On a humid evening in New York City, Terminal 5 played host to one of the most anticipated hardcore shows of the year: Knocked Loose accompanied by Speed, Loathe, and Show Me The Body. The Kentucky-based band, known for their visceral sound and raw energy, did not disappoint the sold-out crowd. From the moment they took the stage, it was clear this was going to be a performance to remember.
Knocked Loose, hailing from Oldham County, Kentucky, is a powerhouse in the hardcore punk and metalcore scenes. Since their formation in 2013, the band has garnered a reputation for their intense live performances, authentic sound, and unyielding dedication. Their music is characterized by a blend of crushing breakdowns, dissonant riffs, and emotionally charged lyrics, all delivered with a ferocity that has entranced audiences worldwide.
As the frontman, Bryan Garris's distinctive high-pitched scream and instinctive delivery are central to the band's sound. His stage presence and ability to connect with the audience contribute significantly to the intensity of a Knocked Loose live performance. Known for his intricate guitar work and backing vocals, Isaac Hale brings a technical edge to the band's music. His contributions to songwriting and dynamic stage performances make Hale a vital component of Knocked Loose. Cole Crutchfield's rhythm guitar work adds depth and heaviness to the band's sound. His riffs and melodies complement Hale's lead guitar, creating a balanced and formidable sonic attack. Kevin Otten's basslines provide a solid foundation, driving the band's relentless energy. His playing style adds weight and power to their music, underpinning the chaotic elements with a steady groove. Kevin Kaine's drumming is a masterclass in precision and aggression. His ability to switch between rapid-fire blast beats and slower, crushing breakdowns is a key component of Knocked Loose's dynamic sound.
In a relatively short amount of time, with only three albums under their belt, Knocked Loose has made a significant impact on the hardcore and metalcore scenes. They have toured extensively, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in heavy music and earning a dedicated global fanbase. Their commitment to authenticity and their relentless drive have positioned them as one of the leading voices in modern hardcore.
Knocked Loose is more than just a band; they are a force of nature, pushing the boundaries of heavy music while continuing to inspire a new generation of fans and musicians. Their blend of aggression, emotion, and technical skill ensures that they will remain a pivotal part of the hardcore landscape for years to come.
As the line outside of Terminal 5 continued down the block and around the corner, inside the venue, the stage was set ablaze by the unrelenting energy of Speed, the rising stars of the hardcore punk scene. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Speed's performance in Manhattan was a testament to their growing prowess and undeniable presence in the hardcore community.
Speed took the stage with an intensity that immediately captivated the audience. Kicking off their set with "A Dumb Dog Gets Flogged," the band launched into a barrage of rapid-fire riffs and pummeling rhythms. Jem Siow's commanding presence as the frontman was immediately evident; his guttural screams and unavoidable stage presence set the tone for the evening.
Despite the raw and unfiltered nature of their music, Speed's technical proficiency was evident throughout the set. The tightness of their performance, coupled with the intricate guitar work and complex rhythms, showcased a band that has honed their craft to near perfection. Each song flowed seamlessly into the next, maintaining a relentless pace that kept the audience fully engaged.
The band closed their set with "Not That Nice," a track that encapsulated the essence of Speed's sound—intense yet potent. As the final notes rang out, the audience's cheers and applause were deafening, a clear testament to the powerful impression Speed had made. The band's gratitude was evident as they thanked the crowd, promising to return to the States again soon.
It wasn't long until the famed Terminal 5 was transformed into a haven for metal enthusiasts as the British band Loathe embodied the stage next, delivering a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Known for their unique blend of metalcore, shoegaze, and progressive elements, Loathe has quickly become one of the most innovative bands in the heavy music scene. Their Manhattan show was a testament to their growing reputation in one of the most cut-throat music scenes.
Loathe stepped onto the stage with a sense of quiet confidence, immediately captivating the audience with the atmospheric intro of "Gored." As the opening chords resonated through the venue, the band's ethereal presence set the tone for the evening. Kadeem France's vocals transitioned seamlessly from haunting melodies to powerful screams, showcasing his remarkable range and emotional depth.
Loathe's setlist was a carefully curated journey through their discography, featuring tracks from their critically acclaimed sophomore album, The Cold Sun, as well as newer material. During tracks like "Screaming" and "Is It Really You?" the crowd erupted into mosh pits, reflecting the intensity on stage. Despite the aggressive nature of many songs, there was a palpable sense of unity and connection between the band and the audience. Kadeem France's engaging stage presence and heartfelt interactions with the crowd only deepened this connection.
The band closed their set with the epic "Heavy Is The Head That Falls with the Weight of a Thousand Thoughts." The song's dramatic shifts and cathartic releases left the audience in awe, their cheers and applause a clear testament to the impact of the performance. As the final notes faded, the crowd was left begging for more. Loathe is a band that must be experienced live to fully appreciate their unique blend of heaviness and beauty.
On a night already charged with anticipation for Knocked Loose's performance, the hometown trio, Show Me The Body, ignited the stage as direct support for the evening with a performance nothing short of electrifying. Hailing from New York City, Show Me The Body is a household name in Manhattan, known for their abrasive mix of hardcore punk, noise, and hip-hop elements, the band proved once again why they are one of the most captivating acts in the underground scene today.
