Last night, I caught up with Asking Alexandria and the All My Friends tour at the legendary Bogart's. Archers, The Word Alive, and Memphis May Fire joined them on this tour's stop. Short Vine was packed when I arrived which is typically a good sign for a Friday night show.

With a four (4) band lineup, doors were open at 5:30 with music starting at 6:30. I arrived at the venue before 6:00 and took the opportunity to hopefully meet some fans and take in the vibe. I spoke with several people from Dayton, Middletown, Mason, Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky. It varied from groups of friends (most in pairs) and a few couples. Each band on the bill had fan representation at the show last night. Everyone I spoke to was really excited for the show. Not surprisingly Asking Alexandria was the priority for everyone who had come to the show. But most were also there to catch an opener or were interested in at least one of the opening bands. The show tonight brought out some of Cincinnati’s local musical talent. I ran into, and caught up with Brady Reis, lead singer of local heavy metal outfit ENMY!

Right at 6:30, Archers started their set. They delivered an energetic set to kick the night off. They were well represented as the first opener of the night and the floor at Bogart's was filling up. Archers delivered a mix of metalcore and what seemed like pop-punk with various tempo changes. At one point, Archers slowed down their set with an acoustic delivery of "Before You Go," which was a highlight. At certain points during their set I had comparisons to Sevendust in my head based on melodies and rhythms. Another highlight was how engaged Archers drummer was during the entire set going out of his way to engage with and pump up the crown from his kit. An opening band that delivered for sure.

Following Archers, the floor was starting to pack in. The crowd seemed very upbeat, there was a certain energy in the air. Not sure if it was anticipation of Asking Alexandria or maybe it was the vibe of a Friday night at Bogart's and everyone was ready to start moving. The vibes were right and the energy was taken up a notch with a crushing set by The Word Alive. Originally formed in Phoenix, Arizona back in 2008 these guys are metalcore veterans. They delivered an entirely different tempo and were active from the moment their set started. They wasted no time delivering. It was apparent why Dayton, Ohio was so well represented at Bogart's. The World Alive’s lead singer, Tyler Smith is a Dayton native. He took pride in showcasing this as a hometown show. The Word Alive delivered punishing breakdowns, and riffs and the band sounded great. Tyler Smith's pipes can handle all the intensity he was able to muster. The vocal range in their set was on full display and simply insane. The World Alive is excellent live and sounded great.

Bogart's was now packed. As a heavy metal veteran who has been going to shows since the 90s, I did notice one aspect of the show that surprised me a bit. The show seemed to have a higher than normal metal show female-to-male ratio. Tonight there were a lot of female fans at the show. Often metal and metalcore shows are not well represented by the ladies, at least from what I have experienced.

As 8:10 rolled up, Memphis May Fire took the stage. I am no stranger to this band and have been familiar with their music and impact on the metalcore scene since the early 2000s. Since signing and releasing their self-titled EP in 2007, Memphis May Fire has been stables of the post-hardcore/metalcore scene. Memphis May Fire brought a new level of sound and production to the fans at Bogart's tonight. Hats off to their lighting and sound guys as the set seemed flawless. Not to mention the set also included plenty of cryogenic special effects adding to the level of production. Their set was LOUD and punishing. The band sounded great and frontman Matty Mullins represents the rockstar persona well. He was active and interacted with the crowd. Not to mention the other members of the band brought a constant level of intensity throughout the set. Memphis May Fire played an incredible set. So much energy… so much intensity. Hats off to Memphis May Fire for instantly taking things up a notch during their set. They had bodies moving in the pit from when the first note dropped. I am confident saying everyone needed a breather after this set.

The time between sets and the start for Asking Alexandria was a bit longer at 30 minutes. As one of the photographers for the show tonight, I was paying close attention as they set up with one long riser across the front of the stage and most notably more backlighting and a greater depth to their stage setup for Asking Alexandria. The riser told me that the boys in Asking Alexandria would be moving a lot. I was excited to finally have the chance to see Asking Alexandria live. I have been familiar with their music for a long time! They were previously on the Warped Tour and have supported several of my favorite bands including Avenged Sevenfold.

Asking Alexandria brought it tonight. Each of the three opening bands gradually increased the energy. They immediately took control. They sounded incredible and their lighting and production were on point. As predicted we were treated to the boys stalking the crowd from the risers throughout their set. The crowd surfing started immediately with Asking Alexandria and the floor and pits opened up immediately. The floor at Bogart's… never… stopped… moving! Cincinnati showed up!

The set and production of Asking Alexandria was refined. They played to every person in Bogart's, not just those on the barricade. It was clear they were making an effort to connect with people in the back. Danny Worsnop is just ridiculous on vocals and carries himself with confidence. He is almost unassuming, but not what you see, and instead it's what you hear and feel coming from the mic. Sam Bettley (bass) and Cameron Liddell (lead guitar) almost have a choreographed stage presence which is impressive for any heavy metal band. They know how to play and feed off each other and were always in position with the stage production and lighting. Their veteran showmanship was on full display. It's not often bands of this caliber (and few can do it) play a series of heavy songs with varying intensity and then break things down and go acoustic! But Asking Alexandria does and they do it extremely well. At times they had Bogart's in the palm of their hands last night. Asking Alexandria does it flawlessly and Danny is a showman and his vocals last night were excellent. Highlights of the night included, "Dear Insanity," "Into the Fire," and "To the Stage."

It was a privilege to be at Bogart's last night. I checked several boxes and was introduced to several new bands. Most importantly, I discovered why Asking Alexandria continues to forge a path influencing and inspiring metal bands worldwide. If the measuring stick for a metal show is people showing up and letting off lots of energy... I would say last night passed with flying colors. Great times were had by all!