The anticipation was palpable as fans gathered at The Marquee Theatre last Friday, May 24 for a night that promised to be a high-energy spectacle. The Bleeders US Tour, headlined by the progressive metalcore band, BLACK VEIL BRIDES, brought an exciting mix of opening acts—DARK DIVINE, CREEPER, and GHØST KID—each contributing their unique flair to the dark, dreamy evening.
DARK DIVINE opened the night with a blend of melodic metalcore that set the tone perfectly. Their performance was tight, with standout songs like "Halloweentown" and "Cold" energizing the crowd early on. Vocalist ANTHONY MARTINEZ's range was impressive, seamlessly shifting from guttural growls to clean melodies. The band's great chemistry on stage was evident, and their engagement with the audience helped kick the night off on a high note.
Next up was CREEPER with their gothic punk vibe. The UK-based band known for their theatrical style did not disappoint. Frontman WILL GOULD had an intense presence while delivering fan favorites like "Lovers Led Astray" and "Teenage Sacrifice." Their set was a blend of dark romanticism and punk energy, creating an atmosphere that captivated the audience. HANNAH GREENWOOD’s haunting keys and backing vocals added depth to their sound, making their performance a standout of the night.
As the lights dimmed for GHØST KID, the night shifted to a more industrial metal vibe. Former ESKIMO CALLBOY vocalist SUSHI brought an aggressive, high-energy performance that had the crowd moshing and headbanging at the first song. Songs like "Supernova" and "Dahlia" showcased SUSHI’s fusion of metalcore with electronic elements that creates a brutal, yet mesmerizing sound. GHØST KID’s set was visually striking as well with strobe lights and fog machines adding to the intensity of their performance.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES was greeted by deafening cheers from their Arizona audience. The band's gothic aesthetic, combined with their signature post-hardcore and gothic metal stage set, was a sight to see. They kicked off their set with their explosive song "I Am Bulletproof,” having the audience in the palm of their hands immediately. Everyone went crazy as ANDY BIERSACK sang each hit with his deep vocals and charismatic stage presence, supported by the talent of JINXX (rhythm guitar), JAKE PITTS (lead guitar), CHRISTIAN COMA (drums), and LONNY EAGLETON (bass).
The band’s setlist was a mix of new songs–including their latest single “Bleeders”–and classic hits. Songs like "In the End," "Knives and Pens," and "Scarlet Cross" had fans singing along passionately. A particularly hyped up moment was when everyone left the stage except COMA, who delivered an insane drum solo that made the crowd scream at the top of their lungs with amusement, followed by their hit “The Legacy” that had every lyric sung by the audience until the last word.
The Bleeders US Tour delivered an unforgettable night of music. From the powerful opening acts of DARK DIVINE, CREEPER, and GHØST KID to the headlining performance of BLACK VEIL BRIDES, the evening was a testament to the enduring appeal of metal. The uniqueness of each band created a diverse and dynamic concert experience that left fans buzzing with excitement. The production quality was top-notch, with impressive lighting and pyrotechnics enhancing the overall experience. Each band’s interaction with the audience, including a few moments where BIERSACK paused to share personal anecdotes and thank the fans, added a personal touch to the show.
Comments