatment” and “Rise Above This” sounding massively heavy, underscored by the animated showmanship of bassist Dale Stewart and guitarist Corey Lowery, whereas Morgan caught nearer to the microphone throughout a extremely targeted efficiency. This was Seether in one among their heaviest performances in current reminiscence, and in the end proved to be one of many spotlight showings of the day.
Following the conclusion of Seether’s set, a celebration commenced on stage that includes Sirius XM metallic ambassador Jose Mangin because the MC. Mangin was joined by Mayor Craig Greenberg and Danny Wimmer’s CEO Danny Hayes, each addressing the viewers to acknowledge the tenth Anniversary of the competition and proceeded to reenact the ceremonial “Christening” of the stage that ushered within the first Louder Than Life in 2014. The celebration peak arrived with Hayes “baptizing” Louder Than Life with good luck and higher omens by crushing a bourbon bottle, whereas Greenberg proceeded to smash an acoustic guitar to items, each moments accompanied by hearty cheers by each soul within the viewers, culminated by a gaggle of jets flying over the competition grounds, one among them carrying Danny Wimmer’s spouse.
Jose Mangin would segue the ending of the merriment with the introduction of the subsequent act, enjoying on the contiguous stage, calling lead vocalist Lzzy Hale the perfect singer in his e-book, and remarking about his love for the band and even mentioning that Jay was quickly to be married. Proving the huge introduction that they’d obtained to not be mere hyperbole, Halestorm introduced the hearth with the perfect of them. Spearheaded by the highly effective pipes and extremely charismatic stage presence of Lzzy Hale, who routinely channels the spirits of Janis Joplin, Ann Wilson, Stevie Nicks, and Joan Jett in a singular voice, there was no scarcity of energy and pizzazz as they cycled by way of their 9-song set.
The intro “Elevate Your Horns”, giving method to an explosive rendition of “I Miss The Distress” alone would have been definitely worth the worth of admission, although standout performances of “I Get Off” (together with the compulsory snippet of Coronary heart’s “Loopy On You”) that Lzzy devoted to the ladies within the viewers whereas instructing them to search out the closest set of shoulders to climb upon (which occurred en masse) and a rendition of their current collaborative tune with I Prevail “Can You See Me In The Darkish”, launched earlier this yr, had been additionally standout moments amid a persistently riveting show.
As evening fell over Louisville, 90s punk rock veterans The Offspring introduced their signature angle and vitality to the stage, delivering a 13-song set that by no means misplaced its momentum. Issues kicked off to explosive cheers with the basic hit entry “Come Out And Play”, accompanied by quite a few crowd surfers and a sea of accompanying voices to Dexter Holland’s high-flying wail. Most crowd carnage could be achieved by way of high-octane rockers like “All I Need” and “Unhealthy Behavior”, with cruising fan favorites “The Children Aren’t Alright” and “Gotta Get Away” (the latter was chased by a formidable drum solo show out of just lately recruited package destroyer Brandon Pertzborn additionally inspiring some heavy moshing.
Comedic entries like “Why Don’t You Get A Job” and “Fairly Fly (For A White Man)” noticed no scarcity of crowd participation, as did the rousing and show-ending efficiency of “Self Esteem”. All of that being mentioned, the top of this now 4-decades-old punk rock establishment’s displaying was the bombastic mid-show medley consisting of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man”, Guns ‘N’ Roses’ “Candy Youngster O’ Mine”, “In The Corridor Of The Mountain King” and basic Ramones anthem “Blitzkrieg Bop”, a becoming tribute to this elder statesman act’s elders wrapped in a sonic coup de grace.
Because the cool and overcast climate started to provide method to heavy rain, American metallic stalwarts Five Finger Death Punch got here to take issues up a notch. The standard show of blaring pyrotechnics and dancing lights supplied the right distinction with the starless and uniform blanket of the night sky, and their musical presentation t was no much less explosive. Pummeling riff machines with thunderous beats and roaring shouts akin to “Carry Me Up”, “Jekyll And Hyde” and “By no means Sufficient” had been the order of the hour, reestablishing this outfit’s heavy metallic bona fides at each level whereas additionally inspiring loads of sing-along alternatives throughout these signature refrain hooks that accompany the deafening fury.
