FAME ON FIRE/KINGDOM COLLAPSE – @ THE WEBSTER UNDERGROUND

On Sept. 12th, Fame On Fire and Kingdom Collapse brought their high energy tour to the Webster Underground in Hartford, Ct. The room was packed with an audience ready to rock. Both bands are current staples on SiriusXM’s Octane with new music and dynamic tracks.

Kingdom Collapse was up first. Their 8 song set was full of fire and brimstone. Every tune was an audacious shot of pure adrenaline. Lead singer, Jonathan Norris captivated the crowd with his monstrous vocals and winning personality. David Work’s guitar flared with killer riffs and imaginative solos. Aaron Smith on bass delivered an avalanche of destruction while Elijah Santucci’s drums pounded with righteous savagery. The entire band was simply spectacular and their fans were absolutely into it.

Photos Holly Roy Photography

They started the night with “Uprise” off their Unbreakable EP, where a good portion of tonight’s songs came from. “Uprise” immediately set the tone with its brutal riffs and brazen vocals. Right from the start, the audience was headbanging and raising their fists. “Payback” continued the onslaught. Kingdom Collapse’s huge hit, “Save Me From Myself” hit with force. By now, the room was grooving to the indivisible turmoil the band was letting loose.

Throughout their set, Norris was able to bring in the congregation. He is a consummate showman. Kingdom Collapse‘s newest release, “Never Be Like You” slayed. The song shows the band’s brazen songwriting with its edgy feel and emboldened vocals. The tune is a powerful statement against conformity. Norris blasts out:

I never fit in
I am not a cool kid
Never gave a fuck about any of that bullshit
And I don’t care if you approve
I’ll never be like you

I could tell many of their fans felt the same way. Their 2023 single, “Anything” and “Break Free” came next. Work’s guitar was imposing while Smith’s bass thumped with tension. Santucci’s drums was divinely heartfelt. After “Suffer”, Kingdom Collapse dropped an infectious rendition of their first massive hit, “Unbreakable”. The band completely destroyed to the delight of the Webster. In addition, I’m in awe of the band as they have reached this level of success on their own being totally independent. They deserve all the accolades they have amassed to date.

Fame On Fire is another Octane baby. They formed in Palm Beach, Fl. in 2013 as a cover band. They gained notoriety with a metal cover of Adele’s “Hello”. In 2017, they released their first EP, Transitions. 2020 brought their debut album entitled Levels on Hopeless Records. Their sophomore full length, Welcome to the Chaos, dropped in 2022, again on Hopeless. The band is comprised of Bryan Kuznitz (Vocals), Blake Saul (Guitar), Paul Spirou (Bass) and Alex Roman (Drums). Their sound is a mash-up of hard rock, rap and melodic nu-metal.

“Welcome to the Chaos” opened their set. The album version features a colab with Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills. Kuznitz’s vocals were smooth and sexy with a jagged edge. Saul’s guitar was supersized with dramatic riffs. Spirou on bass was bombastic while Roman’s drums hammered with exotic zeal. Straight away, the band had unimpaired control of the venue.

Photos Holly Roy Photography

“Rotting Away”, “Not Dead Yet” (off of Levels), and “Emo Shit” furthered the fury. “Her Eyes’ was full of flaring textures. “Robbery” led into “Ketamine” and “Signs”. “I’m Fine” slowed the pace with its cinematic rhythm. “Cut Throat” led into a brand new song entitled “Un-alive” which the audience truly enjoyed. “Lost in Doubt” and “HEADSPACE” unleashed more adventurous music. Fame On Fire closed out with a brassy cover of “Numb” from Linkin Park and a crushing “Plastic Heart”.

It was an amazing show from two bands on the rise. Fame On Fire and Kingdom Collapse made the Webster Underground proud. If you get a chance, definitely check out both artists.

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