Pierce the Veil are bringing their new record Misadventures to bigger stages across North America this fall with The Made To Destroy Tour with special guests Neck Deep and I Prevail. This not-so-miss adventure recently stopped by the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and Side Stage Magazine was there for all the action.
Shortly after 7:30, the house lights dimmed and cheers from the general admission pit erupted as I Prevail’s drummer Lee Runestad climbed behind his kit, opening the set with an interlude to “Scars” off their debut album Lifelines (Fearless Records, 2016) as the rest of the band followed for the opening song . Eric Vanlerberghe and his gnarly screamo vocals grabbed the crowd’s attention (and not just for sporting a vintage Red Wings jersey in Rangerstown) while Brian Burkheiser, dawned in all black and a brace on his wrist, brought the melodies and fists held high for a medley of covers that included Foo Fighters’ “Walk,” Linkin Park’s “One Step Closer” and Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing in the Name.” The covers continued with “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift; a clear crowd-pleaser for the mostly female audience. The transitions between clean vocals and edgier screams were a welcomed sound to the diehard Pierce the Veil fans, who were nodding along in approval by the final song, “Love Lust and Liars.”
The Made To Destroy Tour brought a taste of the UK and hardcore to lineup with Neck Deep, whose latest album Life’s Not Out To Get You back in August of 2015 on Hopeless Records. This band has been making a lot of noise in the scene during the last year, most notably with their March cover of Alternative Press magazine, and it was a real honor to see them command such a large room from the opening note of “Gold Steps” to the final chord in “Can’t Kick Up The Roots.”
Shortly past 9 PM, a large white curtain was hoisted to the rafters of the Hammerstein Ballroom, separating the large stage from the grandiose theater. The crowd hushed as the house lights dimmed and a Pierce The Veil logo appeared on the white fabric. In typical PTV fashion, the curtain dropped with the crescendo and the lights flickered, almost as if to give the illusion that the rocket ship pictured on stage had actually crashed just moments prior to the tune of “Dive In.” If Pierce The Veil was out to destroy anything on this tour, it must be one’s expectations. It seems as though with every lap around the world, Pierce The Veil’s live show grows to new heights and this last go-around was no different. From the elaborate staging to the relentless energy, PTV know just how to put on an exciting show for all to enjoy.
The Made To Destroy Tour wraps up this week and Pierce the Veil will head overseas to for their European tour with Letlive. and Creeper at the end of the month!