A poignant second would even be shared in tribute to the U.S. troops by way of the harrowing energy ballad “Flawed Aspect Of Heaven”, and a haunting one would come to go with their signature cowl of “Home Of The Rising Solar”, seeing lead vocalist Ivan Moody commerce in his berserker roar for a smoother, deep-toned croon amid a extra melancholic musical accompaniment. However much more auspicious than the efficiency itself was Moody’s sense of camaraderie with the viewers, underscored by a second the place he noticed a child within the viewers together with his dad and invited him to hitch the band on stage for the remainder of the efficiency.
Day Two: Mom Nature Will get In The Approach
In a flip of occasions that examined the resilience of each organizers and attendees, the second day of Louder Than Life 2024 was in the end referred to as off as a consequence of relentless climate circumstances. Regardless of the tireless efforts of the competition group, who spent the day in fixed session with meteorologists and native authorities, hopes of salvaging the occasion had been dashed. The group had been on standby, able to seize any window of alternative to open the gates and let the music play. Nevertheless, the persistent wind gusts and unsafe circumstances left no room for compromise. Transient moments of optimism had been overshadowed by the unyielding power of Mom Nature, resulting in the powerful however inevitable determination to cancel the day’s festivities round 7 PM. The security of attendees, artists, and crew took priority, marking a somber but vital conclusion to the day’s occasions.
When unhealthy climate strikes a competition, chaos can rapidly observe – the 2023 ill-fated version of Blue Ridge Rock Competition is the newest instance, typically resulting in disappointment and frustration amongst attendees. However Louder Than Life 2024 managed to show a possible catastrophe right into a story of success. In contrast to different occasions the place mishandled climate disruptions have led to widespread criticism, the Louder Than Life group took a proactive method, protecting festival-goers knowledgeable and glad all through the ordeal. Anyplace over social media, attendees had been grateful for the fixed communication they obtained all through the day.
In a fast response to the canceled performances, organizers additionally provided these with Friday single-day tickets the possibility to attend both Saturday or Sunday. In addition they ready followers for continued rain, offering recommendations on what to carry and organising a particular “Dry Zone” the place attendees may get pleasure from meals, drinks, and merchandise whereas escaping the moist circumstances.
Clearly, one of many competition’s greatest attracts, my beloved Slayer – sure, I’m nonetheless heartbroken about it! -, was unable to carry out, regardless of the organizers’ finest efforts to remodel the schedule. The competition group defined the subsequent day: “Concerning Slayer: We did every little thing we presumably may to have them play tonight or tomorrow, however there are such a lot of transferring elements behind the scenes to including a headliner last-minute onto a day that it simply proved inconceivable. It’s very, very uncommon for that to be efficiently achieved, however please know that regardless of that we nonetheless did completely every little thing in our energy to make it occur for every of you. We needed nothing greater than to listen to tens of 1000’s of followers screaming ‘Slayerrrrr’ collectively.”
Day Three: Defying the Components, Music Continues Amidst The Rain
Following a misplaced second day of exhausting rock and camaraderie as a consequence of inclement climate, day three of the Louder Than Life 2024 competition commenced in less-than-favorable circumstances. For the lion’s share of the day, all through the morning and into the night hour of round 8 PM, the showers had been fixed, various from drizzle to robust precipitations. But in daring defiance, avid followers confirmed as much as see as a lot as they may and make up for misplaced time, battling the continual rain, muddied grassy areas, and quite a few puddles upon the graveled areas to catch their favourite bands.
Among the many earliest sights to grace the rain-soaked lots could be West Chester, Pennsylvania’s personal CKY, bringing their signature mix of other metallic and stoner rock influences to one of many most important phases, partly in celebration of their 25th anniversary as a band. Onlookers responded favorably from the dank grounds earlier than the stage as signature dwell staples like “Connected at The Hip” and “Escape From Hellview” rang out into the open air, although the very best level of their 8 tune set could be their closing collaboration with three members of Crobot in a rendition of Turbonegro’s “All My Mates Are Lifeless”. It was a barely much less raucous efficiency than the one they threw collectively as further friends throughout Crobot’s set at Sonic Temple, however with the help of Brandon Yeagley, Chris Bishop, and Dan Ryan, it did lots to brighten an in any other case dreary morning.
