Houston's
House of Blues was set ablaze on November 7th as the iconic venue
played host to a sold-out Bullet for My Valentine concert, featuring
electrifying performances from Vended and Of Mice & Men as
opening acts. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans
eagerly awaited the headlining act, and the evening promised a sonic
assault that would resonate long after the final chord.
Kicking
off the night, Vended took the stage with raw intensity, delivering a
powerful set that showcased their punk-infused energy. The crowd
responded enthusiastically to the band's charismatic frontman Griffin
Taylor, who also happens to be the son of Slipknot's
frontman Corey Taylor. Other members of the band include Simon
Crahan on drums (the son of Slipknot's drummer Shawn 'Clown" Crahan),
Cole Espeland onGuitar, Jeremiah Pugh on Bass and Connor Grodzicki also
on Guitar. These young performers powered through their set with
hi-energy tracks like "Ded to Me" and "Asylum" which set the perfect
tone for the night ahead.
Of
Mice & Men continued the momentum, captivating the audience with
their blend of metalcore anthems. The band's stage presence was nothing
short of magnetic, and fans were treated to a mix of new hits and
classic favorites, including "Bones Exposed" and "Second &
Sebring." The synergy between the band members was noteable, and the
House of Blues pulsed with energy as the crowd eagerly awaited the main
event.
As the lights dimmed
and the iconic Bullet for My Valentine logo illuminated the stage, the
House of Blues erupted in cheers. From the first note of "Knives," it
was clear that Bullet for My Valentine was there to deliver a
performance that would transcend expectations. The setlist was a
carefully curated journey through the band's discography, seamlessly
blending old favorites with tracks from their latest album.
Frontman
Matt Tuck's vocals soared throughout the venue, perfectly complemented
by the relentless guitar riffs of Michael Paget. The rhythm section,
consisting of bassist Jamie Mathias and drummer Jason Bowld, provided a
solid foundation that anchored the band's explosive sound. Highlights
of the night included the emotionally charged "Over It," the anthemic
"Tears Don't Fall," and the popular "All These Things I Hate (Revolve
Around Me)."
The stage
production added another layer to the experience, with dynamic lighting
and visuals that enhanced the intensity of each song. The give and take
between the band and the audience was undeniable, as fans moshed,
crowd-surfed, and sang along with fervor. The House of Blues became a
melting pot of shared passion and exhilaration, creating a sense of
unity among the diverse crowd.
As
the final chords of "Hearts Burst Into Fire" reverberated through the
venue, Bullet for My Valentine left the stage to a deafening ovation.
The concert at the House of Blues in Houston on November 7, 2023, was
more than a musical performance; it was an unforgettable experience
that left fans exhilarated and fulfilled. The combination of Vended, Of
Mice and Men, and Bullet for My Valentine made for a night of unbridled
energy, proving once again that rock and metal are very much alive and
thriving.
Setlist: Bullet For My Valentine
Knives
Over It
Your Betrayal
Piece of Me
4 Words (to Choke Upon)
The Last Fight
All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)
Shatter
Scream Aim Fire
You Want a Battle? (Here's a War)
Rainbow Veins
Don't Need You
Tears Don't Fall
Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow (What Can I Do)
Waking the Demon
Encore:
Hearts Burst Into Fire
Setlist: Of Mice & MenBones Exposed
Would You Still Be There
Castaway
Obsolete
O.G. Loko
Into the Sun
Warpaint
Bloom
Second & Sebring
Setlist: VendedDed to Me
Am I the Only One
Overall
The Far Side
Asylum