Ballista Tour Kickoff 1/19

Crossing over the intersection of Sycamore St and Bell Ave, I noticed two police SUVs pulling over a tan SUV. Flashing red and blue lights catching my peripheral vision, I was hoping the driver wasn’t anyone I knew. That would be considered one of the worst ways to start the evening. As I pulled into the parking lot behind Rubber Gloves, I was met with a problem, no parking spaces. I’m grateful I’m able to afford a vehicle with a backup camera because I ended up going to deep into the lot, forcing myself to back out of a tight spot. Afterwards, I parked adjacent to the recording studio, sitting several feet away from the edge of the street. Looking from the vantage point of standing in front of the venue, the recording studio is small space roughly 25 feet to the right of the building. Holding similar characteristics to a detached garage, I always thought it was a neat little setup. Tonight’s cologne of choice was the Armani Absolu. A couple of sprays to the mid-section and I was out of the truck and headed towards the front door of the venue. I arrived just in time to catch the beginning of the Bed of Nails set. After taking a glance at the bar hiding behind a couple of pillars, I made a bee line through the double doors, unintentionally ignoring the tables of merch. Without the need to adjust the camera settings, I was ready to rock and roll. I made it up to the front of the stage to see Zach with a mic in hand. I know a handful of us anticipated Zach as a vocalist, to witness it in person was awesome to say the least. It’s a wonderful feeling to watch friends form new, cool bands simply because we all want to see each other do what they love and have fun. It was cool to see the way Zach covered the stage, utilizing the space like a true hardcore kid. Texas crossover thrash through and through, I was highly satisfied with the Bed of Nails performance, a great first set.

For a moment after their set, I studied the size and the dimensions of the stage for the first time. It’s a nice size for a hardcore show compared to Andy’s and it’s perfect compared to Rubber Gloves’ outside stage. Before turning my attention elsewhere, I wondered how many stagedives did this stage have over the years. For as long as this establishment has existed, I’m sure it had more than plenty. My attention turned away and right into conversations, smiles, hugs and more smiles. I began to think 2023 is starting off the right way for the scene. January has already been filled with stacked shows back-to-back and the month isn’t over yet. I wasn’t paying much attention to the time but a little before the number of attendees increased a little before Turfburner was about to play. Like someone’s loudmouth, southern uncle, I ran to the bar to get my drink before heading back to the stage. I love seeing Turfburner live. Jakaree’s energy when he hits the stage is undeniable. It’s a constant reminder of myself at a young, ripe age, entering into the scene with nothing but my name and my mosh moves. Turfburner possess unbelievable talent, outstanding stage presence and the crowd loves them. It’s amazing because it is just the beginning for them, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for them. After their set ended, I turned around to head towards the double doors that spilled out into the general lobby area when fans and band members occupy space and talk. Directly to the left was a mysterious staircase (“mysterious” due to my ignorance) leading up to a space above my head I wasn’t privy to. Whatever the space is, strikes my curiosity every I see it. I’m always surprised to see a T.V. in front of the bar that shows all the bands playing while they are performing. It’s great for people who want to enjoy the show but don’t want to stand in or near the crowd.

Earth Wrought was up next to play. I was excited to see them live because it was my first time and I enjoy listening to their latest ep. It’s always a treat to see Andy shredding on stage. I don’t know how long he’s been playing guitar but from the looks of it, I would assume most of his life. He probably started playing instruments before he was able to go to the potty, who knows? Earth Wrought played an awesome set, it was as heavy as the way it sounds in my truck. For me, it was one of those set you have to see for yourself. It sounds better on stage; it really fills up the room. Next up was a band I’ve never heard of; The God Awful Truth. This was one of those sets that puzzled me at first, then later on took me by surprise. By there second song, I was able to categorize the band as experimental. It felt like the safest word to describe them. Mathcore was another genre that popped into my head, but I wasn’t entirely sure. Nonetheless, watching The God Awful Truth was fun to watch, it was a wild ride.

The night was getting a little older but not by much. It didn’t seem like much time has been before Deepincision was setting up to play. In recent times, I have noticed DI getting a healthy amount of well-deserved attention. This past November, the band hit the stage in Oklahoma at the Act Like You Know fest alongside Ozone and Amnesia Gardens. Although I didn’t show up, I imagined they put on a killer set. Before they were about to start, I looked at the crowd standing before them and began to analyze. For a reason I couldn’t quite put my finger on, kids go nuts for Deepincison. Every show DI plays, it’s like these kids enjoy losing their marbles on the dance floor. As soon as the band begin to play, the pit erupted as expected. Similar to Turfburner, there was a ton of youthful energy all over the place as they played. In a way, it was reminiscent of my early days in hardcore. It was a bit refreshing to feel it, like a new, recurring feeling. Their set was amazing, and it feels like they’re getting better and better. Right after DI was Kurama. Kurama is also another band that presents the familiar youthfulness in their music. Kurama hasn’t been around for long, but they seem to be making moves rather fast. Every so often, I would notice the band is either on a tour, out of state or on a stacked show. Their style of metalcore is pretty cool to watch as they play. They’re like bat shit crazy kids with long hair going wild on stage, playing chaotic music. Another fun set for the books.

It was about time for the Ballista set to begin. It wasn’t as late as I thought it would be, but it would late enough to know I was near my bedtime. As they began setting up, I began feeling a little sad. Their guitarist Johnathon wasn’t able to make it due to his condition. It sucked for many different reasons but the one thing we all can agree on is that he needed to be there. Aside from that, I couldn’t be prouder of Ballista at this point. From countless tours, festivals and stacked local shows, Ballista is a household name here in this scene. Undeniable stage presence and the talent to match, they stay ahead of the game. To start off their set, they played the WWE superstar Triple H theme song. It honestly blew me away; I didn’t expect to hear that song at a show. It sent me right back to the nostalgic days of sitting at home and watching wrestling all the time. After the intro, their set carried on in Ballista fashion. The one thing I want to point out is River’s fit for the night. One article of clothing in particular; her sneakers. River had the custom Nike Air Forces with the colors of the trans flag and the initial COTC stitched into the strap. Probably the freshest pair of Nikes I have seen up close and personal in quite some time. I regained my focus on everything else going on. People in the pit were showing off their best moves, or the lack thereof. So many more new faces along with the people who have been coming to shows in the past two years. It’s been amazing to watch the growth of this community so far, shattering my expectations. Song after song, the crowd maintained the pace, astonishing how people are able to keep the level of energy at a consistent height. The climax of the night was Ballista playing their finishing move, “Law of the Jungle.” Arguably one of my favorite tracks on their latest album, that song brings the mosh front and center, whether anyone likes it or not. Along with the intro, it’s the best way to end the set. This was day 1 of a short tour with Ballista, Deepincision and Kurama, and what a perfect way to start a tour than a good old triple stacked Texas show.