As the lights dimmed yet again, the crowd buzzed with impatience, Show Me The Body took the stage with an air of unfiltered intensity. Their DIY ethos and minimalistic presence resonated with the audience, many of whom were already fans of their distinct, genre-blending sound. Julian Cashwan Pratt, with his banjo slung low and a defiant glare, stood at the forefront, ready to unleash the band's signature chaos.
The set kicked off with "Out Of Place," a transcending transition into "Boils Up," a track that encapsulates the band's unhinged power and confrontational style. Pratt's guttural vocals and the distorted, industrial grind of Harlan Steed's bass paired perfectly with Noah Cohen-Corbett's pounding drums. The trio's synergy was palpable, creating a sonic assault that captivated the crowd from the very first note.
Show Me The Body closed their set with the explosive "USA Lullaby/Body War," leaving the stage amidst a storm of screams. The intensity of their performance had clearly set the bar high for the night, priming the crowd perfectly for Knocked Loose. Their performance was a testament to their talent, passion, and the undeniable power of their live shows. As always, Show Me The Body continued to use their platform for good, a hallmark of Show Me The Body's live performances, demanding an immediate cease-fire and unwavering support from the audience in fighting against injustice. If you have the opportunity to catch Show Me The Body perform, seize it—they are a band that demands to be experienced live.
On a night when Manhattan was buzzing with adrenaline from the hardcore spectacle, Knocked Loose delivered a headline performance at Terminal 5 that firmly solidified their place as one of the leading forces in modern hardcore. With a set that was both ferocious and emotionally charged, the Kentucky-based band turned the iconic venue into a tempest of raw energy and communal catharsis.
Terminal 5, with its multi-level layout and industrial vibe, was the perfect setting for Knocked Loose's high-octane performance. As fans filled every crevice of the venue, the excitement was perceptible. The air was thick with anticipation, and the crowd—diverse in age but united in their love for heavy music—was ready for an unforgettable setlist.
Knocked Loose wasted no time in asserting their dominance, opening with the explosive "Blinding Faith" from their latest full-length, You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To. From the first crushing riff, the band's intensity was undeniable. Bryan Garris' high-pitched, visceral screams immediately commanded the audience's attention, while the band's tight musicianship created a sonic assault that reverberated through the venue.
Throughout the night, the connection between Knocked Loose and their fans was electric. Tracks like "Belleville" and "Counting Worms" saw the crowd erupt into a sea of movement, with unyielding mosh pits and crowd surfers becoming a constant feature. Garris' dynamic stage presence and heartfelt interactions with the audience amplified this connection, turning the performance into a shared experience of emotional release and camaraderie.
One of the standout moments was the final song of the evening, "Everything Is Quiet Now." One might assume after a nearly 20-song setlist, the crowd's energy would dwindle, however, Knocked Loose proved good music can reignite the spark in anyone as the crowd split down the middle right before the first breakdown. Nobody on the floor was safe as either side of the venue collided for the biggest death wall mosh pit Terminal 5 has likely ever witnessed. Another highlight was the Knocked Loose classic "Counting Worms," with its iconic "Arf! Arf!" chant echoing through Terminal 5 as the whole venue shouted along, creating a moment of pure, unbridled bliss. The band's ability to shift from blistering aggression to more melodic sections without losing intensity showcased their musical versatility and deepened the impact of their set.
Knocked Loose's technical proficiency was on full display throughout the night. I have seen the band perform numerous times since the start of their career, and, I must say, this was the most polished performance yet. Guitarists Isaac Hale and Cole Crutchfield delivered complex, crushing riffs with precision, while bassist Kevin Otten and drummer Kevin Kaine provided a thunderous, tight rhythm section that drove the band's unabated sound. Despite the technical prowess, it was the vulnerable emotion in their performance that truly resonated with the audience as some screamed, many cried, and others moshed away the night.
The band closed the set with "Deep In The Willow" and "Everything Is Quiet," two tracks that encapsulated the essence of Knocked Loose—brutal, honest, and deeply impactful. As the final notes faded, the crowd's deafening cheers and applause were a clear testament to the powerful impression the band had made. Knocked Loose thanked the audience, expressing their genuine gratitude for the overwhelming support, and left the stage to a roar of approval.
Knocked Loose's headline show at Terminal 5 was a masterclass in hardcore performance. Their ability to blend raw aggression with technical skill and emotional depth created a live experience that was both intense and profoundly moving. For the fans in attendance, it was a night of unrelenting energy and shared catharsis, a testament to the band's unique ability to connect with their audience.
In conclusion, Knocked Loose proved why they are at the forefront of the modern hardcore scene. Their performance at Terminal 5, which sold out in a matter of days, was a reminder of the genre's potential to both challenge and unite. If you have the chance to see Knocked Loose live, don't think twice—they are a force to be reckoned with and Terminal 5 was just another testament to their growing legacy in the hardcore music world.
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