11 August 2024 | Trees Dallas
Alesana | @alesanaofficialig
LIMBS | @whoislimbs
Vampires Everywhere | @vampireseverywhereofficial
Half Heard Voices | @halfheardvoices
Where to begin?
The Venue.
It was our first time at Trees in Dallas but it certainly won't be the last. Trees is a gem of a venue located in downtown Dallas with its cozy yet energetic vibe. The space is small enough to create an intimate connection between the bands and the audience, which proved to be the perfect venue for this tour stop. The close proximity to the stage allowed fans to fully immerse themselves in the performances, and the venue’s excellent acoustics ensured that every band’s set came through with impressive clarity.
The Talent.
Opening the night was Half Heard Voices, whose set set a high standard for the evening. Their post-progressive blend of melodic and aggressive elements captivated the audience from the start. Playing songs off their album MoonBurial showcased their ability to blend emotional depth with intense instrumentation.
Next up was Vampires Everywhere, whose theatrical metalcore performance brought a darker edge to the night. The band’s dramatic stage presence and engaging performance style kept the energy levels high, and their use of visual effects added an extra layer of excitement. A highlight for many was hearing the bands renditions of Teenage Dream, Girls Girls Girls, and Cry Little Sister.
Following Vampires Everywhere was LIMBS. LIMBS delivered a gripping performance that combined post-hardcore and metalcore elements with emotional resonance. Their set featured their new unreleased single Paranoid which had the audience encouraged to open pits and crowd surf. They played a vast majority of their album Coma Year closing with the intense, heartfelt, relatable, and emotional track Coma Year hitting on the loss of vocalist Austin McAuley's father. Their ability to transition seamlessly between crushing heaviness and melodic moments demonstrated their versatility of raw intensity and lyrical sincerity leaving a strong impression on the audience and setting the stage for Alesana’s headlining performance.
When Alesana finally took the stage, the anticipation was palpable. They launched into their set with a commanding presence, showcasing their signature blend of post-hardcore and melodic elements with Dennis Lee's screams mixed with Shawn Milke's clean vocals, playing their 2015 album, "Confessions", in its entirety including an encore of Fatima Rusalka. Alesana deeply excels in engaging with their audience, Shawn and the rest of the band sharing personal anecdotes and expressing their gratitude for the support of fans. Their ability to connect with their fans on such an intimate level is a testament to their charisma and dedication. One of the most impressive aspects of "Confessions" is how well it ties together the narrative threads of the trilogy. The concert does more than just play songs; it tells a story through a combination of music, visuals, and spoken word interludes. This integration of storytelling enhances the overall experience without overshadowing the music, making it feel like a journey through the band’s conceptual world.
In Conclusion.
"The Trilogy Tour Part 3: Confessions" is a fitting and powerful end to Alesana's ambitious three-part tour of Annabel. It showcases their ability to merge narrative and music into a memorable live experience. For long-time fans, it’s a rewarding payoff that wraps up years of storytelling with grace and intensity. For newcomers, it’s an inviting entry point into the band’s rich and dramatic world. Overall, it's a celebration of Alesana’s artistry and a testament to their skill in creating immersive and emotive live performances.
