Falling in Reverse brings their sold out "Episode iii" Tour to Motown

Author and Photographer: Josh Justice

In the heart of downtown Detroit, the beautiful former church-turned-concert venue Saint Andrew’s Hall was rocked to its core. Fans lined the sidewalk and around the block for the sold out stop of Falling In Reverse’s Episode III Tour.

Kicking off the night were New Years Day, led by Ash Costello. With a new line up (including former Static X guitarist, Frankie Sil), and a new album, “Unbreakable,” New Years Day brought a heavier sound than previously heard with their last release “Malevolence.” Between songs, Costello riffed with the crowd, promoting a new era of women rockers and blasting through a cover of Pantera’s 'Fucking Hostile,' Kehlani’s 'Gangsta,' their latest single 'Shut Up.' This tour leads into their first ever headlining tour, as they will spend a month on the road this summer promoting “Unbreakable.”

Next on the card were Pennsylvanians From Ashes to New. A refreshing throwback to the days of rap-rock/nu-metal, singers Danny Case and Matt Brandyberry brought a POD/Linkin Park-esque, tag-teaming delivery of their hits “Crazy” and “Through It All.” At one point, Case brought the noise front and center into the audience, giving those lucky few an unforgettable performance.

Rounding out the supporting acts were Massachusetts natives Ice Nine Kills. Theatrically the most impressive band of the night, each member paid homage to various horror movies (IT, Saw, Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Crow, appropriately picked for its Detroit setting). The slasher tributes didn’t end there as they unleashed a myriad of their songs, featuring 'Stabbing in the Dark,' 'A Grave Mistake,' and finished their terrifying set with 'IT is the End.'

With the deafening “Ronnie” chants from the crowd, headliners Falling In Reverse made their way to the stage. Despite being visibly under the weather, Ronnie Radke powered through his ailments to treat the crowd with over an hour of bangers, including 'Drugs,' 'Game Over,' 'Bad Girls Club,' then finishing out the set with a 5 song encore while being propped up by the pit. Highlight of the night being Radke belting out his cover of Smash Mouth’s 'All Star.'

The Episode III Tour continues until May 24, where it ends in Los Angeles at The Wiltern. 

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