Written by:	Susan
Published:	January 31, 2015
Event:	Periphery: Juggernaut North American Tour 2015
Location:	The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA, USA
Galleries:	Periphery - Juggernaut Tour - 26-01-2015 by 8bitglitch (75)

Monday night I traversed the San Francisco Bay from sunny Oakland into the city. My destination: the historic Fillmore theatre, where local rock legends such as the Steve Miller Band, Jefferson Airplane, and many others have made memories. Tonight, djent legends-in-the-making Periphery headlined following Nothing More, Wovenwar, and opener Thank You Scientist. My talented partner-in-crime 8bitglitch photographed each act for your viewing pleasure.

NOTHING MORE

There is a nice juxtaposition between the crystal chandeliers, the red velvet-draped box seats, and the heavy music I often hear on this stage. As Nothing More opened their set it seemed like a nice standard rock/metal support show would proceed Periphery; however, as I eyed the rows of colorful guitars standing ready behind the band, as well as the large, mysteriously placed drums at either side of the stage, I had a feeling that something greater was in store. Before I go further, let me mention their shirtless vocalist. This wiry dude was so completely ripped that one could see all those tiny connector muscles perfectly defined even if you were in the back of the theatre. Not sure if he tows a gym behind the tour bus but if any musician ever complains again about staying healthy on the road, I direct them toward this man for advice. Anyway, their show: they are one of those rare bands that completely enjoys playing, loves every second of being on stage, and specifically loves their own music. Which in turn makes us love it. All three guys out front had vocal duties, but even when they weren't near a mic they still sang along for the fun of it. Everyone was hugely comfortable on stage and seemed completely in their element, moving with the music and running around stage in a way that served to hype up the aggression in their music. While they were new to me, they certainly had fans in the audience. Many cheered for specific songs, and the crowd took over vocal duties nicely for a few choruses.

I mentioned they had some additional drums placed around the stage and about half-way through their set we learned why. There were large drums on either side of the stage including a grouping of three directly downstage center with a large "arm" over the top. Their guitarist took one of his instruments and placed it face up on this "arm"; from here he was able to play very percussively with both hands. (Slap guitar?) Not only that - the bassist was able to join him and they both brought this guitar to life as a team. But that's not all! Now our vocalist climbs on top of the downstage drums and joins in! All 3 dudes playing the same guitar at the same time and making quite a rich sound of it (do see the photos). This "arm" that held the guitar was quite a contraption as well, allowing them to spin and twist the guitar with the music, providing extra opportunities for showmanship. If anyone wasn't into their music already, their attention was certainly grabbed by this highly successful spectacle.

Next song and each man is back at his own instrument: "I want to see everybody move!!!" was the command. And it was answered. The crowd may have been previously agape watching the guitar magic, but now we responded by jumping and rocking out as one inspired beast. The performers reached a new level of energy, which rose incessantly higher.

Continuing on with the extravaganza, we were treated to songs where the vocalist played the three downstage drums in between singing, which added an excellent texture to the music. But wait there's (still) more: during one of the last songs the guitarist and bassist dropped their instruments and also played the drums on each side of the stage, complete with flying drumsticks and synchronized playing. This rhythmic enhancement of everyone on percussion completed their show in a unique and awe-inspiring way, both musically and (especially) visually. I bought a shirt.





PERIPHERY

Stage-lighting had the theatre awash in scarlet as our heroes took the stage. A total of 26 strings (shit, even the bassist uses a 5-string!) stood strong, staring out at the audience like sentries. Their restrained start only incited the audience further, which was dying to let loose. And rewarded we were as Spencer Sotelo took the stage and all hell broke loose. The audience again took to jumping en masse, fists and horns flying in the air.

This was my second time seeing Periphery live and while both performances were different (the first was Summer Slaughter 2013), I can truthfully say these are professionals, but professionals who also have just shitloads of fun up there, playing off of each other and the audience quite well.

We all like to believe that our favorite bands are buddies who write songs together in someone's garage and "made it" based on their synergy with each other as well as the music, that they have no corporate influence, outside songwriters, or label making them a "product." Of course these are extremes of the spectrum, but after reading about Periphery's latest songwriting process for the Juggernaut albums, how each musician contributed ideas (even for other instruments) and how the songwriting was truly a collaborative effort over a long period of time, it sure makes you feel like the above is possible. And seeing them PLAY these songs together that they WROTE together was such a bonus. The aggression, the moves on stage, all had a somewhat deeper meaning.

Seeing as how Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega were just releasing, and only two weeks ago did the band showcase the first album for online streaming, fans this night were understandably more excited about the older songs. A healthy balance of old favorite and new works were showcased for us and everyone was left satisfied. There was much singing along, a great pit in the center, and enough upbeat tunes for the jumpers, dancers, and headbangers to get their fill. I couldn't help but think as the new songs began: during the next tour, these will be the opening notes over which the fans go nuts. By the time "Alpha" came up in the setlist, I had somehow migrated to the small section of people standing on the side and nodding in approval instead of moving much. Nonetheless, I couldn't help rocking out like a complete idiot to this song, and these nice people gave the crazy lady her space to dance. By the end of the night even these stoic metalheads had thrown a horn or two. (Hot tip: bandleader and guitar virtuoso Misha Mansoor takes stage left / audience right, so if you want to be among the devotees who raise their hands to air-guitar along with him, make sure you're over there.)

As the energy and intensity increased throughout the show, all musicians continued to play their complex music superbly. I must spotlight the vocals in this situation, as navigating clean and extreme vocals, as well as a huge "live" persona, is exceptionally difficult. When you're pushing the energy level it's easy to push your voice as well, which always spells disaster and missed notes. Sotelo manages to push every aspect of his performance while keeping his larynx relaxed and ready for lows, highs, cleans, extremes, and everything in between.

The band took very short rests during two brief drum solos, which were interludes with backing music. After the fake ending, however, drummer Matt Halpern was the first to return. He took our cheers and chants and corralled us together into "ONE MORE SONG!" "ONE MORE SONG!" taking our beat and drumming along with us. This simple playing turned pleasantly into a real drum solo; though brief, it was impressive as ever. The rest of the band joined him for the encore and they played just two more well-received songs.

A very solid show from two bands I hope to see again.

SETLIST
Icarus Lives!
Make Total Destroy
The Scourge
Psychosphere
Ji
The Bad Thing
Alpha
Graveless
Scarlet

ENCORE
Ragnarok
Masamune