It Call Me By Name

w/ Orthodox, Nevertel, Wage War

Orthodox kicked off the night and wasted zero time. The Nashville, Tennessee metalcore outfit came out swinging with the kind of straight-edge aggression that makes the pit open up before the first breakdown even lands. Known for blending metallic hardcore with nu-metal influences, Orthodox had the crowd locked in from the first riff bone-crushing, relentless, and exactly what a crowd needs to shake off any first-band hesitancy. By the time they closed their set, the room was warmed up and ready to go.

Nevertel was up next, and they brought something different to the table. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, the band fuses metalcore, hip-hop, nu metal, and electronic music into a sound that's both immersive and razor-sharp. With dual vocalists Jeremy Michael and Raul Lopez trading between melodic hooks and rap verses, they hit a vibe reminiscent of Linkin Park mixed with modern metalcore energy. The crowd leaned in hard during their set, and more than a few new fans were made that night.

Then Wage War took the stage, and Archer Music Hall absolutely erupted. Inspired by their Florida roots and the raw aggression of nature, the band brought the swamp straight to Allentown. The stage was draped in swamp-like atmosphere with green lighting, murky vibes, and an intensity that mirrored the humid, predator-filled world of their new EP. Vocalist Briton Bond jaw-dropped through the set with fierce and feral performances from start to finish. Fans were ready and some even brought inflatable alligators to the show, nodding to the reptilian spirit of It Calls Me By Name. Five tracks shaped by Florida, the swamp, and the relentless aggression of nature were represented in full force, and the Allentown faithful ate every second of it up. A sold-out, swamp-soaked night to remember.

Photography by Wes Shepherd