Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
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The energy was palpable at Toad’s in New Haven, CT on Saturday, May 4th, as the venue hosted a sold-out show featuring a lineup of diverse and electrifying acts, with the legendary From Ashes to New leading the charge as headliners.
Pop-punk, metal, and hard rock artist Elijah kicked off the night with an explosive performance that set the bar high. Accompanied by Xander Raymond Charles and Brandon Kyle on guitars, along with Chris Blankenship on drums, Elijah commanded the stage from the first note. His rise to fame, fueled by viral success on TikTok and a growing fanbase of over half a million monthly listeners on Spotify, speaks volumes about his impact on the music scene.
Songs like “Easy to Drown” and “Virus” showcased Elijah’s versatility, blending catchy pop-punk melodies with hard-hitting metal breakdowns, all while delivering soaring and harsh vocals that resonated throughout the venue. The crowd was electrified, with bodies jumping, moshing, and even surfing towards the front barricade. The raw aggression of tracks like “Enemies” and “Hostages” fueled the energy, creating an atmosphere of controlled chaos that had everyone on their feet.
As Elijah closed his set with “Human,” and the massively streamed “Harder to Lie” (with over 9.4 million streams on Spotify), he left the crowd craving more. The seamless fusion of genres, infectious energy, and undeniable stage presence marked Elijah as an artist to watch, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Phix and Ekoh, both viral sensations on TikTok, continued the momentum with their distinct musical styles.
Up second, Phix, known for his fusion of rap, pop, hard rock, and electronic beats, took the stage by storm, igniting a wave of excitement that rippled through the packed venue. With Logan Dallimore on guitar and the insanely talented 11-year-old drummer Bronx Sandoval, also known as Bronxx the Drummer, by his side, Phix’s set became an extension of incredible youthful energy.
As Phix launched into “One Night Stand,” “War,” and “So Alive,” the audience was treated to a sonic journey that seamlessly blended genres. The infectious beats and catchy hooks had the tightly packed crowd swaying in unison, their energy amplified by Bronx’s thunderous drumming. At just 11 years old, Bronx proved to be a force to be reckoned with, delivering a jaw-dropping drum solo that showcased his technical proficiency and innate musical talent. His ability to navigate complex rhythms with precision and flair left the audience in awe, earning him thunderous applause and admiration.
Phix continued to captivate with tracks like “Save Me,” “Worked Up,” and “Die For You,” each song adding a layer of depth and emotion to his performance. The anticipation peaked with the performance of “Doomed,” a track released just the day before the show, featuring Ekoh. The chemistry between Phix and Ekoh was palpable during their collaboration on this fresh hit, a testament to their musical synergy and innovative sound.
Closing his set with the dynamic blend of soaring melodic vocals, smooth rhymes, and aggressive breakdowns in “Underneath,” Phix left the audience buzzing with energy. The synergy between Phix, Bronx, and Logan created a memorable experience that lingered long after the final notes faded.
Up next, Ekoh’s set was an absolute powerhouse, showcasing a range of tracks that delved into raw emotion and compelling storytelling. From the introspective “Hurt Myself” to the thought-provoking “Ted Talk,” each song offered a glimpse into Ekoh’s artistry and lyrical depth. “Numb” resonated with its haunting melody, while “Good Things” uplifted the crowd with its positive vibes.
Ekoh further energized the crowd when he expressed that being a rapper isn’t just about the genre, but rather about the content. This sentiment elicited thunderous roars of approval and agreement from the crowd.
The standout moment came with “Endgame,” featuring an Avengers a cappella rap that was both clever and infectious. The crowd’s energy surged as Ekoh seamlessly delivered rapid-fire verses, drawing everyone into his world of wordplay and imagination.
Taking his performance to the next level, Ekoh decided to spit bars while being hoisted up by the crowd. With the fans gripping his feet, he seamlessly continued his rhymes as if it were second nature, eventually crowd-surfing to the front of the house and back to the stage again.
To top it off, Ekoh was joined on stage by Chris Webby, adding another layer of excitement and camaraderie to an already unforgettable set. The synergy between Ekoh’s raw talent, engaging stage presence, and genuine connection with the audience made his performance a standout moment of the night.
