On Friday, November 15th, 2024 Pop Evil and Bad Wolves brought the Animal Instinct Tour to Mars Music Hall in Huntsville, AL. With openers Oni and Sierra Pilot, the rocket city was in for an exciting night of energizing music and electrifying performances.
One of the openers, Sierra Pilot, a rock band from Waterloo, Canada, played an eight-song set list, opening with “Kerosene.” The band went into their set with a charged enthusiasm that had the crowd responding in kind. Each member worked together to create a tight unit, demonstrating their chemistry as a band. Guitarist Jay “Beard” Sarrazin and bassist David Goodman showcased a dynamic presence as they ran around about the stage, swapping places with each other right before they jumped and spun. Not to be left out, drummer Wes Bartram matched their energy with an intense, hair-whipping performance that made his presence impossible to ignore. Vocalist Taylor Leith rounded out the sound with his strong vocals and crisp guitar playing. Having never heard of Sierra Pilot before, it was hard to know what to expect, but the band delivered an engrossing performance.
Sierra Pilot:
Taylor Leith – Vocals
Jay “Beard” Sarrazin – Guitar
David Goodman – Bass
Wes Bartram – Drums
Set List:
1). Kerosene
2). Horizons
3). Turpentine
4). The Thief
5). Hey Bartender
6). Keys To The City
7). Mouthful
8). Hollow
Next to perform was the first of the two headliners: Bad Wolves, a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. As soon as the band members swarmed the stage in a fit of energy, the venue came alive as crowd members jumped along to the beat of the music. Vocalist Daniel Laskiewicz encouraged this by telling the fans to wave their hands or fists in the air, which everyone did without question. The powerful and well-lit lighting added to the energetic feel of the performance, with LED screens in the back adding an extra bit of atmosphere to the stage. The screens would change images or textures depending on the song.
The intensity of their music and edgy instrumentals created a perfect backdrop for the soothing, yet commanding vocals from Laskiewicz. Meanwhile, the unclean and backing vocals from bassist Kyle Konkiel, guitarist AJ Rebollo, and guitarist Doc Coyle added a sharp edge that perfectly complemented the clean melodies.
One exciting moment came when Rebollo and Coyle met atop the small platforms at the front of the stage, competing in a riff-off as they played back to back. Heartwarmingly, they finished the exchange with an embrace.
A favorite part of any show is the interaction between the band and the crowd, and Bad Wolves delivered that excellently. Laskiewicz frequently engaged with fans as he leaned over the edge of the stage to clasp hands and high-five the crowd members. This feeling of connection reached its peak during the final song, a cover of “Zombie” by the Cranberries. As the entire venue filled with singing voices, chanting the lyrics as loud as they could, Laskiewicz climbed onto the barricade before making his way into the crowd where he sang one of the choruses. Once he’d made his way back on stage and the band finished the song, the crowd was cheering for more.
Bad Wolves:
Daniel Laskiewicz – Vocals
AJ Rebollo – Guitar
Doc Coyle – Guitar
Kyle Konkiel – Bass
John Boecklin – Drummer
Set List:
1). Bad Friend
2). Masquerade
3). Killing Me Slowly
4). Lifeline
5). Knife
6). If Tomorrow Never Comes
7). Sober
8). Legends Never Die
9). Die About It
10). Hear Me Now
11). NDA
12). I’ll Be There
13). Zombie
(The Cranberries cover)
Finally, it was time for Pop Evil, a rock band from Muskegon, Michigan. Before their set could even begin, the crowd was chanting for the band by name, and when the lights finally dimmed, the venue filled with cheers. Each band member slowly filtered onstage until only vocalist Leigh Kakaty was missing. As the instrumentals to Eye of the Storm started softly, Kakaty finally appeared, and it was like a switch had been flipped. As soon as all five members stood on stage and the heavy music picked up, they all began moving across the entirety of the stage, rarely ever saying still. Guitarist Davey Grahs and bassist Joey Walser were especially dynamic as they kicked, spun, and even jumped. Grahs, Walser, and guitarist Nick Fuelling brought their energy right to the edge of the stage, leaning into the crowd and tossing out guitar picks to eager fans. The bright and colorful lighting, combined with the smoke shrouding the stage, really added to the animated atmosphere created by both the band and the engaged crowd.
Pop Evil’s magnetic stage presence was something to be commended. While all the members at the front were easy to see in their enthusiasm, drummer Blake Allison, even all the way in the back and elevated, was not to be forgotten as he wailed away on the drums with energy and precision. Every band member’s intensity only seemed to grow as the set progressed, making it impossible to look away from. Likewise, their hardcore sound and engaging beats had many in the audience headbanging and jumping, as if it was impossible to stand still.
Not only was the band’s performance electrifying, but the sound mixing was expertly done. Each instrument on its own was loud and strong, and when combined, they could all still be heard clearly. Even the vocals, which can sometimes get drowned out with such powerful instrumentals, were just as distinct. It was an incredible display and a show of great proficiency from Pop Evil’s crew.
The crowd especially loved when Pop Evil played the first song the band ever wrote, “100 in a 55,” the way it was originally written with just vocals and one guitar. Before beginning, Kakaty thanked all of the old school Pop Evil fans for being with them since day one, and then gave a shout-out to any new fans, stating that it didn’t matter when anyone discovered the band, but that he was thankful for the support regardless.
This was one of the most enthusiastic crowds Mars Music Hall has ever seen. The crowd loved every minute of the set, and Kakaty pointed out and thanked them for their energy several times throughout the night.
The entire show was an animated one, and everyone left feeling fulfilled. The Animal Instinct Tour showcased both upcoming and well-established artists, bringing something for all in the audience to enjoy. This is definitely a must-see tour, so make sure you see it if it stops by your city!
Pop Evil:
Leigh Kakaty – Vocals
Davey Grahs – Guitar
Nick Fuelling – Guitar
Joey Walser – Bass
Blake Allison – Drums
Set List:
1). Eye of the Storm
2). Trenches
3). Paranoid (Crash & Burn)
4). Deal With the Devil
5). Let the Chaos Reign
6). What Remains
7). Work
8). Skeletons
9). Torn to Pieces
10). 100 in a 55
11). Breathe Again
12). Waking Lions
13). Footsteps
I’ve always been the creative type, but nothing quite beats how it felt the first time I picked up a camera. Once I photographed my first concert, I knew I had found my passion. As an avid concert-goer, getting to combine my love of music with my love of photography is like a dream come true!