San Francisco-born singer/songwriter Lilith Czar was the subsequent to grace one of many most important phases, marking her first dwell efficiency in over a yr and likewise coinciding with the birthday of her vibrant and ever-smiling drummer Lindsay Martin. Together with her microphone adorned with flowers and donning a white, see-through lace costume, she delivered a extremely impassioned set, flanked by the energetic presence of her supporting band, along with her bassist/backing vocalist and guitarist exploring the stage often, whereas the aforementioned package lady and birthday woman Lindsay bashed away on the drums whereas head-banging and repeatedly sticking her tongue out on the viewers.
The whole 7-song set was a deal with for the ears, although with a few memorable moments occurring throughout her soulful rendition of Stevie Nicks’ “Edge Of Seventeen”, and originally of the closing entry “Anarchy” because the rain receded a bit, and Lilith declared: “I’m so bored with being instructed what to say, what to do, find out how to costume, find out how to sing…fuck all of that, and I do know you guys are the identical, so I wrote this tune for you all”.
The development of solo artists manning the stage continued in additional of a southern meets various rock course courtesy of Tim Montana, bringing a mix of dreary Alice In Chains and bluesy Mick Mars trappings down upon the lots because the rain returned. Tim himself made no secret of his stylistic affinities to the group, mentioning that he had just lately wrapped up a tour with Jerry Cantrell, and upon assembly him it was principally akin to assembly the man trying again at him from the posters on his bed room partitions.
However for all of his banter about his musical heroes, this singer/songwriter introduced his personal mix of higher mid-western nation sensibilities to the desk with a heaping facet order of angle, with rocking anthems like “Savage” and “Ain’t Coming Down” topping off a powerful half-hour set, although the poignant taste of his auditory tribute to America’s troops “Die Immediately” minimize the deepest and left probably the most lasting impression upon all in attendance.
San Diego, California nu-metal exponents P.O.D. had been subsequent on the roster, and the identical slamming, off-the-hook model of stage high-jinks that typified their look at this yr’s Welcome To Rockville competition was on full show. They got here out of the gates swinging with a raucous efficiency of their current album Veritas’ leadoff single “Drop”, which initially featured the vocal abilities of Lamb Of God’s personal Randy Blythe in the course of the studio model. Although the rain’s depth elevated considerably all through their set, it merely accentuated the entire expertise for the group and noticed the primary crowd surfers of the day and a sea of birds being flipped on the skies. From the mud-stomping mayhem in response to the heavy-hitting anthem “Growth”, to the optimistic air struck by the refrain of infectious banger “Alive”, a defiant chord was struck by band and fan alike regardless of being drenched to the bone.
On one of many smaller phases, Atlanta-based rockers The Funeral Portrait introduced a vibrant visible and sonic showcase to the desk. With a powerful penchant for the theatrical, accentuated by all-black outfits that contrasted closely with frontman Lee Jennings’ neon inexperienced locks and the same brilliant and auspicious orange mane of bassist Robert Weston, this was a band that knew how to herald the enjoyable issue.
The interaction between these two alone was sufficient to promote the whole band as masters of the stage, although guitarists Cody Weissinger and Caleb Freihaut weren’t far behind in working the group and transferring round in kinetic style the stage, when not offering help vocals to Jennings’ flamboyant wail. Maybe it was the hype surrounding their just lately unveiled new album Greetings From Suffocate Metropolis, however their rendition of its single “Blood Mom” shone the brightest of the a number of entries rounding out their set, fully undaunted by the continuous deluge pounding the competition grounds.
Trendy metallic rising stars Nothing More got here roaring onto the stage subsequent, enjoying to a packed viewers and giving zero fucks concerning the components. Fueled by the commanding stage presence of helmsman Jonny Hawkins, who effortlessly features because the band’s point of interest (particularly for a lot of the viewers’s feminine contingent given their response to his shirtless stage antics), they relied closely on huge hooks combined with crushing guitars and spacey digital loops to drive dwelling their mix of recent various and progressive rock stylings.
The primary half of their set closely favored their newest album Spirits, kicking off with “Home On Sand” and later that includes a boisterous rendition of infectious banger “If It Doesn’t Harm” that left the group thirsty for extra regardless of the fixed rain. In the end, it was the acquainted odes that got here later that sealed the deal, with the closing efficiency of their smash hit and Energetic Rock chart-topper “This Is The Time” concluding a riveting 9-song set, and seeing Hawkins maniacally drumming on a separate drumkit – he was a drummer himself within the early years of the band. For the information, we miss the times when Hawkins used to journey “The Scorpion Tail”, the ginormous animated construction, they created out of scrap metallic and salvaged auto elements. Beholding that was a deal with in itself.