Point North, a modern pop-punk force hailing from the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, burst onto the stage of the packed venue with an explosive energy that ignited the crowd even more than they’d been all night. Their setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions and infectious melodies, beginning with the anthemic “Prepare for Despair” and leading into the high-energy tracks “Below the Belt” and “Dark Days.” Each song was a testament to their ability to seamlessly blend catchy melodies with deeply emotive lyrics, drawing the audience into their world of raw passion and musicality.
Songs like “Someone You Don’t Know” and “A Million Pieces” showcased Point North’s talent for crafting relatable narratives woven into addictive hooks, while “Like a Weapon” and “Ghost in my Home” added layers of intensity and depth to their performance.
Their latest single “Bring Me Down” was a highlight, offering a glimpse into their evolving, more modern sound and leaving fans eager for what’s to come.
As they delved into “Stitch Me Up,” “Psycho,” and “Safe and Sound,” the venue was transformed into a whirlwind of emotions, with fans singing along and losing themselves in the infectious energy radiating from the stage. Point North’s ability to captivate and connect with their audience was undeniable, leaving everyone in the crowd craving more of their electrifying blend of catchy pop-punk anthems and heartfelt lyrics.
The pinnacle of the evening was undoubtedly From Ashes to New’s electrifying performance, marking the climax of an unforgettable night. As they took the stage with a thunderous presence, the raw power of tracks like “Armageddon,” “Dead to Me,” and “Broken” set the tone for what promised to be an unforgettable moment in time for this holdout crowd. The atmosphere in the venue shifted even further into a frenzy of energy and raw emotion.
With Matt Brandyberry, Lance Dowdle, Matt Madiro, Danny Case, and touring guitarist Jimmy Bennett commanding the stage with unwavering presence, each song became a cathartic release for both the band and the audience. The synergy between the band members was palpable, with Matt Brandyberry’s commanding vocals leading the charge while Lance Dowdle’s guitar riffs, and Jimmy Bennett’s additional guitar work, added layers of intensity and emotion to every note. Matt Madiro’s powerhouse drumming and Danny Case’s clean vocals and bass lines when he picked up the bass, formed a solid backbone that drove the music forward with relentless energy.
As the set progressed, the intensity only grew, with tracks like “Monster in Me,” “Scars That I’m Hiding,” and “My Fight” resonating deeply with the crowd. Each song carried its own emotional weight, drawing listeners into a whirlwind of passion, as one person after the next came surfing up towards the barricade. The connection between the band and their fans was undeniable, with every lyric sung back with fervor and every riff met with cheers of approval.
The climax of the set was met with a breathless encore, featuring the anthemic “One Foot In the Grave” and the timeless favorite “Through It All.” The energy in the venue soared to new heights as the band poured their hearts into every chord, leaving the crowd spellbound and craving more even as the final notes rang out.
From Ashes to New’s performance wasn’t just a concert; it was a visceral experience that transcended the stage, forging a powerful connection between the band and their devoted fans. It was a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke emotion, ignite passion, and create unforgettable memories.
BE SURE NOT TO MISS THIS TOUR! REMAINING TOUR DATES BELOW!
May 12 – Atlanta, GA
May 13 – Chattanooga, TN
May 15 – Jacksonville, NC
May 16 – Greensboro, NC – Low Tickets
May 18 – Rochester, NY – Selling Fast
May 19 – Bethlehem, PA – Selling Fast
May 20 – Cleveland, OH – Selling Fast
May 21 – Madison, WI – Selling Fast
May 23 – Kansas City, MO
May 24 – Des Moines, IA
May 25 – Davenport, IA
May 27 – Houston, TX
May 28 – Austin, TX
May 29 – Dallas, TX
May 30 – San Antonio, TX
June 02 – Wichita, KS – Selling Fast
June 03 – Springfield, MO
June 05 – Phoenix, AZ
June 06 – San Diego, CA
June 07 – Las Vegas, NV
June 08 – Santa Ana, CA
June 11 – Salt Lake City, UT
June 12 – Denver, CO – Selling Fast
June 13 – Lincoln, NE – Selling Fast
Ethereal Metal 
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