LIVE: LIGHT THE TORCH – March 12, 2019

Venue: Open Chord

City: Knoxville, TN

Date: March 12, 2019

Review and Photographs by: Rachel Craig (https://www.rachelcraigphotos.net/)

Howard Jones is considered one of the best metal vocalists performing today, and it was a unique experience seeing him with Light the Torch at their one-off show at Open Chord in Knoxville, TN. This venue has a lot of character, including a music/guitar shop, a bar, and even music lessons during the daytime, so having one of the top hard rock bands on its stage was a special event. Hourglass began the show with their blend of nu metal and metalcore. The band is a six-piece from Morristown, TN, and they just recently released their new single “Serenity.” Despite the small stage, they were able to get the crowd rowdy and ready for more heavy music. Next was Foxbat, a rock band from Lousville, KY. I thought this band was the perfect fit for a Light the Torch show, complimenting the headiner’s style with a slight southern twist. They were also very interactive with the crowd, especially when the lead singer ventured into the crowd and started a small circle pit. Finally Voodoo Prophet brought more southern metal to the stage. This band from Nashville had a more mature sound, and even performed a cover of “Redneck” by Lamb of God.

Light the Torch took over the stage to a screaming room of their biggest fans. One thing that instantly struck me was Howard Jones’ voice and his screams, which were exactly as I’ve heard them for most of my life when he was the vocalist for Killswitch Engage. However, it seems that Light the Torch is a perfect fit for him. Jones was in a great mood all night, cracking jokes and connecting with the crowd, saying “Tonight, it’s just you and us” and later saying that Light the Torch saved him – “This is why we do this.” Their setlist was full of their catchiest and heaviest songs, including “Lost In The Fire,” “Calm Before The Storm,” and “The Sound of Violence.” “The Safety of Disbelief” prompted a resounding chorus from the crowd (after Jones dedicated the song to the women in the room dealing with all the sweaty, drunk guys). The rest of the band was also on point, having a great time and bringing a lot of experience and interaction to their set. Finally, the last song of the night was “Die Alone,” which was received well by a crowd somewhat disappointed that the band did not perform an encore. However, it was a night to remember for Light the Torch fans. It’s obvious that this band has a huge connection to their fanbase and they have a lot of fun on stage. Having them play at an intimate venue was a great choice on behalf of the promoter Filthy Nasty Productions, and I’m hoping that this will lead to bigger metal shows at Open Chord. Light the Torch is now on the road with Mark Morton (Lamb of God) on his solo tour, and I highly recommend checking out their show if you get a chance.

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries