FROM ASHES TO NEW / SET IT OFF – LIVE AT AURA
The Halloween spirit was alive and electrifying at Aura in Portland, Maine, as If Not for Me, New Years Day, From Ashes to New, and Set It Off delivered a night of unforgettable performances. From costumes and theatrics to crowd-surfing and mosh pits, each band—and their crews—brought a unique flavor to the spooky celebration.
The first band to take the stage was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles… or rather, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s If Not for Me, fully decked out in turtle costumes. Performing in Maine for the first time, they wasted no time winning over the audience with their high-energy set. Tracks like “Blameless” and “Feel Me Now” had the crowd raising their arms and moving to the beat, creating an electric opening vibe.
Between songs, the band kept things lighthearted, showcasing their humor and staying true to their ninja-turtle personas. They dedicated “No Thanks to You” to everyone who’s been told they can’t eat pizza for every meal, earning cheers and laughter from the crowd. They even urged fans to “show some karate in the pit,” blending playful antics with the intense energy of their performance.
Many of the songs in their set were pulled from their 2024 album Everything You Wanted, a testament to their ability to combine metalcore grit with catchy melodies. As they closed their set, the audience—a mix of first-timers and longtime fans—was fully “out of their shells,” primed and ready for the night’s escalating intensity.
With roots dating back to their 2022 debut album Eulogy, If Not for Me has steadily built a reputation for delivering high-energy performances. Their mix of heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and infectious humor made them the perfect band to kick off the Halloween-themed concert, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
Next up was New Years Day, bringing Halloween to life with a full horror-inspired wardrobe. Each band member transformed into iconic horror characters, including Jason, Chucky, Ghostface, and Sam, while frontwoman Ash Costello took center stage as a vampiric Pennywise. Commanding the stage with a mix of powerful screams and soaring vocals, Ash’s dynamic presence was electric. Her voice channels the essence of the badass women in the rock and metalcore scene, blending strength and emotion seamlessly.
Their setlist packed a punch, featuring fan-favorite tracks like “Vampyre” and “Shut Up,” which had the crowd, particularly the ladies, belting out every word. Ash’s connection with the audience was undeniable, rallying the room into a frenzy with energetic calls to participate, creating a unified wave of energy.
Songs like “Fearless” and “Gangsta” showcased the band’s chemistry, with each member fully embracing their horror personas while delivering tight, high-octane performances. Guitarists Nikki Misery and Jeremy Valentyne entertained with wild antics, bassist Brandon Wolfe laid down thunderous grooves, and drummer Tommy Rockoff added theatrical flair, spinning sticks and adding character-driven touches as Ghostface. The emotionally charged closer, “Hurts Like Hell,” left the crowd in awe, capped off with Ash’s playful promise of a t-shirt to the most intense pit-goer—a fitting Halloween treat.
New Years Day, hailing from Anaheim, California, first broke onto the scene in the early 2000s, gaining traction through MySpace—a nostalgic nod to the platform that launched them. In March 2024, they released their fifth album, Half Black Heart, an evolution from their 2007 debut, My Dear. The latest record leans heavily into guttural screams and deep guitar riffs, solidifying the band’s transformation into a heavier, darker sound while staying true to their roots.
From Ashes to New didn’t just perform—they dominated the stage with a performance that was equal parts passion and fire. Kicking off their set with explosive tracks like “Nightmare” and “Monster,” they unleashed a sonic assault that turned the audience into a thrashing, electrified wave. Their signature blend of rap-rock, gut-wrenching screams, and melodic harmonies provided the perfect backdrop for the chaos erupting in the pit.
Vocalists Danny Case and Matt Brandyberry showcased impeccable chemistry, with Danny’s soaring, emotionally charged vocals driving home the choruses and Matt’s rapid-fire raps injecting raw energy into every verse. Together, they brought tracks like “Heartache” and “My Name” to life, hitting harder than ever in a live setting. Meanwhile, guitarist Lance Dowdle shredded intricate riffs with precision, and drummer Mat Madiro kept the intensity soaring with thunderous beats that rattled through the venue.