The relentless rain may need turned the grounds into swarms, however it did not stand an opportunity towards the fierce vitality of Dropkick Murphys. With their distinctive mix of Celtic melodies and punk angle, they reworked a depressing day into an all-out celebration. The Massachusetts-based band wasn’t simply there to carry out – they turned their whole set into an enormous get together. The infectious pleasure within the air was nearly palpable, because the connection between the band and the viewers surged with each be aware. A whole lot of followers, undeterred by the climate and holding banners and flags, sang alongside to fan favorites like “The Boys Are Again,” and “I am Delivery Up To Boston.” It was much less a efficiency and extra a shared second of unbridled enjoyable as if the music alone may carry everybody out of the storm.
Christian-themed Memphis rockers Skillet had been subsequent on the principle stage, packing loads of positivity in every anthem alongside an elaborate stage showcase. John Cooper introduced his normal shtick to the lots, together with a rousing and really well-received speech about equality; blasting his signature handheld smoke cannons on the crowd throughout their efficiency of banger entry “Really feel Invincible” and extra hooks than the common human may deal with. The vitality issue was delivered like clockwork, with Cooper’s spouse and the band’s rhythm guitarist Korey transferring concerning the stage like a deranged animal let unfastened from the cage, and lead guitarist Seth Morrison delivering surgical rhythm & lead guitar elements alternating with Korey’s.
They introduced a not-recently-seen and complex stage setup, consisting of two elevated platforms on both facet of the drum package, the place Korey and Seth stood as they moved up and down respectively, particularly used throughout an explosive efficiency of “Awake And Alive”. At each level, Skillet was a band set on outdoing themselves, and within the course of continuously did so proper up till the closing notes of “The Resistance”, which polished off an excellent 9-song efficiency. In case you had been questioning, in addition they performed their smash new hit “Unpopular” – from their upcoming album “Revolution”, which has amassed multiple and a half million views in a matter of weeks.
Rammstein entrance man turned solo artist Till Lindemann marked a drastic change in course for this present day of rock within the rain in favor of the grotesque, setting forth a spectacle of debauchery not for the faint of coronary heart or the prudish of sensibility. On the backdrop was an enormous LED display screen displaying human lips being stitched, bare our bodies of all sizes and styles, a girl’s clitoris with piercings, nude ladies’s golden showers, picket horses ridden by ladies holding dildos and different numerous pictures wreathed in extraordinarily specific content material, borderline in perversion. It actually checked out time-like the absurd and gory scenes from any of the Noticed movie-saga, drenched with a dose that flirted with porn.
Songs appropriated from Lindemann’s lyrically specific solo ventures like “Fats”, “Blut” and present nearer “Reward Abort” went over splendidly amid the suggestive gesticulations of his help band and the graphic imagery occurring behind them, which was no small feat contemplating the language barrier between the set’s primarily German lyrical content material juxtaposed earlier than an English-speaking viewers. In essence, it was a visually overloading affair and tons of within the rain-soaked lots of onlookers beloved each minute of it.
Social discontent and pummeling riffs had been the order of the night because the rain tapered off and evening crept into the overcast sky courtesy of Los Angeles crossover metallic titans Body Count. Led by the loud and proud persona of rap icon Ice-T, decked out in his signature hoodie and ball cap getup whereas being flanked at both sides by two small LED screens projecting two pictures of the reaper, they projected sufficient decibels outward to prepare dinner the muddied grounds across the stage again to a stable state, with the guitar assault of Ernie C and Juan Of The Lifeless anchored by the relentless and exact drumming of Sick Will. At each alternative, this fold proceeded to get each fan in attendance amped as much as the purpose of combusting, inspiring our bodies to mosh and flail about regardless of the slippery circumstances within the pit.
If there was any flaw within the set that they delivered, it was that all of them however blew their whole load on the very starting with a wonderful medley efficiency of Slayer’s “Raining Blood” and “Postmortem” again to again, which prompted each head in sight to band and made up for mentioned band not with the ability to go away their mark yesterday because of the climate. That being mentioned, the uncooked performances of signature anthems “Cop Killer” and “The Purge” that Body Count turned in weren’t wanting in any sense, nor was their specific rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” – probably the primary time the current single has been performed dwell – that closed out their 9-song set.
