One of the hottest metal tours of the season stopped at The Fillmore Charlotte last week as Nothing More and Wage War kicked off their U.S. co-headlining tour in fine fashion. The line of metal fans was wrapped around the building and all the way down the block in anticipation of doors opening and getting their chance at a coveted spot close to the stage.
Nothing More was the first to hit the stage which was set up with a huge lighted emblem at the rear of the stage and a few extra drums. Two of the drums hung on each end of the stage with a smaller kit mid-stage. Drummer Ben Anderson’s full kit was situated on a riser at the rear of the stage towards stage left and there were risers at the front of the stage as well. The band made their way out in almost complete darkness but you don’t really need light to see Nothing More. The energy radiating from lead vocalist Jonny Hawkins was palpable and you could feel his presence before you could see him.
Kicking off the set in high-energy style, Jonny led the band through a set of Nothing More hits and a few surprises thrown in. Guitarist Mark Vollelunga was killing it and bassist Daniel Oliver was keeping the pace moving along with Anderson. The real fire came from Hawkins. There is something so magnetic about his personality and coupled with his monstrous voice, he is truly a one-of-a-kind frontman. Things got a little emotional as he spoke about his sister “Jenny” and commented that everyone probably had a “Jenny” in their life. This was followed by “Fadein/Fadeout,” which always brings a tear to my eye. Another highlight of their spectacular set was the live debut of their latest single “House On Sand.” Their final song of the night “This Is the Time (Ballast)” had the band utilizing those extra drums and featured Jonny, Mark, and Daniel making their way to the barricade to play the final part of the song as the crowd erupted, fists in the air. What a set!
But the night wasn’t over quite yet. As the lights flashed from almost total darkness to fully blown out, Wage War made an appearance and got the circle pits moving quickly as they tore into “Stitch.” The metalcore maniacs were on absolute fire with guitarist Seth Blake firing off leads with precision and speed. Vocalist Briton Bond was engaging the crowd at every turn as he pointed, jumped on the risers, and ran from side to side of the stage.
The strobe lighting was in full effect yet at times the only thing that was clearly visible was the Wage War banner at the rear of the stage as the band was only silhouettes moving at lightning speed throughout the dark. The crowd was having the time of their lives and the amount of bodies crowd surfing across the barricade was out of control. Everyone was lost in the moment as Wage War took us to new heights. It has been simply amazing to see the growth of the band over the years and it seemed like opening night at The Fillmore was a perfect culmination of all the work they have put in.
This was definitely a show you won’t want to miss. With not one, but two amazing bands on the bill, this could be the metal tour of the season.
Nothing More Set List:
If It Doesn’t Hurt
Let ‘em Burn
Don’t Stop
Angel Song
Go to War
Tired of Winning
Ships in the Night
House on Sand
SPIRITS
Jenny
Fadein/Fadeout
Ocean Floor
This Is the Time (Ballast)
Wage War Set List:
Stitch
Low
Gravity
High Horse
Godspeed
MAGNETIC
Prison
Teeth
The River
Alive
True Colors
Death Roll
Nail5
Circle the Drain
Manic
We would like to thank Kelly Walsh from MSOPR for the credentials to review the show.
