Nothing More is currently on tour with the theatrical metal band In This Moment. The Blood 10-Year Anniversary Tour recently stopped in Philadelphia, PA at the Fillmore, one of my favorite venues in the city. The lineup also included the Cherry Bombs and Sleep Token as supporting acts.
Cherry Bombs
Cherry Bombs were the first act of the night. The all-girl “daredevil” dance group entered the stage to blaring metal music with black lights illuminating their every move. Throughout their set, they also performed with aerial silks. They were a fun and unique addition to the tour lineup.
Sleep Token
Sleep Token was nothing short of impressive. The masked prog-metal group played a 6 song set consisting of all of my favorite tracks. They opened with Alkaline and Hypnosis, and ended with The Offering.
Nothing More
Nothing More took the stage just before 8 pm. If you’re looking for a high-energy rock show that keeps its momentum from beginning to end, then Nothing More is the band for you. I’ve seen Nothing More several times, most recently this past spring (You can see that review and gallery here). They are always a pleasure to see and will leave you breathing heavy each time.
The heavy rock band consists of vocalist Jonny Hawkins, guitarist Mark Vollelunga, bassist Daniel Oliver, and drummer Ben Anderson. Nothing More opened with one of their latest singles Turn it Up Like, then went right into well-known tracks like Let ‘em Burn and Don’t Stop. Hawkins, in his true fashion, was darting from one part of the stage to the other, and of course, climbed up on the iconic “Scorpion Tail” contraption that accompanies every single Nothing More show. One of my favorite things about Nothing More’s music is just how tight their rhythm section is. Anderson’s drumming was fast-paced and spot on throughout the entire set. With Oliver’s bass pounding through our chests and Vollelunga’s guitar riffs pulling it all together, Nothing More constantly provides a charismatic and energizing performance that leaves lasting impressions on their audience.
The band played 12 songs in total, as well as a quick rendition of “Happy Birthday” in honor of two crew members who had birthdays this week. Nothing More concluded their set with their best-known track This is the Time (Ballast). This is genuinely one of my favorite songs of all time and always a pleasure to see live. Hawkins, Oliver, and Vollelunga climbed up on the barricade to play directly into the crowd during the song’s final crescendo. It was a beautiful sight to see the band and the audience come together so intimately and it reminded me just how much I love live music and the bonds it creates.
You can find additional tour dates here, and be sure to follow Nothing More on Facebook and Instagram.
