02/24/2023
I Prevail // Pierce The Veil // Fit For A King // Stand Atlantic
The Filmore, Charlotte, NC
11.16.22
On the morning of November 16th, 2022, I woke up with immense awe, glee, and giddiness - it was I Prevail day. I have been a fan of I Prevail since Heart VS. Mind was released in 2014. Trauma, which was released in 2019, was one of my first official album reviews that helped kick off my career in the music scene. On the other hand, Pierce The Veil was a major influence on my younger angsty teenage self and helped me through some hard times. So, needless to say, this show was extremely important to me and on top of that, I was there to photograph it.
The night began with Stand Atlantic, an Australian pop-punk band that started the night off with amazing energy. Much to my dismay, I was unable to make it into the venue in time to photograph the band (darn traffic!!) but I was able to catch their last song. My fingers and toes are crossed in hopes they return to the Charlotte area soon so I can give them the love they deserve!
Fit For A King was next up on the stage. My favorite moment during their set was when another photographer and I locked eyes, stank faces going hard. Fit For A King arguably has the best breakdowns in all of metalcore. Their stage presence was incredibly dark but from what I could see, they were having a lot of fun up there!
Pierce The Veil sent chills from my toes and all the way up to my ears. Classically, they began their set with May These Noises Startle You In Your Sleep bleeding right into Hell Above. I was in complete awe of the entire set. There was a moment between songs that I truly took in the moment and realized that I was here, I was shooting Pierce The Veil⦠This was real. PTV has always put on amazing shows but there was something different about this one. They seemed more alive and excited. Vicās smile in one of my photos brings tears to my eyes because I was just as happy to be there as he was.
Then there was the headliner⦠The almighty I Prevail. Previously, I had seen them co-headline Saturday night at Blue Ridge Rock Fest. I was behind the barricade during their set but in a different capacity than what I usually am. Seeing them again is always exciting, especially with True Power bangers on the setlist. Eric and Brian work like peanut butter and jelly - you canāt have one without the other on a sandwich. Their energy, dedication, and powerful vocals fueled every body and soul in the building to move. Not a person stood still during their set. I mean⦠How could you?! Fake and Judgement Day are my two favorite tracks off of True Power. Getting the chance to hear them played live was AMAZING. I had to pass my camera bag off to a trusted friend during their set so I could throw my person around in the mosh pit. I couldnāt pass it up.
All in all, this show was absolutely freaking amazing and it was so much fun. The only gripe I had during the whole night was how horribly overpacked The Filmore Charlotte was. This venue is notoriously bad for overselling already sold-out shows. It was packed and it was extremely hot. Despite these factors, the show was top-tier entertainment and I would recommend everyone to catch I Prevail or the other bands on this lineup any chance they got. The experience is well worth your time.
šø & š with The Threshold