Hail the Sun
Divine Inner Tension Tour
Asbury Lanes
11-27-23
On Monday, November 27th, I had the pleasure of attending Hail the Sun’s Divine Inner Tension tour at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, New Jersey. I've been an avid listener of Hail the Sun since 2017, so witnessing their live performance was a long-awaited delight.
The evening commenced with the dynamic performance of Glasslands, seamlessly blending post-hardcore with atmospheric post-rock. Josh Kincheloe, the lead singer, captivated the audience with his versatile vocals ranging from clean melodies to intense screams. Although their set was relatively short, Glasslands left an indelible mark, effectively priming the crowd for an unforgettable night.
Taking the stage after Glasslands was Kaonashi, a genre-defying band hailing from Philadelphia. Melding hardcore, post-hardcore, and mathcore elements, they brought a unique and powerful energy to the venue. Weeks before the show, I was introduced to their latest single, “Humiliation Ritual,” and instantly became a fan. Kaonashi's performance was electric, turning the entire floor into a mosh pit with guardrails falling and bodies colliding—it was a spectacle to behold.
Following Kaonashi was Sweet Pill, a math rock band also based in Philadelphia. Comprising vocalist Zanya Youssef, guitarists Jaycee Williams and Sean McCall, bassist Ryan Cullen, and drummer Chris Kearney, Sweet Pill showcased incredible chemistry and boundless energy on stage. The addition of Donovan Melero for their performance of “Dog Song” added an extra layer of excitement, prompting the crowd to erupt in wild cheers.
After an already phenomenal night of music, it was time for the main act—Hail the Sun. The venue plunged into darkness, met with an explosion of cheers as Hail the Sun took the stage, opening with “Devaluation” from their latest album, “New Age Filth.” Every song in their set was flawlessly delivered, accompanied by an energy that only intensified as the night progressed. I appreciated their diverse setlist, drawing from various albums rather than focusing solely on their most recent work. Donovan showcased his versatility by jumping on the drums for a couple of songs, further highlighting the band's musical prowess.
The grand finale consisted of an encore featuring “Tunnel Vision Alibi” from the album “Divine Inner Tension” and “Glass: Half Empty.” The crowd, already electrified, reached a fever pitch as Hail the Sun concluded their stellar performance.
In summary, this concert was a truly remarkable experience. Whether you have the opportunity to catch this tour or explore the bands individually through streaming platforms, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in their music. The combination of Glasslands, Kaonashi, Sweet Pill, and Hail the Sun created a musical journey that will linger in the memories of all fortunate enough to attend.
