Summer Of Loud tour brings the metalcore show of the year to Michigan

By Byron Morris

The Summer of Loud tour rolled into Clarkston on a gray, humid Wednesday and wasted no time living up to its name. With a lineup stacked from top to bottom—I Prevail, Beartooth, Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, plus support from The Devil Wears Prada, The Amity Affliction, Alpha Wolf, and Dark Divine—even with some scattered rain and the usual Pine Knob traffic, fans packed in early. By the time Dark Divine kicked things off, the lawn was already filling out, and pits were starting before most people had even grabbed a beer.

Alpha Wolf brought the straight chaos that they’re known for. Fast, angry, and full of spirit. These guys have a youthful energy that’s always refreshing to see. The Amity Affliction followed with a more emotional set, mixing melody with heaviness in a way that gave the crowd a moment of relief from the chaotic energy of the former band. Frontman Joel Birch sported a boot, after breaking two bones in his left foot, earlier in the tour this month. I’m glad he’s still putting on a great show, even while injured. The Devil Wears Prada came out swinging with a seasoned set that reminded everyone they’ve been at this a long time and still know exactly how to move a crowd. This was my first time seeing TDWP, and after this set I’ll make it a point to catch them whenever they come through Detroit. 

The co-headliners each brought something different. Parkway Drive leaned all the way into their larger-than-life presence. Even without full pyro, they made the stage feel massive. Killswitch Engage hit that sweet spot between metal and sing-along rock, especially on staples like “My Curse” and “The End of Heartache.” It’s rare to see a pit and a group chorus happening at the same time, but that’s what we got today. Frontman Jesse Leach was electric, showing us that they’re still going strong.

Beartooth might’ve had one of the most raw and honest sets of the day. Caleb Shomo puts everything out there, and the crowd met him with matching energy—bouncing between breakdowns and big, emotional choruses. Things really started to heat up here, and I found myself wondering why I had never got the chance to catch a Beartooth set before. Complete madness, even with a venue filled with mostly seats.

I Prevail closed the night with something to say. With hometown roots and a lot of eyes on them after the recent departure of co-vocalist Brian Burkheiser, the band stepped up in a big way. Their new direction leans darker, heavier, and more aggressive than before, and it suits them. The set was sharp, well-paced, and hit hard from start to finish. Surrounded by a sea of Michigan fans who knew every word, the energy in the amphitheater was undeniable. Frontman Eric Vanlerberghe commanded the stage with confidence, making it clear he can carry the vocal weight on his own and maybe even push the band further than ever before. If this show was any indication, I Prevail’s next chapter is shaping up to be their strongest yet.

Their new album “Violent Nature” is set to arrive on September 19 through Fearless Records.