Hello everybody, welcome back to the No Skip Show! Today, we have yet again another awesome concert showcase that we had the great chance to catch live! This time legendary metalcore acts graced local New Kensington venue Preserving Underground with their kickass presence with a co-headliner, Converge and Poison the Well!

Starting off the completely sold out show would be Connecticut locals, Balmora! While relatively new to the scene, just announcing their debut album this year, they fit right in with a very similar and traditional sounding performance compared to the two legends heading the night off. My only complaint would be is they played a very short set but understandably so as the main acts both played about an hour each. However, from start to finish Balmora had the slowly filling room off their feet and ready to go as soon as they started. I’d say they were a very great choice to open the show and I hope to see them anytime they come close! It's exciting to see a fresh new band that seems to be on the right trajectory in the way they hustle, make music, and interact with fans. 

Next up would be a bit of a different flavor on the bill but still just as awesome in the way of Bay Area, California hardcore natives, Spy! They would also play a very short and sweet set but every minute was worth it. Like I said they were straight up traditional hardcore as opposed to regular metalcore like the other three bands on the bill so the vibe was slightly different but the crowd kept rolling with it. Some movement did slow here and there but there were still some people moshing and moving around. Me and Travis both agreed after the show that while Spy was still kickass and did a great job they should have swapped places with Balmora since they were more aligned with the overall genre of the bill. But, that doesn’t take away from Spy giving it their absolute best and powering through the whole set with insane ferocity. 

To start off the headliners are East Coast metalcore legends out of Salem, Mass, Converge! These guys are where they are for a reason, every moment of the set was exhilarating and packed with energy the whole time. Vocalist Jacob Bannon sounded incredible the whole time and didn’t hold back with the intensity in his voice, while also taking moments to jokingly criticize everyone's stage diving form. As soon as these guys came out the crowd immediately lit up and began moving right away. The hour long set seemed to just fly by with how much consistent movement was going on and how mesmerizing watching the band was. I believe they would also usher in the first crowdsurfers of the night, maybe excluding a single failed attempt during Spy, but for Converge it was crazy especially for a little older leaning crowd. Someone's shoe even managed to just brush past the side of my face during this set as well.

Heading off the night in spectacular fashion would be metalcore giants hailing from all the way down south in Miami, Florida, Poison the Well! While Converge was astounding, Poison the Well was the cherry on top of the spiked milkshake. Starting all the way in the late 90s it's no surprise why they are on top and leading off the night of a crazy bill. Converge may have got the crowd back into it and moving again but Poison got them going out of their minds! I tell you I changed positions in the crowd numerous times while somehow managing to keep my balance the whole time. But the most amazing part was the crowd singing almost every song the whole time, I don’t think I have seen a more committed crowd like that in a while. I know it gives me chills when I hear it, but I can only imagine how the band felt the whole moment. And speaking of, absolute sweethearts for musicians that make absolutely nasty, badass songs.

Who here is a fan of metalcore or adjacent genres, especially in the local area? Are you an old head or new to the show? Were you at Preserving lost in the sea of people as well?? As always, thanks for reading and happy listening!