Although they weren’t the one headliners to rock the principle phases within the closing hours of Louder Than Life 2024’s third day, nu-metal icons Disturbed had been the final to be caught on digicam because of the inclement circumstances, and in typical style, their 13-song slough was nothing wanting electrifying. They kicked issues off with their current and riff completely satisfied banger “Hey You” and frontman David Draiman’s gritty shouts immediately impressed a sea of cheers and accompanying voices in the course of the choral hook as he and the remainder of the fold bobbed and weaved concerning the stage. With every successive tune, the vitality degree simply continued to develop, spearheaded by energetic anthems like “Ten Thousand Fists” and “Indestructible”, although it might be the band’s signature and haunting rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sound Of Silence” and their pummeling metallic interpretation of Genesis’ “Land Of Confusion” that noticed the explosiveness of the drenched crowd under flip nuclear. However amid all the aforementioned bangers and equally good performances of “Down With The Illness” and “Inside The Hearth” in the course of the encore, probably the most auspicious second was the duet Draiman sang with native Louisville contest winner Kaitlin Webber, which underscored Disturbed’s complete dedication to group and crowd involvement and topped off a very magical night.
Day 4: A Grand Finale Evening of Headbanging and Celebration
Taking a flip for the much less chaotic, the fourth and ultimate day was greeted with milder circumstances beneath an overcast sky. Precipitation was far much less of an element, barring the occasional passing afternoon bathe, permitting for issues to go as deliberate. Attendance for every band was up persistently, rewarding what may solely be described as an unshakable degree of tenacity among the many bands and followers alike to carry this celebration of exhausting rock and spirits to a powerful conclusion.
The flavour of the 4th day of festivities was marked by a way of eclecticism from the beginning, underscored by a efficiency shrouded in mystique courtesy of Berklee Faculty of Music band Undertaking MishraM, who hit the Decibel Stage round 1 PM. Bringing a extremely distinctive mix of progressive metallic, djent, funk, jazz, and digital musical influences to the desk, draped in a template of Indian conventional influences, they’d little problem standing out from the extra normal musical choices of the occasion.
Their visible presentation was no much less fascinating than their sound, the seven members unfold throughout the stage in numerous conventional Indian outfits, every contributing to the general aesthetic. The instrumentation fitted the identical scheme, with guitarist Sumant Nemmani, bassist Ram Srinivas, flutist Anirudh Koushik, and violinist/vocalist Pranav Swaroop interchanging the highlight, all of the whereas drummer Sanath Shanbhogue, although principally confined to his seat, joined within the vitality and pleasure as a lot as he may. Vocalist Shivaraj Natraj often shifted between singing in Sanskrit, Kannada, and English, whereas additionally incorporating ethnic chants, and the early crowds, regardless of nonetheless discovering their means amidst the muddy grounds across the stage, cheered enthusiastically, as soon as once more proving that the music transcended language and different obstacles. Suffice it to say, they broke the mildew in each sense, which got here as little shock to those that caught them on tour beforehand with the likes of Leprous, Haken, Monuments, and Devin Townsend. A real breath of recent air among the many extra metallic sounds that normally dominate the competition, I hope these guys come again to subsequent editions.
The unusual and assorted character of this present day’s musical content material took one other sharp left flip with a brief early afternoon set courtesy of Queens, New York rap rock trustees Oxymorrons. Granted, the auditory stylings that they exhibited rang acquainted to anybody with an understanding of the nu-metal rage of the early 2000s, however by way of apparel and on-stage antics, they took issues in a decidedly loud course with outfits and an general visible presentation that will have put Hollywood Undead on discover. Certainly, whereas their avid fan base was fast to shout again the lyrics of acquainted anthems like “Enemy” and “Graveyard Phrases”, the common onlooker was extra taken by the police tape overlaying the stage and one of many vocalists shifting between carrying a tough hat and sporting orange glasses. It was a considerably chaotic showcase that bordered on a carnival-like character at occasions, however the viewers response strongly urged that everybody there acquired precisely what they paid for.
San Francisco prog/various rockers Black Map had been subsequent to grace the stage, and whereas they opted for a extra simple look, their efficiency was no much less interesting than the earlier acts. Infectious melodic hooks, precision-based grooves, and exhilarating detours emerged from their mix of post-hardcore influences, pummeling grooves and asides right into a meditation-like atmosphere.
