(Photos by Mike Augusti)
HARTFORD, Conn. – Metal masters Within the Ruins destroyed the Webster Theater on Friday night with a blistering set of all original material. Part of the Tomorrow we Die Alive tour featuring headliners Born of Osiris, WTR proved they can hang with any headliner in their genre.
WTR started in 2003 and since then have released four full-length releases and three EPs. Currently touring in support of their 2014 release Phenomena, the band has been relentless in finding new tours to jump on to get their music in front of potential fans.
On this night the band opened with Gods Amongst Men, the lead track off the Phenomena release and a full blown metal assault. With many in the audience singing along, WTR kept up the attack with The Other, which is also off of Phenomena. The brutal rhythm section of Kevin “drummer” McGuill and bassist Andrew Tate were the driving force that night.
The Webster was packed and the fans were fully behind the band showing their support by crowd surfing and slamming into each other. WTR came back with I, Blaspheme, off of 2013’s release Elite. This was another rawkin’ song that had the crowd roaring for more. Singer Tim Georgen encouraged the crowd to form the biggest circling pit that the Webster could hold. The fans obliged and the band ripped in to Feeding Frenzy.
Finishing up the night with Calling Card, another track off of Phenomena, this was another showcase for guitarist Joe Cocchi to amaze the crowd with his seven-string axe. What an amazing guitarist Cocchi is – unbelievably fast, but precise.
What an amazing show by these local guys. Unfortunately, as one of the openers, they only had a twenty-five minute set, but they definitely made the most of it. WTR seem to be heading in the right direction. Touring constantly gets you in front of a lot of fans and with that comes the ability to possibly headline in the future. Go out and support this band, buy their music, attend their shows, and get them to the next level. On a side note, check out their cover of Kansas’ Carry on Wayward Son… very different and very cool.
Mike Augusti’s Rawk Report provides live music reviews of local concerts in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Check out the Rawk Report on Facebook for more information. Feel free to reach out at [email protected].
