Photos by Renee Clark Quade | Review by Renee Clark Quade and Rebecca Clark

On the evening of July 24, the Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA, became a hotbed of musical energy as Fit For a King, Hollywood Undead, I Prevail, and Halestorm took the stage. Fans gathered in droves, eager to experience a lineup that promised an eclectic mix of metalcore, rap rock, and hard-hitting rock anthems. Each band brought their unique style and fervor, creating an unforgettable night that left the amphitheater shaking and the audience yearning for more.

Fit For a King

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Fit For a King (FFAK) wasted no time electrifying the crowd with their metalcore intensity. Their set started with explosive energy, and by the time they hit their second song, “Breaking the Mirror,” the audience was fully engaged. The band maintained a relentless pace with “Falling Through the Sky” as their third song, showcasing their dynamic stage presence. The lead singer’s interaction with the crowd, asking if anyone had seen them before, added a personal touch to their performance.

The guitar players were a whirlwind of motion, often jumping in unison, adding a visual spectacle to the sonic assault. Ryan “Tuck” O’Leary, the bassist, stood out with his frequent bass spins, evoking a nostalgic Warped Tour vibe. Fit For a King delivered a high-octane performance that set the bar high for the night.

Hollywood Undead

Taking the stage with a set inspired by their latest album, Hotel Kalifornia, Hollywood Undead transformed the venue with an elaborate stage setup. Fake palm trees, graffiti-adorned trash cans, and a smoky haze created an ambiance reminiscent of a dystopian paradise. The “Hotel Kalifornia” sign on a flattened cardboard box by the keyboard was a quirky touch that added to the band’s unique aesthetic.

The energy in the pit was palpable, with fans hopping up and down to the beats. A memorable moment was when a tech joined the band on stage and was fed a beer while playing the tambourine. Their third song, “Riot,” was a highlight, with the band proclaiming the crowd as the best they’ve ever had. Each member of Hollywood Undead took turns singing, keeping the performance dynamic and engaging. Their setlist included high-energy hits like “Comin’ in Hot,” a cover of “Du Hast,” and culminated in their biggest hit, “Undead.” The band’s enthusiasm and stagecraft left a lasting impression.

I Prevail

I Prevail’s set was a masterclass in blending rap, rock, and metal, led by dual vocalists Eric Vanlerberghe and Brian Burkheiser. The show began with a chilling monologue accompanied by haunting visuals, setting the tone for their intense performance. Their second song, “Body Bag,” and the crowd-rousing “If You Don’t Know the Devil” had the audience singing back and jumping on command.

The dedication of “Staring at the Sun” to Hollywood Undead showed a sense of camaraderie among the bands. Crowd surfing was a constant, with the energy in the venue never dipping. Eric’s welcome to both returning and new fans added a personal touch, celebrating the band’s 10-year journey. A standout moment was their cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space,” a throwback to their roots that had the crowd in a frenzy.

Brian Burkheiser’s heartfelt recounting of his personal struggles before “Breaking Down” was a poignant moment. The creepy clown intro for “Fuck What You Think You Know” and the controlled chaos of a circle pit during “Judgement Day” kept the adrenaline high. The set concluded with powerful renditions of “Choke,” “Hurricane,” and “Bow Down,” and an all-out finale with “Gasoline,” leaving fans exhausted but exhilarated.

Halestorm

Halestorm’s set was a tour de force, starting with Lzzy Hale’s powerful solo rendition of “Raise Your Horns.” Her voice echoed through the amphitheater, setting a commanding presence before the rest of the band joined in for their hit “I Miss the Misery.” The Grammy-winning “Love Bites (And So Do I)” followed, showcasing the band’s seasoned talent.

Arejay Hale’s wild wardrobe, including a pink jacket and matching green hair and drum kit, added a splash of color to their performance. Bringing out I Prevail’s Eric Vanlerberghe for “Can You See Me in the Dark” was a collaborative highlight. Lzzy’s nostalgic recounting of their early days in Pennsylvania, especially when introducing “Familiar Taste of Poison,” resonated deeply with the crowd.

A memorable moment was when an audience member threw a bra at Lzzy, which she humorously hung on her mic stand. The band revisited their early work with “Takes My Life,” during which Lzzy’s showmanship shone brightly as she belted out the chorus from a kneeling position, even bending backward onto the floor while playing her guitar.

Arejay’s signature drum solo and the return of the drum circle delighted both new and longtime fans. Lzzy and Joe’s double-necked guitar performance on “I Am The Fire” was a technical and visual marvel. The set concluded with “Steeple,” seamlessly transitioning back into “I Miss the Misery,” encapsulating the essence of their near 30-year career in one unforgettable night. Halestorm’s ability to pull out all their best songs and perform them with such vigor left the audience in awe.

Conclusion

This concert was a rollercoaster of emotions and energy, with each band bringing their unique flair to the stage. Fit For a King’s raw power, Hollywood Undead’s theatricality, I Prevail’s crowd engagement, and Halestorm’s seasoned showmanship created a night of unforgettable performances. Fans were treated to a showcase of the best from each band’s repertoire, making it a concert that will undoubtedly be remembered by fans as a highlight of the concert season. Each band brought their A-game, creating an unforgettable experience that showcased the best of their careers.

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