Chiodos rocks a sold-out show celebrating 20 years of all’s well that ends well

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​The Roxian was packed and ready to go on Friday as Chiodos brought their tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album, All’s Well That Ends Well. From the first song of the opening band, the crowd was in a high-energy mood and ready to mosh. First to the stage, The Callous Daoboys from Atlanta, started the night with fast, intense beats accompanied by heavy guitar and violin riffs. Their 30-minute set was relentless, quickly setting high expectations for the evening. They were followed by Emmure who picked up where the Daoboys left off, bringing the first crowd surfers out of the pit with their heavy sound and solid vocals. Though only a 4-piece band, Emmure had a huge stage presence and everyone was primed and ready for the main acts of the evening.

Following the two openers, emo legends Hawthorne Hights took to the stage in matching jumpsuits. Despite the main theme of the night being hardcore, Hawthorne Heights fit right into the mix. Their singable melodies and more than 20 years performing together made their set tight and memorable. Vocalist JT Woodruff joked that although the other bands may have a harder sound, Hawthorne Heights was really the most metal of them all, since their music hit your emotions. Though not quite mosh-pit energy, the entire Roxian crowd was on their feet screaming the words to “Ohio is for Lovers” to close out their 45-minute set. Band members even took a few minutes to greet fans at the merch table after their performance.

Finally, and with much anticipation, Chiodos took to the stage. Vocalist Craig Owens, the only original member of the band, grabbed the audience’s attention and didn’t let go. His high-energy performance brought the mosh pit to a frenzy. Chiodos played All’s Well That Ends Well in full, and the crowd shouted every lyric over the tight and well-rehearsed music. What was clearly a pivotal album for many was only the first half of an unforgettable night. After a brief break and background change for the stage, Chiodos returned to play some fan-favorites, much to the delight of the crowd. For well over an hour, fans danced, moshed, and partied away their Friday night to songs that brought back memories for many. This was not a show where people began to shuffle for the doors to avoid traffic. This was a nostalgia-fueled show with energy that leaves fans craving more. Since their return to the stage late last year, Chiodos has an obviously ravenous fan base who will surely support many more years of touring.

Review/Photo By: Aarika MacIntyre