Photos and Review by Bethany Anna Packer
Coheed and Cambria photos HERE
Glassjaw photos HERE
I The Mighty photos HERE
Silver Snakes photos HERE
Modern progressive rock titans Coheed and Cambria kicked off their US tour on Monday at the House of Blues in Boston. After tickets were released, the first Boston date quickly sold out the 2,500 capacity venue prompting the addition of a second show on the following night.
I myself am not a first timer to seeing the New York based foursome’s theatrical and engaging performance, and I quickly jumped at the chance to cover their second show in Beantown. And as if Coheed and Cambria wasn’t enough of a promise for a spectacular night, they took on tour with them another post-hardcore staple Glassjaw.
The first openers faced a big challenge, opening for two of the most influential progressive rock bands of the last decade. However, both Silver Snakes and I The Mighty brought a young and ambitious energy to the stage and successfully amped up the crowd as Glassjaw and Coheed’s loyal fans poured into the House of Blues.
By the time Glassjaw took the stage bathed in red and blue lights, the venue was packed wall to wall. I myself was anxious to see Glassjaw perform “New White Extremity”, their first official release since 2011. The group quickly worked the crowd into hardcore hysteria as crowd surfers immediately took to the air to head towards the stage. From the opening chords of “Tip Your Bartender” to set finale “Two Tabs of Mescaline” lead Daryl Palumbo held fans firmly in the palm of their hands.
Following Glassjaw’s performance, Claudio Sanchez and his iconic mane took to the stage with the rest of headliners Coheed and Cambria. They opened with “Ghost” backlit by a curtain of lights. The band’s silhouettes were a powerful visual compliment to the music. Never a disappointment, the group emitted a much needed throwback to the rock band’s of yester-year. Coheed had the audience immediately and completely captivated, their loyal following singing along to the sweeping arrangements of both their newest and oldest creations.
The set wrapped with a string of powerhouse tracks from their recent album.
After screaming for more the group returned to the stage for a three song encore ending with arguably their most well known song “Welcome Home” which gave me goosebumps.
Always a pleasure, I will definitely be back for more.
Coheed and Cambria at the House of Blues – Boston, MA