The band’s connection with the crowd was palpable, turning their set into more than just a performance—it was an experience. A cheer competition, designed to break the tour’s 118-decibel record, had the audience screaming, clapping, and raising their hands in unison, amplifying the electric atmosphere. Midway through the set, Danny took a moment to acknowledge their journey, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of their fans. “Tonight, this is your space to feel alive, to feel free,” he declared, inspiring a new wave of energy that surged through the crowd.
As they closed their set, the pit opened wide for the final track, bodies surging forward and fists pumping in time with the music. Even fans in elaborate Halloween costumes threw themselves into the chaos, a fittingly cathartic end to a set that expertly balanced raw intensity with heartfelt connection.
From Ashes to New has been grinding since their formation in 2013, debuting with Day One and the breakout single “Through It All.” While often compared to Linkin Park, the band has firmly established their own sound, blending hip-hop and rock with a fresh perspective. Their latest album, Blackout (2023), builds on their signature style, adding depth and energy sure to leave anyone listening feeling amped and ready to take on the world.
Set It Off closed the night with a theatrical, Halloween-themed performance that blended carnival creepiness with high-energy pop-punk anthems. The band’s crew joined in on the fun, donning masks and costumes, while a countdown on the screen set the stage for hits like “Parasite,” “Fake Ass Friends,” and the crowd favorite “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” The visuals and atmosphere were expertly crafted, from the eerie lighting to the playful, spooky elements scattered throughout the set.
The band’s interaction with the crowd was electric, with Frontman Cody Carson, dressed as Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy, leading the charge. He encouraged fans to open the pit for “Evil People,” and later led a rowdy sing-off during “Forever Stuck in Our Youth,” splitting the crowd down the middle to compete for the loudest section. His infectious energy made it impossible for anyone to stand still.
Though their costumes didn’t last long—tossed aside with laughter—the energy never wavered. The hauntingly atmospheric “Kill the Lights” shifted into the emotional intensity of “Hypnotized,” showcasing the band’s ability to flip seamlessly between theatrical flair and deeply emotional moments. It was a testament to their versatility and their command of the stage. One of the night’s biggest highlights came during “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead,” when Cody swapped instruments, jumping behind the drums as Maxx Danziger took over vocals. This unexpected role reversal gave the crowd a fresh burst of excitement and kept the momentum high. But the surprises didn’t stop there.
The night reached its peak when Ash Costello made a triumphant return to the stage for a performance of “Partners in Crime,” joining Set It Off for an unforgettable, high-energy finale that left the crowd buzzing long after the last note played. The entire performance was a perfect mix of playful, theatrical fun and heart-pounding punk rock, proving why Set It Off continues to be one of the most engaging live acts in the scene.
Set It Off has been making their mark on the music scene for over a decade. Formed in 2008, the band quickly became known for their unique blend of pop-punk and theatrical elements, capturing the attention of fans with their energetic performances and catchy, emotionally charged anthems. Their debut album, Cinematics, was released in 2010, introducing their signature sound and setting the stage for the band’s evolution. Over the years, Set It Off has continued to grow and refine their music, embracing a more polished and expansive sound with each album.
Their most recent release, Elsewhere (2023), sees the band taking a bold step forward, blending their pop-punk roots with influences from alternative rock and electronic music. The album reflects their growth not only as musicians but also as storytellers, with a more introspective and mature approach to themes like self-discovery, mental health, and the search for belonging. Throughout their journey, Set It Off has continually evolved, balancing their theatrical live shows with increasingly complex and nuanced songwriting, all while maintaining the high-energy, crowd-engaging performances that first won them a dedicated fanbase.
The Halloween show at Aura was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of music, theatrics, and community. Each band embraced the holiday spirit with creative costumes and electrifying performances. The crowd, from first-timers to seasoned fans, left the venue buzzing with energy and ready to carry the Halloween vibe into the next day. This show was a testament to the power of live music to bring people together, costumes and all, for a night of unforgettable fun.
Editors Note : Due to external circumstances AMP was only permitted to photograph From Ashes to New. Hopefully, Set It Off’s next tour will allow us to give our readers a more in-depth photo journey.
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