Occasional hints of shoegaze stylings intermingled seamlessly with aggressive, riff-happy moments that spoke to a band searching for to interrupt away from the group of metalcore and post-grunge outfits which have typically occupied this outfit’s sub-genre. The group response was enthusiastic all through their set, with concise banger entries that includes their distinctive mix of influences akin to “Octavia” and “Run Rabbit Run” topping off a constant show of inviting rock music for all who longed for an opportunity to attach or to flee.
Issues took an experimental and decidedly metallic flip due to Canadian regulars and competition favorites Spiritbox. Staying true to their roots with the 2000s experimental band Iwrestledabearonce, vocalist Courtney LaPlante, guitarist Mike Stringer, and the remainder of the band delivered an unfiltered show of their avant-garde, trendy metal-drenched fashion. They moved energetically throughout the stage, participating with the group at each alternative and protecting the vitality excessive all through their set.
Whereas Spiritbox has all the time been spectacular on their very own, this efficiency featured a number of visitor appearances that elevated the present even additional. Poppy joined Courtney for a powerful rendition of “Mushy Backbone” halfway by way of, Tatiana from Jinjer added her vocals to “Circle With Me,” and Sam Carter of Architects delivered an intense efficiency of “Yellowjackets.” These visitor spots turned their set into an all-star event, celebrated by the group’s wild vitality and a degree of crowd-surfing that just about rivaled what one can see when headliners take the stage.
Issues took a flip for the old fashioned with a extra simple presentation courtesy of Palm Desert, California sensations, and blues rockers Eagles Of Death Metal, at the least from a sonic standpoint. Visually talking, what was delivered to bear was fairly unconventional, with touring bassist Jennie Vee turning loads of heads with colourful apparel, together with purple unique sun shades and a loud hat besides, to talk nothing for nearly stealing the present with how avidly she moved round.
Frontman Jesse Hughes was naturally no slouch when it got here to crowd work, taking a number of events to step to the sting of the stage and even managing a visit into the pit to sing to the viewers proper on the barricade together with his epic mustache entrance and middle. Evidently, their model of throwback blues and rockabilly stylings and cartoonish songs reminded their core followers of and launched all newcomers to the punch line behind this band’s identify, although all of it got here with a stable efficiency that blended seamlessly with the eclecticism of the day.
The day’s sense of eclecticism and nuance didn’t stop later within the afternoon with the arrival of French excessive/progressive metallic titans Gojira, however it positively took on a heavier and extra bombastic character. The sheer sonic power projected from the stage to the group alone was nothing wanting huge, however the added visible spectacle of blaring pyrotechnics and smoke cannons that exploded forth earlier than an enormous LED show annihilated the place. Any potential shadow of a doubt about why these 4 gents are on the forefront of the metallic scene of our occasions, dissipated because the pummeling riffs punched the primary rows of their chests.
The viewers response was correspondingly off the hook, with thrashing our bodies and quite a few crowd surfers reciprocating the bombastic musical show and fascinating visuals at each flip. Standout moments had been troublesome to tell apart from the remainder of the present given the excessive degree of consistency on show all through their 9-song set of spiritually, philosophically, and environmentally charged materials, although their performances of “Spine” and “Flying Whales” had been private highlights.
Because the afternoon started to provide method to night and the skies remained overcast, Massachusetts post-grunge icons Staind introduced forth an amplified model of themselves. The heaviness issue appeared larger than normal, catered to visually by an exaggeratedly animated show from a lot of the band, with lead guitarist Mike Mushok head-banging like he was auditioning for a slot with Cannibal Corpse, whereas bassist Johnny April crab-walked round his mic with youthful vitality whereas serving to drummer Sal Giancarelli laid down a stable spine.
Against this, vocalist and helmsman Aaron Lewis was his normal stoic self, sticking near the microphone to deal with high quality efficiency, displaying his emotional dedication to every tune by way of facial expressions and clasping the microphone two-handed. The group response was a constant roar all through the band’s driving, 11-song set; although it turned particularly deafening on the tail-end throughout a colossal one-two punch displaying of basic energy ballad “It’s Been Awhile” and pummeling banger “Mudshovel”.
The metallic post-grunge wave of the early night continued unabated with an equally stable displaying courtesy of Pennsylvania’s personal Breaking Benjamin. Although daylight was nonetheless permeating the cloud-steeped sky, the huge LED display screen on the band’s rear and the dazzling pyrotechnics show that got here with their 12-song set couldn’t have shined brighter had it taken place at midnight, accenting the heavy peaks that always occurred throughout stylistic area of interest of subdued verses chased by bombastic choruses.
