As We Divide (“post-hardpunk”) kick started the night by bringing their intense energy and rowdy atmosphere to the crowd. Guitarist Jacob Danke doubled as pianist throughout the set. The band ended with their infamous cover of A Day to Remember’s “The Downfall of Us All” while vocalist Robbie Hunt physically joined the crowd at the barrier and Boys of Fall’s vocalist Michael Martenson joined onstage.
Following them, and maintaining the energy was For We Are Many (metalcore). The band describes themselves as “blending the musicality of Avenged Sevenfold and the technicality of Killswitch Engage for a new and fresh metal sound”. Drummer John Paul Vega shows immense talent by singing clean vocals while drumming. Front man Logan Trupiano’s harsh vocals brought the intense atmosphere that lead to large mosh pits and crowd surfing. Sterling Heights metalcore band, Behind the Silence followed suit, never letting the energy die. The band performed one of their fan favorite’s, a unique cover of “Yeah!” by Usher blending the upbeat pop tones with their own metalcore twist.
Finally, We Came as Romans took the holiday decorated stage, receiving a well-earned welcoming from the crowd. The band opened with “Tracing Back Roots”. They also preformed fan favorite covers of The Wanted’s “Glad You Came” (from Punk Goes Pop, Vol. 5) and Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” (from Punk Goes Pop, Vol. 6). The crowd held a constant response of crowd surfing, moshing, jumping, just an overall constant high energy. Santa came out on stage at one point to enhance the holiday festivities. The band ended with one of their top songs “Hope” with vocalist Kyle Pavone was held up by the crowd.
