Article written by Paul Monahas
Photos by Paul Monahas and SK
Counterparts, alongside Pain Of Truth, Malevolence, and Foreign Hands, made a stop on day six of the “Heaven Let Them Die” tour at the historic Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA.
Upon entering the venue, fans were met with a display of all the merch for each band front and center, past that are the doors to the main hall for the stage. There’s a couple of different areas that you could choose from to get a view of the stage: you could be at the rail near the pit or, if you prefer to just watch, they have a balcony that wraps around the back of the venue.
Foreign Hands took the stage first with explosive energy, setting the tone for the rest of the night. The pit opened up immediately as they launched into their first song, “Resetting the Senses.” The crowd was screamed and sang along with the band through every lyric and breakdown. Lead singer Tyler Norris even got off stage and extended the mic out to a fan who was able to scream every word! Ending their set with “Separation Souvenir,” they thanked everyone for coming out before it was time for Malevolence.
Coming all the way from Sheffield, U.K., Malevolence was next to perform. Kicking off their set with their song “Karma,” the band had everyone moving again within milliseconds of their musical assault. Playing some of their most well known songs, such as “On Broken Glass” and “Keep your Distance,” the crowd shouted along to every word with lead singer Alex Taylor and guitarist-backing vocalist Konan Hall. Witnessing the fans sing the lyrics back to the band from the front row is always one of my favorite parts of attending concerts, and Malevolence had no shortage of passionate, dedicated supporters clinging to the barricades.
Now I’ve previously seen Pain of Truth but in my opinion this show really brought out their stage presence and gave me a chance to see them in a different light! Lead singer, Michael Smith, jumped from the rail into the crowd while continuing singing! You can feel their appreciation for the hardcore scene within their music and this performance. The crowd surfers were flowing up to the stage one after another! If you want a genuine hardcore experience, these are the guys you should go see!
Finally, with the stage being cleared of all remaining mic stands, instruments, and anything else that could get in the way, it was time for Counterparts to take over the stage! Beginning with their song “A Martyr Left Alive,” the crowds cheers caused the room to quake. Between the angelic lighting and the stained glass windows as the background, the band ensures you’re immersed in the whole experience! Their latest EP, “Heaven Let Them Die,” made it to my playlist when it was released, but, if you liked that release, then you’ll be astonished when you get to hear the songs live. It was a personal moment when they played the song “Whispers Of Your Death,” offering a heart wrenching tribute to a best friend and pet.
Finishing off with a two-song encore, Counterparts expressed their appreciation to everyone in attendance. As fans filed out, some went to grab merch while others lingered, talking to new friends that they made that night! I couldn’t think of a better way to end a Sunday and start my week then with a spectacular live music experience.
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