Concert Review: Black Veil Brides (Piedmont Hall)

BY SKYLAR BLACKMAN

On a mere Monday, Black Veil Brides, a hard rock/glam metal/alternative metal/metal core band hailing from Cincinnati in their origins, brought their Vindicatour to North Carolina stomping grounds at Greensboro’s Piedmont Hall. With three opening bands, As December Falls, TX2, and From Ashes to New, this was absolutely a night to remember for the “emo kids,” rock lovers, and music enthusiasts alike. Straight from entering the venue, all were in for a great experience! The venue itself was very clean and well-organized, sporting a clean and modern look with clear indicators for line flow, and when you’ve gotten in, everything you could need is easily accessible. This is primarily a standing room venue with just a couple of seats available, but the floor is divided into two areas, so if you really want to dive into the crazy rock concert mix, you can head to the “lower floor” for that full pit experience, or hang out in the “upper floor” to see it all and still have an incred night.

The night started off with As December Falls, who have joined Black Veil Brides on tour all the way from Nottingham in England! Even more impressive, they are an independent band, meaning, they are not signed to a label and manage that end on their own, still with a manager of course for other prospects. Dawning a more high-energy, pop-punk/alternative style, you could tell how much passion for musical growth and lyrics went into all that they did. This is a band that truly loves what they’re doing and want their music to resonate. Emotions were high with songs like “Therapy” and “I Don’t Feel Like Feeling Great” echoing off the rafters and walls, but the party was just getting started. Incredible vocals, incredible talent, incredible growth! We even pinky promised the band to see them again at the end.

Our second opener is not afraid by any means to be who they are or to promote that we do the same. Blending emo, pop-punk, and hip hop elements into their music, TX2 knew exactly how to get the crowd going. Pure, uninterrupted energy exploded on that stage that gladly speaks out about the cruelties of the world while having fun all the same. It felt like such a perfect blend of a newer feeling Green Day and more modern, angsty artists like YUNGBLUD. That paired with all the members’ unique styles and speaking in support of mental health awareness and the LGBTQ+ community, you’re in for a treat. So, are ya coming with me for the next one?

The final openers were From Ashes to New, a rap metal, alternative metal, and rap rock blend from Pennsylvania. Let me just say, I’ve been a fan of theirs for years and saw them live for the first time for this concert and they absolutely killed it beyond anything words could describe. They immediately had the crowd hyped and jumping from their first few steps on stage and kept that going for their entire set. If anyone needs convincing or to convince someone else that metal/rock and rap are two types of music that go together and can absolutely be on the same playlist on someone’s phone, these guys are all the proof you need. The way they blend rap lyrics into metal lyrics and emotion/style with the instrumental elements to go along with it so seamlessly is mind blowing. Almost like it was all never a batch of separate genres! While I didn’t manage to get any photos of them, this is a band dedicated not only to experimenting with sound, but to their fan base and staying true to dreams and ambitions as well. I’m beyond ecstatic to have been able to see them!

And finally, Black Veil Brides! The Greensboro show came just days after the release of their 8th album, Vindicate, and let me just say, for being a brand new album, the crowd was ready to scream the lyrics right back at the band. The unity between crowd and artist, not only for Black Veil Brides, but all of the artists was unreal and very mesmerizing to experience. Black Veil Brides cut right to the chase, exploding into performance after a dramatic introduction with mood lighting and candelabras flickering, spooky piano music making its entrance. The already energized crowd had no room to catch their breath because these guys were certainly not playing around. Every time I hear frontman, Andy, scream and sing, I can’t help but think “There’s no way that sound came from that man,” and yet it sure did! Hearing it live was even more insane, but I’m completely floored by the talent they encapsulated. The band’s glam and hard rock influences definitely shone through, the vocals were breathtaking, guitar solos and riffs were not messing around, and the crowd absolutely went wild (and I mean WILD… crowdsurfers kept coming and I started losing count)!

Even though Greensboro will now go down in history for already having a pit incident 97% of the way through BVB’s first song and losing our phones maybe three times during the show, the amount of dedication, grit, and being unapologetically ourselves that was front and center across everyone in that room is something to remember forever. I think we can all agree that getting screamed at by 4 incredible bands while simultaneously being brought into smooth vocals and emotionally packed lyrics is the best kind of therapy. Without a single doubt, this was easily one of the best concerts I’ve ever gotten to experience and sets quite a high bar in the metal and alternative music world!

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SKYLAR BLACKMAN

Skylar Blackman is a daydreaming writer and traveler seeking the moments and spaces that harvest joy and connection among others. Originally from Connecticut, she now lives in Burlington, NC where she geeks out about music and books, and works on her writing alongside her full time job. When she’s not working, she’s getting all the Corgi cuddles, soaking up inspiration from the locals, reviewing and sharing books, and finding the nearest spot to explore or music event.

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