On November 1, 2024, Actus Reus, an Atlanta metalcore band, released their new EP ‘NUMERICA.’ Hitting streaming services by storm, this album is a cumulation of insane vocals, nasty riffs, and blast beats that will have you jamming along almost instantly. You can feel how dedicated and meticulous they were in creating how the music flowed from one song to the next. After listening to the album a few times, I can say that one of my favorites would have to be “LOW CLAS5.” My interpretation: it’s message of the cycle of working a full-time job without an end in sight and wanting to break free. I’m sure most people have had a similar feeling of despair when it comes to working nine to five’s and this song in particular exudes the frustration and relief of wanting and needing to end that monotonous cycle of wake up, work, sleep, and repeat.

With this music drop, the boys of Actus Reus brought in their new EP with a show at Culture Shock. It’s a recently new all-ages venue located in Atlanta, Georgia. While small in size, this venue gives a more intimate feel, and in my opinion, you have the opportunity to connect with the artists on a deeper level. The stage is only about a foot off the floor with no barricade and made for a pretty chaotic night where the mosh pit was moving like waves. I caught myself bracing against what I could so I wouldn’t trip over onto the stage, but it only added to the fun. The only downfall to this venue was the lack of AC but what is a metal show without a little (or a lot of) sweat?  

The bill was stacked with bands that can hold their own on the stage. Massakrd opened the show with a bang. They came in with high energy and got the crowd warmed up and a mosh pit going pretty quickly. Don’t Shoot the Messenger kept the momentum going with some heavy hitters that had the crowd engaged and headbanging along. They ended their set with an announcement of new music coming soon. Of Ancients brought deathcore into the mix and had a huge circle pit that took up almost the whole room in the venue. They tend to bring the heat when it comes to stage performances, and this show was not an exception. ENOX was the final opener before Actus Reus took the stage and left the audience screaming for more with their intensity and fantastic crowd work.

When Actus Reus took to the stage, you could feel the room buzzing. From beginning to end, Actus Reus had everyone moving from the engagement and energy that they bring to the stage. Whether you were jumping, moshing, two-stepping, headbanging, stagediving or bouncing along, you were moving, and no one was an exception. They captivated their audience from the moment the first chord was struck. I have personally been to a few of their shows, and I can honestly say that they never lose the momentum and out do themselves each time.  

They ended the show on an incredible note and afterwards, stayed to talk to fans and sign autographs while they sold their merch and tore down their equipment. I find the artists and bands that do this from the beginning of their careers are the ones that go the farthest and I have no doubt that Actus Reus will be a household name one day. They were willing and took time to talk to anyone who came up to them and did not turn anyone away. Multiple people lingered around the venue afterwards in good spirits and riding the high of an incredible concert.

‘NUMERICA’ out now!

Actus Reus: Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram | Website