Alesana, a hardcore band from North Carolina, played at the Worcester Palladium last Thursday. It was my seventh time seeing the band, and I was still excited as ever. Never once have I ever been disappointed by them, and that night was no exception.
The crowd was shockingly small. Either the fact that it was a school night or the show didn’t get nearly enough publicity caused this. Shocking really considering it was the first night of the Motel 6 "Rock Yourself To Sleep" Tour. Plus, it was a bit disappointing considering the immense talent of the band. Those boys should be playing way larger venues.
The band came on to the stage, instrument-clad, with smiles on their faces. Dennis Lee, the screaming, raging powerhouse screamer of the band came on, sporting his newly shaved head, and a growling but excited attitude. The six boys graced the stage with their solid presence, ready to start playing. Each time I’ve seen them, their faces as they come on is always the same. Looking at the eager crowd launches them in to bliss; it’s almost magic to see. You can really tell they love what they do.
Opening with “The Lover”, the guys bounced about on the stage- one of the biggest spaces I’ve ever seen them on. They each had enough space to spin around and do their thing. Usually it seems as they hold back, but considering they had so much room they really let loose. As a whole, their energy was overwhelming. Every note they played,every harmony and scream was completely spot on.
When they played “The Murderer”, their third tune, things really started getting good. It was hard to look at the stage and not just smile. Their happiness was contagious and even though they were rough and gritty, playing their unique brand of hardcore screamo, their smiles shone through.
During “Obsession Is Such An Ugly Word”, Alesana was still energetic as ever. The thoroughly intricate song, filled with riffs and vocal flexibility, was absolutely flawless live. I’ve never been more blown away by a song performed live as this. There was never a dull moment musically or stage presence wise. You could really tell the band has been doing this for a very long time.
In each and every song, Dennis would throw himself around onstage. His deep grumbles resonated throughout the venue, giving the band a real sense of strength. Shawn Milke’s singing was accompanied by his twisting hips and intense facial expressions, him clearly being the “hottie” ofthe group, if they were a boyband. His higher screams, when paired with the yells of Dennis created a feeling that told everyone in the crowd that’s what hardcore’s all about.
Alesana played their hearts out to the crowd, who were taking it in. Their talent really shone and made me love them even more. The six boys together create the greatest hardcore band of all time.