“Shattered to Pieces” performed live at Toad’s PLACE in New Haven
Kate Gulag
shatter into pieces Join Versus Me as they bring their “Manifest” tour to New Haven’s Toad’s Place for direct support.
For me, one of the standout bands at last year’s Capulet Festival was Versus Me from Wisconsin. I saw they were going to be playing Toad’s and wanted to see them again at a venue other than the Racing Garage. (The Capulet Festival is located at Thompson Speedway). I begged my talented photographer, Holly Roy Photography, to work with me on this show. She agreed and asked who the headliner was. I told her there was a Swedish band called shatter into pieces and sent her one of their videos. They’re not the rock/metalcore sound we usually cover, but I dig it. Plus, the drummer is wearing this light-up mask, which I think would make for a fun photo.
Versus Me is a collaboration between the Milbrandt brothers, James on vocals, Lee on guitar, Dustin Hansen on guitar and JJ Johnson on drums. About a hundred people attended, as it was the official summer kickoff over Memorial Day weekend. The band has two albums and several singles. Their six-song set kicks off with 2021 single “Control.” Each band member has a red light armband. The melodic singing was lost a bit in the sound, but the growl came through. Despite the large crowd, they brought an infectious energy that continued with their 2023 single “Blackout.”
Photos Holly Roy Photography
James announced “The song is called ‘Down’ (another 2021 single). I can hear the vocals better, so they must have figured it out. A pre-recorded track was used, but there was no need for it at all .James asked “Who has never seen us before?” Everyone raised their hands except Holly and me. “Who’s heard of us before?” Two hands shot up. “All we ask is that you work hard, have fun, and dance along.” ” I totally did that in “Far Behind.” continuously. I also started yelling “Hello Wisconsin!” (you know, from the ’70s show) in between songs, but the joke didn’t land.
The energy they radiate is the same energy that made me notice in the Capulets. “Okay, everybody, let’s do it now, during the chorus, bang your fucking heads!” Everyone in the first row did it, seventy-five percent of the crowd. And yours is literally bouncing around outside. They offer their 2020 single “Violence”. “Who comes here for shatter into pieces? We’re a week away from the end of the tour and we’re having the best time ever.
When the album ends with 2022 single “Trrified,” the sound is just right. “You guys are amazing! Thank you for supporting live music! I was so impressed by Versus Me at the two-day festival, which showcased 40 bands. Their synchronized energy and musicianship is the secret to success. Add them to your playlist.
Then I found Lee and tried out the Wisconsin accent I’d been practicing. “Hi, I’m Key-at (Kat). I noticed you at Cay-app-u-let. So, would you like to compete in the legendary Tow-ids? (Toad)? He smiled politely. Told him his band was the reason we were here and he claimed they’d never heard of it either. shatter into pieces Before the tour, but it was great to be asked to be a part of it. I asked if light-up armbands were added to this tour and he said no, they just don’t use them during the daytime shows, like the Capulets.
I told him that at the beginning of their set the vocals were missing and he said they used the venue sound guy because there wasn’t enough room to add others, like a sound guy on the road. When I asked him what he thought of the venue and the crowd, he said, “We’ve played to bigger crowds that were crappy and immobile, but these crowds were engaged and it made the game better.” Support Live music because our fans matter.
“Crowd” fills a gap in Sweden shatter into pieces. A lot of people I talked to said they came here because their friends liked the band. The quartet consists of vocalist Chris Adam Hedman Sörbye, rhythm guitarist Per Bergquist, lead guitarist Benjamin Jennebo and drummer The Apocalypse DJ (Apoc). Apoc, whose identity remains anonymous, wears a cloak and a mask over his face. sip The logo lights up on it. I don’t know of a superhero type story surrounding him, but one does exist. However, there was no bassist.
They have nine studio albums and have selected twenty songs from five of them. they started ghost codeThe “flow”, Arcadiaof “waking up” and new horizons“Glow in the Dark”. I would describe their sound as maybe an electronic rock version of Nickelback filled with heavy riffs. It makes me want to feel my fucking best, I tell you! return to Arcadia The popular “Big Bang Theory” Rise and Shine’The song “Let Me Be Your Superhero”, the title song “Arcadia” and another song “All Eyes On You”.
I take notes on my phone during the show for review. I was so close to the stage that twice when I looked up from my phone, I swore Benjamin Jennabo’s denim balls were in my personal space. Gotta get the hint and stop taking notes (laughs).
Next up are two from ghost code, “trigger” and “get out of here”. drummer apok lost one sip Singer Chris AHS threw his hat and a dirty towel into the crowd. Tracks from new horizons “Runaway” and Rise and shine With “higher” service. Chris: “Are you guys having fun out there? Me too! Thank you so much! The fans are a little quieter new horizons‘s “Broken Parts,” but the sound is clear and the vocals bend on this track. Chris: “Thank you so much! Oh my gosh, this is such a hard song!
Photos Holly Roy Photography
return to ghost code For “Venom” and disconnect Deadman has fans excited once again. Chris: “This is the best music, right? Am I right? So I want everyone to pick up their phones right now and turn on their flashlights! He did that and held up his phones. “I want to see you, I want to feel you , I want you to show me the power of your New Haven! Are you ready to dance with us? This introduction leads to “Venom” closing. ghost code. About 65% of fans would play with their phone flashlights for a while, then jump back into jumping and dancing (no carnival).
The party goes on Arcadia“Forever Alone”. Suddenly, it was just Chris and his microphone in the spotlight. “One day we’re going to sell this place. If you know the words to the next song, feel free to sing along. Some fans were in the front yelling ‘We love you, take your fucking shirt off, take your fucking shirt off’ ”, Chris acted like he would do it, and then said “maybe later.” He was undeterred and, right on cue, performed a solo on Tears For Fears’ “Mad World.” I had almost forgotten about this song. ! I usually hate covers, but his performance was great and I really enjoyed it as they ended the main set with “Hero Is Calling.” ghost codeBut it didn’t last long, the venue was double booked again and a glow dance party was held immediately after the show.
The fans’ well-deserved encore kicked off with their 2017 single “Boomerang” and we couldn’t be more excited again. Chris: “I just want to say that each of you has the power to change your life. Be a positive force in this world and breast(s) will follow. Life is hard, even though our lives sometimes feel like they are Six feet under, but as long as you fight the good fight and stay positive, we’re going to be fine. shatter into pieces This is our last song of the night and you know the song! Enter the closer “Six Feet Under” Ghost code. Chris: “We flew eight hours from Sweden and we didn’t really know what to expect in this place, and you know people are going to come and see the show, so it’s really nice.” The fans responded with righteous applause. “Give us 5 or 10 minutes and we’re at the merchandise. we are shatter into pieces We love you so much and thank you so much!
Ah, remember those days? When can I see the band in stores? Instead of paying millions of dollars for a quick meet and greet? Chris and Benjamin stayed to meet each of the waiting fans, take photos, sign autographs and spend some time chatting. They are enthusiastic, fun, and grateful. Okay, so my metalhead friends aren’t interested in going to the show, but if you want to have fun, rock out instead of rave, hear really good music and find your groove, check out Sweden’s shatter into pieces.
Thank you loyal rockers and readers! The summer concert season is just heating up, so follow us for more live music experiences!
Number of views: 2482
