On a muggy Saturday night, Falling In Reverse and Kim Dracula took the stage at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista for what turned out to be a thrilling show by all accounts. Little did fans know that Ronnie Radke and Company would actually be the de facto “headliner” that evening with Avenged Sevenfold cancelling their set last-minute due to illness. The show ended up being a perfect example of what drives fans to live music, with both Falling in Reverse and Kim Dracula delivering high-energy performances that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish. Sometimes one has to take proverbial lemons and make lemonade, and that is what both did in support of their A7X brethren.
Kim Dracula kicked things off with an electrifying set that showcased the band’s unique blend of punk rock and goth influences. Dracula’s vocals were particularly impressive, infusing each song with raw emotion while commanding the stage with a truly dynamic presence. Their musicianship was just insane with the drummer, bassist, and guitarist all providing a steady, driving rhythm that kept the audience engaged throughout their 9-song set. Songs like “Superhero” and “Killdozer” were among the highlights which ended with the raucous “Land of The Sun.”
Falling In Reverse wasted no time in ramping up the energy levels to an “11” with their explosive opening number, “Zombified.” Frontman Ronnie Radke proved why he is regarded as one of the most dynamic performers in the scene, commanding the stage with his impressive vocal range and dynamic stage presence. The band’s instrumental quality was also superb, with guitarists Max Georgiev and Christian Thompson firing on all cylinders. Bassist Tyler Burgess and drummer Luke Holland delivered blistering performances as well, complementing Radke’s vocals and stage antics perfectly.
While there were no pyrotechnics during the FIH set, smoke effects combined with a killer light show added an extra layer of excitement to the show. This was particularly notable during their hit songs “Losing my Mind” and “The Drug in Me is You.” The band’s 10-song selection was well-crafted with a mix of fan favorites and newer material that kept the audience engaged throughout their set. Outside of a killer cover Smash Mouths’ “All Star,” I truly loved the energy that gushed during their final two songs, “Voices in My Head” and “Popular Monster.” Both highlighted why Falling in Reverse is so loved and revered by so many all around the world.
Overall, Falling In Reverse and Kim Dracula delivered an exceptional performance that showcased their unique talents and styles. The venue was well-suited to the genre of music, with excellent acoustics and ample space for fans to enjoy the show. While Avenged Sevenfold had to cancel, these things happen and we wish Matt all the best with a speedy recovery, and we’re looking forward to the makeup date and A7X’s performance in the not so distant future. This said, Falling In Reverse killed their set and was well worth the price of admission.
KIM DRACULA
