KAONASHI AT VOLTAGE LOUNGE IN PHILADELPHIA

The minute I got whacked in the head before the band even hit the stage, I knew I was in for a wild night. Supporting Fall of Troy for a three date run is Philadelphia mathcore band Kaonashi. The band recently signed to Equal Vision records and will be releasing their full-length debut album next year. Taking a stop in their hometown, the band played Voltage Lounge, an intimate venue that’s seen some rough shows. This was certainly no exception to that.

Before Kaonashi took the stage, you could feel the buzz of excitement in the room and you could tell they had a huge majority of the audience there for them. As the audience caught wind of the band getting ready to hit the stage, the moshers prepared and opened up a pit that spanned the size of the floor, from the bar to the staircase. As they ran full force and wildly launched their bodies onto those standing around the edge of the pit, Kaonashi hit the stage with an explosive energy straight from the get go. Vocalist Peter Rono has a very unique tone to his screams, almost bordering on a little screechy, but fitting the style in a way no other could. The band jumped around on stage and really got into the breakdowns. The only way to describe what ensued from then on was pure chaos and love.

Seeing the band perform on stage you can tell how much hard work has gone into their music. Their performance was very genuine, showing love for their fans throughout the night by letting them hop up on stage and grabbing the mic. Rono interacted with the crowd the entire set, throwing high fives to those up against the stage, leaning over the crowd to scream with fans, and even hopping down and getting right in the middle of the pit toward the end of the set. Fans absolutely swarmed the vocalist and covered him to the point where standing on the staircase looking down at the sea of bodies, the only indication of where he was located was by seeing where the crowd was most concentrated. Fans climbed over each other, flipped through the pit, and moshed as they screamed their lungs out to the songs. Kaonashi has grabbed hold of quite the dedicated following.

It was seriously an unforgettable performance. The sound the band produces is so heavy and raw. The performance is wild and in the moment. The audience is rough and loyal. You couldn’t ask for more. If you have the chance to check out Kaonashi, it’s definitely not something you want to miss. Make sure you find a good spot and keep your elbows up!