Crown The Empire @ Summit Music Hall
On August 7, 2024, Summit Music Hall in Denver, CO, was electrified by an unforgettable night of metalcore mayhem. The evening kicked off with ONI, whose blistering set immediately got the crowd’s adrenaline pumping. Next up was Capstan, who captivated the audience with their unique blend of melodic hardcore and technical skill. Dark Divine followed, intensifying the atmosphere with their dark and brooding sound. The night culminated in a powerhouse performance by Crown The Empire, whose headlining set left fans roaring and wanting more. This concert was a must-see for metalcore enthusiasts, each band bringing their own flavor to an epic night of music.
ONI
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ONI is a Canadian progressive metalcore band hailing from Windsor, Ontario. Formed in 2014, the band quickly established itself with a unique blend of metalcore, djent, and elements of death and black metal. Their sound is characterized by intricate compositions and a fusion of genres, which showcases their technical prowess. ONI’s debut album, Ironshore, released in 2016, received critical acclaim for its complex arrangements and innovative use of a xylosynth, an electric xylophone that adds an unusual and distinctive layer to their music.
The band is led by Jake Oni, whose vision for ONI revolves around pushing the boundaries of what metal can be. The incorporation of various musical influences, including classical music and jazz, reflects the members' diverse backgrounds and their commitment to experimenting within the metal genre. Their live performances are known for being both powerful and technically impressive, with a focus on creating an intense and immersive experience for their audience.
Capstan
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Capstan is a post-hardcore band formed in 2012, known for their dynamic blend of genres that include elements of metalcore, pop-punk, and electronic music. The band, currently signed to Fearless Records, is made up of Anthony DeMario (vocals), Harrison Bormann (guitar), Andrew Bozymowski (bass), Scott Fisher (drums), and Joseph Mabry (guitar). They have gained recognition for their emotionally charged lyrics, precise instrumentals, and the ability to seamlessly shift between aggressive and melodic styles within their songs.
Their latest album, The Mosaic (2024), is a testament to their versatility, featuring a mix of heavy post-hardcore tracks, pop-punk ballads, electro-infused vocals, and even orchestral pieces. Despite the album's wide range of sounds, it is carefully crafted to create a cohesive listening experience, showcasing Capstan’s ability to push the boundaries of the post-hardcore genre while maintaining emotional depth and lyrical intensity.
Dark Divine
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Dark Divine is a rising force in the hard rock and metal scene, hailing from Orlando, Florida. The band, formed in 2021, has quickly gained attention for their horror-inspired aesthetic and intense musical style. Their music often explores dark and eerie themes, drawing influence from horror movies and bands like Motionless in White and Ice Nine Kills.
Fronted by vocalist Anthony Martinez, Dark Divine has carved out a niche with their theatrical performances and hard-hitting tracks. Their debut single, "Halloweentown," was a breakout hit, amassing significant streams and earning the band early support from major outlets like Spotify's Rock Hard playlist and Apple Music's Breaking Metal. Their music, including tracks like "Paper Crown" and "Dancing Dead," combines heavy instrumentation with haunting melodies, making them a standout act in the genre.
Despite being a relatively new band, Dark Divine has already shared stages with notable acts and is set to join Black Veil Brides on their upcoming North American tour. Their debut album, "Deadly Fun," produced by Zach Jones, is highly anticipated and showcases the band's commitment to blending darkness with raw, emotional power.
Crown The Empire
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Crown The Empire is a prominent force in the rock and metalcore scene, hailing from Dallas, Texas. Since their formation in 2010, the band has steadily built a reputation for their intense live performances and genre-blending sound that merges elements of alternative metal and melodic metalcore. Over the years, they’ve released five studio albums, including their most recent, DOGMA (2023). This album continues to showcase their evolving sound, further solidifying their place in the heavy music world.
The band's lineup consists of Andy Leo on vocals, Brandon Hoover on guitar, Hayden Tree on bass/vocals, and Jeeves Avalos on drums. They've shared the stage with major acts like Slipknot, A Day to Remember, and Black Veil Brides, which has helped them amass a significant following. With a catalog that has garnered over 825 million streams worldwide, Crown The Empire is known for their dynamic performances and passionate fanbase.
Their influence and impact on the scene are reflected in their successful tours and critical acclaim from major publications like Alternative Press and Billboard. Crown The Empire’s live shows are highly anticipated, offering fans an immersive experience that combines powerful music with captivating stage presence.
Photos by Andrew Ortega. All rights reserved to the photographer.