The band’s stage conduct was additionally extra animated than normal, and the quantity of stage gear surrounding frontman Benjamin Burnley’s place on stage was notably decreased to permit him larger freedom of motion away from the microphone, making for some stellar picture alternatives not often afforded throughout earlier competition appearances. Whether or not it was spotlight performances of “Blow Me Away”, “Polyamorous”, “I Will Not Bow” closing hurrah “The Diary Of Jane”, or another level throughout their hour on stage, the magic by no means ceased.
The evening fell upon the competition grounds in Kentucky on the excellent time to accompany British heavy metallic forefathers Judas Priest on one more riveting showcase. For a band marking its 55th anniversary and that includes a core membership effectively into their golden years, one couldn’t assist however be greatly surprised by the uncooked energy, vitality, and pizzazz that saturated the open air. Lead vocalist Rob Halford, who made be aware of how lengthy the band had been round earlier than launching right into a harrowing efficiency of their newest album’s title anthem “Invincible Protect”, persistently sounded a great 20 years youthful than his huge white beard and measured actions betrayed.
These titanic purveyors of metallic thunder had been relentless all through their grueling, 13-song set of just lately unleashed bangers and basic entries of yesteryear. A sea of voices cheered and sang alongside to the infectious hooks of “Breaking The Regulation”, “Turbo Lover” and “Dwelling After Midnight”, whereas riff-centric beasts like “Sinner” and “Electrical Eye” had heads nodding and fists raised so far as the attention may see. However arguably the top of this grasp class in old-school aggression was the high-octane brilliance of “Speedy Hearth” and the hyper-thrashing mayhem of “Painkiller,” which noticed Halford nonetheless shattering glass together with his voice amid a cacophony of shredding guitars and thunderous drums.
The coup de grace of Louder Than Life 2024 would come courtesy of nu-metal pioneers and Bakersfield, California’s personal Korn, serving up a marathon displaying beneath the evening sky with nearly each stage notable entry of their 30 years plus within the enterprise in tow. Already driving excessive from quite a few tour dates all through the month, they wasted little time in conquering the stage and viewers with an enormous LED show and all of the profuse and futuristic lighting components that go together with a headliner’s extravaganza.
Maybe the one factor extra auspicious than the animated showcase that Jonathan Davis and the remainder of the band placed on was the endurance displayed by the group earlier than them because the decibel degree of the viewers battled the aggressive anthems that impressed it. Old fashioned entries like “Clown”, “Blind” and “Ball Tongue” had been apparent favorites that impressed wild moshing from the group, and a snippet of Metallica’s “One” being snuck into their rendition of “Shoots And Ladders” was greeted with heavy cheers. It’s noteworthy to say a 20-minute interruption ensued after the band had performed “Good God”, which ended up inflicting the elimination of “Begin the Therapeutic” from the setlist, whereas the band waited for some injured followers within the entrance rows to be aided and delivered to security.
Although very a lot an outfit related to modernity in metallic circles, the reigning them of Korn’s efficiency was one among nostalgia, with the lion’s share of the fabric on show hailing from 20 years again or extra. However, the veritable ocean of souls decked out of their t-shirts, each younger and previous; spoke to a timelessness that this band persistently exemplified as they wheeled by way of their 17-song set, culminating in a grand encore efficiency of “Freak On A Leash” that rammed the purpose dwelling like a mighty sledgehammer.
Though a day was misplaced as a consequence of surprising climate circumstances, and the challenges that adopted, the general takeaway from the occasions in Louisville, Kentucky, from September twenty sixth to twenty ninth was one of many resounding triumphs. Regardless of excessive winds and rain creating circumstances that made the mud pit of Woodstock ’94 seem to be a newer reminiscence, this yr was one more testimony to the resourcefulness and adaptableness of the whole DWP Presents collective and the resilience and dedication of the broader rock and metallic group. Louder Than Life 2024 stands as proof that life not often goes based on plan, and what actually issues in shaping any end result is the desire to persevere, which was seen in spades at each flip.
Louder Than Life’s 10-year anniversary received’t be remembered for the inclement climate however due to how a lot louder our voices screamed in unison to defy Mom Nature and have fun what in the end brings us again every year: friendship, solidarity, and a shared, timeless love of music.
