It's not every day that you get the perfect lineup paired with the perfect venue, but we got that chance on July 14th at the legendary venue Preserving in New Kensington, PA.

Preserving has quickly gained a reputation as a top-tier spot for hardcore and metal bands of all sizes and backgrounds. This tour featured bands who have played all three of the venue's rooms — the 50-capacity DIY Room, the 300-capacity Underground, and, where this show took place, the 600-capacity Chapel main room.

Bloody Run

The lineup was stellar. Pittsburgh locals Bloody Run opened the show with a rowdy, energetic performance. If you haven't seen them before, they're a must-see!

Boltcutter

Next up was Connecticut slam metal band Boltcutter. Having seen them once before opening for Varials, I knew the crowd would wake up — the tracks exploded live and set the scene perfectly for the rest of the touring bands.

Bayway

Then came Bayway, one of the fastest-rising rap-infused hardcore bands of the 2020s. This New Jersey band is currently tied with legendary hardcore act Terror for the most Preserving appearances, at five shows. This was my fourth time seeing them, and they never disappoint. The crowd control from vocalist Jayway is unlike anything else — calling out "fake ass bitches," leading chants of "New Jersey" and "motherfucker" after every band, and getting the already rowdy crowd fully locked in. For their biggest song, titled "Bayway," they invited the entire audience on stage to yell "Bayway, motherfucker" before diving straight into the pit for spin kicks. If you haven't seen Bayway live yet, they're a must-see.

BIG ASS TRUCK

Following them was California hardcore band BIG ASS TRUCK, playing their very first Pittsburgh show. This was my second time catching them, having first seen them at Vans Warped Tour DC. The crowd exploded for this set, arguably producing the most stage divers of the night — it was chaos. The band closed their 35-minute set with "BIG ASS TRUCK" and "BEEF," leaving the impression that this band could be one of the biggest names in hardcore soon.

No Cure

Closing off the night was Alabama's No Cure, fresh off the release of their newest album, It Is Going to Get Dark — and that album is making waves. Fresh off the Anthony Fantano stamp of approval and critical acclaim across the internet, this metallic hardcore band has really found their own, both in the studio and live. Only a few years removed from playing the DIY Room and later opening for Boundaries and Orthodox on this same stage, No Cure have established themselves as proper headliners, delivering aggressive, fast, and brutal tracks across a 40-minute set. The band brought guests on stage as well, including Jayway of Bayway and Andrew Hughes of Pittsburgh hardcore band Place Blame. The crowd was relentless from start to finish.

Final Word

If you're a fan of hardcore music of any kind, these are bands you need to see live — and Preserving is a must-visit venue and record store, full of hidden gems!