Spartanburg, SC (3/8/23) – Currently out promoting their latest singles “Heartless” and “Paper Tigers” the band Nonpoint brought their Emerald Cities Tour to Spartanburg, SC. Fans arrived early lining up from the entrance to the road waiting to take their spots inside. Walking through the doors of Ground Zero you are greeted with old style circus posters for various amusement acts and a stage presence like you’ve entered the land of OZ. Throughout the night there are more details that draw you into the make believe world. Skye Sweetnam of opening act Sumo Cyco even broke out the ruby red slippers, well tennis shoes.
Hailing from Ontario, Canada the band Sumo Cyco took to the stage setting the bar high. Watching the bands performance was like an adrenaline rush. The groups mixture of punk and metal teamed with dynamics and unexpected tempo changes keeps you on your toes. Each song provides new elements and you never know what to expect yet you’re still able to nod your head and rock along through the whole set. Fronted by Skye Sweetnam who has the ability to go from a soft, clean vocal to harsh screams in an instant the band is rounded out by Matt Drake (guitar/vocals), Oscar Anesetti (bass/vocals) and Joey Muha (drums).
Blacktop Mojo was next to perform and would switch things up a bit. Still keeping the energy high the band provides a bit of a different sound. As frontman, Matt James, parades the stage with a bit is swagger the band delivered songs such as “Burn The Ships” and “Watch Me Drown.” The rock band mixes a bit of southern tones fused with some blues and Seattle grunge for a uniqueness that draws the listener in. Powerful vocals and groove driven songs engage crowd participation from sing along moments to hard hitting headbangers. Matt, joined by drummer Nathan Gillis, Lead guitarist Chuck Wepfer and bassist Matt Curtis would also provide a surprise moment for rhythm guitarist Malcolm Booher in celebrating his birthday with the crowd.
Nonpoint is a band that just never gets old. These guys have been turning out quality, hard hitting metal anthems since 1997. They’ve had major label and chart success through the years as well. Recently, in 2020, the band formed their own label, 361 Degrees Records, and have taken things back in to their own hands. Relentless promotion, explosive stage performances, direct connections to and involvement with fans has all fueled the continued success of the band for 26yrs who are still very much “Alive and Kicking.”
Dedicated fans of the band showed up once again for a night of “Chaos and Earthquakes” as many joined in the “Circles” of the pits. Heads nodded and fist pumped as Nonpoint powered through a career spanning set list along with some newer material as well. Core members Elias Soriano (lead vocals) and drummer Robb Rivera continue to drive the bands “Ruthless” stage shows alongside Rasheed Thomas (guitar), Adam Woloszyn (bass) and Jaysin Zeilstra (guitar).
A bit of praise goes to Jaysin as well. I was in attendance at his first show with the band back in November of 2019 on tour with Hell Yeah. He immediately fit in but still manages to stand out at each show. I’ve seen these guys 6 times since that night and he’s been a great addition to the bands sound and live show.
Tonight’s show made the 6th of the tour and 6th in a row sold out. The tour runs through March 26th ending in San Antonio, Texas. Many other dates are already sold out and others with low tickets so don’t wait and miss out on seeing this great lineup of band live.
Do not altar photos
Copyright Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
