BY MAUI CABRAL Every once in a while, a show comes along that feels bigger than the tour poster. Not because it’s playing arenas. Not b...
BY MAUI CABRAL
Every once in a while, a show comes along that feels bigger than the tour poster. Not because it’s playing arenas. Not because it’s breaking records. But because it represents a piece of music history coming back to life. That’s exactly what this night at Hangar 1819 felt like.
When I first heard that Waylon Reavis, the frontman of A Killer’s Confession, had reunited several of the original members of Mushroomhead for The Ex-Faces Tour, I knew I had to be there. For anyone who grew up on early Mushroomhead, this wasn’t just another lineup. This was a chance to witness the people who helped build one of the most influential and recognizable names in alternative metal and industrial music. And as a photographer, getting to stand in front of them with a camera in my hands honestly felt like a massive honor. The night kicked off with Dying Oath, and this marked my second time shooting them. One of my favorite things about photographing bands multiple times is watching them grow. The confidence is different. The stage presence is stronger. You start seeing a band really settle into who they are. Dying Oath continues to blend melody with crushing heaviness, and every time I see them, they leave a bigger impression than the last. They’re definitely a band I’m excited to keep following.
Next up was Black Water Drowning, another band I had the chance to photograph for the second time. Just like Dying Oath, it’s been awesome watching them continue to evolve. Their groove-heavy sound hits hard live, but what really stands out is the chemistry they have together. Every member brings intensity, and it shows in every song they play. Both of these bands are veterans to the stage. Behind the camera, they’re one of those bands that constantly give you something to shoot. These are two bands that I know I’ll see again at this venue and more to come. Can’t wait to see ’em crush multiple states across the Carolinas.
Then came Deep Within, bringing another layer of heaviness to the night. Their set kept the momentum rolling with crushing riffs and enough energy to keep the crowd moving from start to finish. By this point, Hangar 1819 had completely come alive.
Saints of Solomon had the job of setting the stage for what everyone had been waiting for. Blending modern hard rock with powerful melodies and rap, and a commanding live presence, they did exactly that.
The crowd was locked in. The anticipation kept building. Everyone knew what was coming next. Then the lights dropped... Oh fuck! And suddenly this wasn’t just another concert. For anyone who has followed Mushroomhead over the years, seeing original members back on stage together is something that once felt almost impossible. Huge credit goes to Waylon Reavis for making this happen. Through his work with A Killer’s Confession, he helped bring these musicians back together, giving fans the opportunity to experience a huge piece of heavy music history again. Standing in the middle of the pit honestly felt surreal. I grew up listening to these guys. Never in a million years did I think I’d be standing a few feet away photographing the very people who helped build one of the most recognizable names in industrial and alternative metal. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Sometimes I have to remind myself to stop for a second and appreciate where I’m standing. Because before I was a photographer... I was just another fan in the crowd. And nights like this remind me exactly why I picked up a camera in the first place. Listening to songs like "Bwomp," "Sun Doesn’t Rise," "12 Hundred" and more... I felt like a little kid all over again. My smile was from ear to ear. Driving back to Raleigh, I couldn’t help but think... Holy shit, man. I really grew up listening to these guys Hoping to one day shoot for ’em. Who would have known days before my 30th birthday that my dream would come true. This show... This night... Was unmatched.
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- JOSH "MAUI" CABRAL
Hey! I'm Maui. Originally from Queens, New York, now making Raleigh, NC my new home. I'm a touring photographer and Nomadic Motorcycle Rider, obsessed with seeing the world through different lenses!
Read Maui's posts here
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