Everyone within the heavy music scene–from band members, crew, venue employees, and avid fans–knows that there’s something special about the energy and passion of a metal band's live performance. From the crowd interaction to the call-outs before breakdowns or a heavy groove, to the comradery found in the chaos of a mosh pit, the emotion and connection found within the heavy music scene are in a class of its own. The New York-based metal band Johnny Booth has taken all of this and kicked it to eleven on their tour for their latest record Moments Elsewhere.
Starting off with their record’s first track, “2040,” the band hits you with an absolute punch in the stomach with vocalist Andrew Herman’s guttural vocals and the absolutely crushing instrumentation from guitarists Ryan Strong and Adam Halpern, drummer Scott Owens, and Bassist Nick Martell. The tightness and energy from the band as they come out of the gate really shows that they are such an underrated and impressive live act. Every song, from their newer, most recent tracks, to their earlier releases such as “Rebuttal” and “Asymmetrical,” the band’s energy and Herman’s command of a crowd really makes a 14-song set by the band fly by, and showcases the band’s cohesiveness and mastery of their craft.
The last track performed, “Gatekeeper” hits any listener in the face whenever the recording is played–again the live performance takes it to an entire other level. In an interview with The Power/Less Podcast, Andrew stated that the hometown shows that they had played for the release of the record had been absolutely incredible, and that he had hoped it was a snapshot of what they could expect on their tour currently in motion. If the live performances in Michigan and Chicago are any indication, his hopes have been more than brought to fruition. As Johnny Booth continue on their tour across the East Coast, Midwest, and down to Texas, it’s clear that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the metal live music scene, and will turn a lot of heads wherever they go.
Johnny Booth is currently on tour with Thoughtcrimes and Earth Groans in support of their latest full-length record, Moments Elsewhere.
8/17 Syracuse, NY @ The Song & Dance
8/18 Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground
8/19 Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary
8/20 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
8/22 Kansas City, MO @ Encore
8/23 Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th St Collective
8/24 Dallas, TX @ Three Links
8/25 San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
8/26 Austin, TX @ The Ballroom
8/27 Houston, TX @ White Oak
8/29 Birmingham, AL @ Trimtab Brewing
8/30 Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
8/31 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
