Live Photos & Show Review: The Devil Wears Prada
Check out these live photos of The Devil Wears Prada, The Ghost Inside and Volumes from their December 1st show at the Observatory in Santa Ana. Check out the entire photoset on the PWV Facebook and don’t miss the show review below!
all photos by Simon Green
show review by Kealie Mardell
The Devil Wears Prada
The Ghost Inside
Volumes
The Devil Wears Prada @ The Observatory
Dec. 1 with The Ghost Inside, Volumes and Texas in July
Opening for The Devil Wears Prada 8:18 tour was the metalcore sounds of Texas In July, as the lines built up and the crowds poured inside at The Observatory in Santa Ana. The floor was packed, with a brutal energy tearing the masses apart throughout the night.
Playing close to home was Southern California’s own metal collective Volumes, delivering an eclectic mix of rhythmic and progressive grooves. A striking offering, bringing a taste of difference to the metal realm with their fusion of chaotic metal interspersed with moments of melodic tranquility. During their set, rounds of cheers rang out for bassist Raad Soudani, who was to celebrate his birthday at midnight. Soudani later tweeted, “Emotional performance tonight. Being happy for what I got. Cherishing these moments.” This was certainly a memorable performance for any Volumes fans, and their softer sounds were not misplaced, laying the ground work for the acts to follow.
Volumes were joined on the bill by fellow Los Angeles based band The Ghost Inside. Their melodic hardcore sound rings through as every song leaves its impact. From the shredding guitars, drum beats that leave your chest pounding, to the vocal melodies that hook the crowd and have them hanging onto every word.
Front man Jonathon Vigil silences the crowd to lay bare the underlying emotion that is fuelling his performance. In 2010 Vigil lost his brother and tonight he devotes the inspired ‘White Light’. There is a sense of solace in this haunting and honest track, with the line, “Now I feel his cold breath on my neck, he’s watching my steps and telling me that I could be next,” ringing through the void.
With barely a chance to recover from the aching pits, The Devil Wears Prada reign the crowd back in, eager anticipation building as the lights drop and the first few chords echo out. Within moments raw energy is unleashed, as a rushed frenzy soars through the room. The Devil Wears Prada are illuminated in front of their backdrop, the band logo which appeared on the Dead Throne album. The array of colors and effects brought out by the impressive light show heightens the outstanding performance that Prada deliver.
The Devil Wears Prada show a progression through the development of their music, with their latest offering 8:18 highlighting their creative scope. With hardcore guitar riffs, heavy breakdowns and melodic harmonies, there is an impressive variety and texture bound together with the tightness and energy of the band.
The critical reception of the 8:18 album argued that years of screaming and live performances had taken its toll on frontman Mike Hranica’s voice, but he performed unhindered. Hranica sounded raw and forceful, from the guttural screams to haunting cries. There is a harmonious tandem between Hranica and the clean vocals of Jeremy DePoyster. They join together for a harsh and visceral vocal performance, aching with emotion and bringing a new depth to their music.
It’s undeniable that The Devil Wears Prada are making their way to the forefront of the metalcore genre. They brought a refined performance to The Observatory, flowing between tracks with ease and offering fresh tastes for the fearless participators in the pits. The relentless energy of the crowd was in full force, clawing their way forward and climbing to the stage, from the opening chords to the last echoes of the encore.
***
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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