The Radio Room in Greenville, SC, hosted an incredible night of heavy music as Maylene and the Sons of Disaster kicked off their summer tour alongside Atomic Rule, Across Five Aprils, New Rituals, and local openers Reviler.
The crowd grew throughout the night, and by the time Across Five Aprils hit the stage, the room was packed. It was my first time seeing all five bands, and each one brought something different to the lineup.
Greenville’s own Reviler got things started with a solid hometown performance. New Rituals followed with a strong hardcore set, and it was fun seeing Josh Scogin in the crowd supporting the band.
Across Five Aprils proved they haven’t lost a step. Steve Taylor joked that the band only plays a few shows each year and called their music “hardcore adjacent,” but they sounded great. One of the coolest moments of the night came when the band discovered it was a six-year-old fan’s birthday. The crowd wished him a happy birthday before helping him experience his first crowd surf in a safe way.
The biggest surprise for me was Atomic Rule. Their sludgy, groove-heavy sound immediately got the crowd moving with the first pit and crowd surfers of the night. Featuring former Every Time I Die guitarist Andy Williams, the band was incredibly tight and definitely earned some new fans.
Then came Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. Dallas Taylor still brings an unbelievable amount of energy to the stage, and every member of the band looked like they were having the time of their lives. The crowd responded with nonstop singing, pits, and crowd surfing throughout the set.
The best moment may have happened after the show. Dallas Taylor stayed to meet fans, take pictures, and spend time with everyone, especially the kids. It’s always encouraging to see artists invest in the people who support them.
Overall, this was an outstanding way to kick off the tour. Great bands, a great crowd, and another reminder of why the heavy music community continues to be one of the best around.
The Masquerade in Atlanta hosted a powerful lineup as Demon Hunter, Convictions, and Cultist brought the “There Was A Light Here” tour through Georgia. This was my first time seeing both Demon Hunter and Cultist live, and I got to experience the night with my sons Leo and Max along with my friends Steve Morse and Trey.
Cultist kicked things off with nonstop energy. Having two lead vocalists could easily feel overcrowded, but they made it work perfectly. Both singers stayed in constant motion, engaging the crowd and bringing intensity to every song. Even as the newer band on the tour package, they definitely gained new fans that night.
Convictions kept the momentum rolling with crushing breakdowns and a crowd that clearly knew every word. Their frontman did an incredible job keeping the audience hyped from beginning to end. One of the coolest moments personally was watching my son Leo experience his first mosh pit during their set. By the end of the night, he walked away with both a Convictions and Demon Hunter setlist.
When Demon Hunter took the stage, the atmosphere completely shifted. Their lighting setup relied heavily on dark red, white, and blue backlighting that created an intense visual experience throughout most of the set. Spotlights only appeared between songs and during the acoustic moments, making those sections stand out even more.
The band performed “The Brink” acoustically along with another stripped down song later in the set. Those moments added variety to the massive 20 song performance and almost felt like intentional breathers during such a long and demanding show.
Ryan Clark’s stage presence was impossible to ignore. During the acoustic songs, the lighting finally revealed more details including his tattooed torso, hand painted overcoat, and customized microphone stand featuring a metal cross attachment.
After 25 years, Demon Hunter continues proving why they remain one of the most respected bands in heavy music. Hearing the crowd sing nearly every word showed just how much their music still connects with fans today.
I was also excited to leave the venue with a Cultist vinyl in hand to remember an unforgettable night of music.
Pipe Bomb, the solo project of Mitchell Layton, delivers raw, Christ-centered chaotic metalcore that hits hard and refuses to let up. Drawing influence from early 2000s chaos bands like The Chariot and Norma Jean while pushing into modern aggression, Hell Hole is both nostalgic and fresh.
Tracks like “Under God’s Heel” and “Straight Edge Hate” are short, direct, and confrontational, while “Choke” showcases sharp, thought-provoking lyricism. The title track paints vivid imagery, and “I Will Kill the Worst Parts of Myself” builds intensity with a slower, crushing approach that feels straight out of the late 90s scene.
This is not polished or radio-friendly. It is gritty, honest, and rooted in real struggle. Lyrically, the album tackles mental health, faith, and personal accountability with conviction.
If you are into Zao, Project 86, or The Chariot, this will hit home.
Hell Hole is intense, chaotic, and full of purpose.
The third annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival returns to The Premier in Hickory, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing together a full day of music, community, and outreach.
Known for showcasing a wide spectrum of faith-driven heavy and alternative music, Breaking Darkness has quickly become one of the Southeast’s premier Christian rock and metal festivals. Beyond the music, the festival exists to make a difference, with all ticket proceeds benefiting Christian outreach organizations that serve individuals battling addiction, including Bethel Colony of Mercy, Foundry House, and Recovery NC.
This year’s lineup spans everything from crushing metalcore and hard rock to alternative rock, punk, hip hop, and worship, offering something for nearly every fan of heavy music.
2026 Lineup and Musical Styles
Convictions (Headliner)
Metalcore. The Ohio-based band has built a reputation for emotionally charged songwriting, crushing breakdowns, and passionate live performances. Their blend of heaviness and worship has earned them a dedicated following around the world.
Relentless Flood
Hard rock and alternative metal. Known for memorable choruses and faith-centered lyrics, Relentless Flood continues to deliver modern rock with both power and purpose.
XIII Minutes
Modern hard rock with soaring melodies and driving guitars. XIII Minutes combines polished musicianship with uplifting messages and arena-ready hooks.
Tricord
Heavy alternative rock with energetic live performances and Christ-centered lyrics. After making a strong impression at last year’s festival, Tricord returns for another appearance.
Irae
One of the newest additions to the lineup, Irae brings an aggressive modern metal sound that expands the festival’s heavier offerings while continuing the event’s mission of glorifying Christ through music.
Matt Sassano
A solo artist blending hip hop, rock, and spoken word into an energetic live performance centered on faith, hope, and redemption.
Billy James
More than an emcee, Billy James is known for his spoken word presentations, testimony, and evangelistic ministry that connect with audiences between performances.
Counter
One of the festival’s hometown favorites, Counter delivers female-fronted hard rock with powerful vocals, memorable melodies, and energetic performances.
Autumn Eve
Based in Nashville, Autumn Eve blends hard rock, alternative metal, and modern metalcore while writing songs that encourage healing and hope for those overcoming trauma and abuse.
Splitcast
Fast-paced punk rock inspired by late ’90s skate punk, delivering energetic songs filled with thoughtful lyrics and infectious hooks.
An additional surprise band will be revealed as the event approaches.
Event Information
Date Saturday, August 1, 2026
Doors 12:00 Noon
Location The Hickory Premier 109 11th Street N.W. Hickory, NC 28601
MC Glenn Remsen of Lithoscry
Ticket Options
Advance tickets are available for $15 plus fees through May 1, 2026.
A four-pack advance ticket option is available for discounted group entry.
Early entry advance tickets include early access to the venue and a swag bag.
Tickets purchased on the day of the event will be $30 at the door.
