North America Tour 2024
The Admiral
Omaha, Nebraska
September 27th, 2024
Its the second-to-last date of the tour, and Australian metalcore titans Polaris are nearly finished storming across North America on their current headlining tour with support from Blessthefall, Thousand Below & Nerv. Polaris had to withdraw from their previous spring North America tour with Dayseeker, Rain City Drive & AVOID due to drummer and co-founder Daniel Funari falling ill.
A peaceful Fall night in Omaha was about to be electrified by a powerhouse lineup at The Admiral, where Nerv, Thousand Below, Blessthefall, and Polaris took the stage. Each band brought their unique style to the forefront, creating a night that blended the best of post-hardcore, metalcore, and alternative rock, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the final note.
The night opened with the fiery return of Sacremento’s Nerv, a relatively new name on the scene, this would be the band’s second performance in Omaha during 2024 and they would once again instantly grab the audience’s attention. Their sound was raw, energetic, and full of emotion, setting the tone for what would be a high-octane evening. Nerv’s fusion of post-hardcore with grungy, alternative elements felt fresh, as they balanced intense breakdowns with more melodic sections.
Their set, though yet again brief, was a great re-introduction to their style. Dillon Jones’ vocals alternated between screams and cleans, with the lead singer’s raw passion driving the performance. The guitar work stood out, with tight riffs that blended aggression with melody. While some of the crowd may not have been familiar with Nerv’s catalog, by the end of their set, it was clear they had made new fans. Their ability to connect with the audience, both musically and through their energy, set a high bar for the night’s acts.
Next up was Thousand Below, whose deeply personal performance was wrapped in a emotional catharsis. With lyrics that explore themes of loss, heartache, and struggle, their set struck a chord with the audience. The atmosphere in the venue shifted as Thousand Below’s melodic post-hardcore sound enveloped the crowd.
The band’s tight musicianship was evident from the first note. James Deberg’s soaring clean vocals intertwined beautifully with his harsher screams, creating a dynamic range that kept the audience engaged. Songs like “Venenosa” and “The Love You Let Too Close” were standouts, with their cathartic choruses resonating deeply with the fans. The band’s ability to blend aggression with melody, without sacrificing emotional depth, was particularly impressive. Their set was a rollercoaster of emotions, and by the end, it felt like the entire room had shared in a communal release.
When blessthefall took the stage, the energy in the room surged. As veterans of the metalcore scene, they commanded the crowd with ease. With only one original remaining member, and coming off of a 4 year hiatus, blessthefall are a band that work this well without even a minute of hesitation. From the first song, it was clear that the band’s experience and presence were unmatched. Their set was a masterclass in how to blend heavy breakdowns with soaring, anthemic choruses.
The crowd, already buzzing, erupted as blessthefall launched into fan-favorites like “Hollow Bodies” and “You Wear a Crown, But You’re No King.” Their mix of Beau Bokan’s clean vocals and founding member Jared Warth’s powerful screams, coupled with crushing instrumentals, created an atmosphere that was both intense and euphoric. The breakdowns were heavy enough to stir up mosh pits, while the melodic sections allowed the audience to sing along in unison.
What stood out most during their performance was the band’s tight cohesion. Each member was locked in, creating a sound that was polished yet raw in its intensity. Lead vocalist Beau Bokan’s interaction with the crowd was electric, and he had the entire venue in the palm of his hand. By the time they closed their set, the room was teeming with energy, primed for the headliner.
Australian metalcore giants Polaris were the night’s headliners, and their debut Omaha show did not disappoint. Their performance was nothing short of a spectacularly stunning climax, filled with crushing riffs, technical prowess, and emotionally charged lyrics. From the moment the Aussies launched into “The Crossfire,” the audience was fully immersed in their intense, atmospheric sound.
Polaris excelled at creating moments of tension and release, with their blend of intricate guitar work from current touring guitarist, Windwaker’s Jesse Crofts, Daniel Furnari’s thunderous drums, and Jamie Hails emotive vocals. Songs like “Masochist” and “Hypermania” sent the crowd into a frenzy, with mosh pits erupting and fans screaming every lyric. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between brutal breakdowns and melodic passages was a testament to their musical skill and versatility.
Despite the intensity of their set, Polaris maintained a level of precision that showcased their technical abilities. Hails’ screams were powerful, yet controlled, and the melodic vocals were just as impactful. Their stage presence was commanding, and the energy they exuded was infectious, keeping the crowd engaged from start to finish. Hails’ even took a moment between songs to pay homage to Ryan Siew, the band’s lead guitarist that passed away suddenly last year.
The concert was an unforgettable experience for Omaha’s metalcore and post-hardcore fans. Each band brought something unique to the table, making the night feel like a well-rounded journey through different facets of heavy music. From Nerv’s fiery introduction to Polaris’ climactic finale, the show was a testament to the enduring power of metalcore and its ability to unite fans through raw emotion and heavy riffs. It’s safe to say that everyone in attendance left The Admiral that night with sore necks, hoarse voices, and memories of an incredible show.
