Killswitch Engage, August Burns Red & Light the Torch unite for 'The Atonement Tour'

February 8, 2022

Three metal powerhouses have hit the road early in 2022 at last as Killswitch Engage have taken August Burns Red and Light the Torch out with them for the 'Atonement Tour' after numerous delays during the pandemic keeping the trio from the road.

This powerhouse of a headline tour for Killswitch Engage supporting their album "Atonement" marked the culmination of 20 years of iconic metal history hitting the round for a truly unique tour. Killswitch has long been a touring mainstay in the metal scene whether being helmed on vocals by Jesse Leach in the early years (and now) or Howard Jones during the stretch in the middle. Now, fans were treated to the best of both worlds as the two came together on this tour, with Jones own band Light the Torch starting things off each night. Jones is no stranger to Killswitch fans and the crowd at the Sherman Theater welcomed him like an old friend when the band hit the stage.


The crowd of some 1,400 strong metal fans that came out on a Monday night to open up the pit gave Light the Torch as much energy as they would have a headliner on that stage. Jones remains impressive on vocals and the band around him are all also veterans in their own right who delivered across all parts to give the packed Sherman Theater an opening set with a high bar to beat. However, shortly after their departure from the stage the night was set to take a turn for the heavier as Pennsylvania legends August Burns Red were set to remind their home state what they can do.

Across an 11 song set August Burns Red brought the intensity for the Sherman Theater that resulted in the first crowd surfers of the night to make their way across the barricade. The band's expansive catalog allowed them to craft a diverse setlist from all eras of their discography that was also incredibly heavy for the Killswitch Engage diehards in the crowd. Lead singer, Jake Luhrs, has always been a stand out live vocalist in the new era of metal and with age he has continued to grow into a true frontman as he commanded the stage during his performance. Alongside him the rest of the band provided the same stability in their performances whether it was a guitar rip from JB Brubaker or a drum line from Matt Greiner. August Burns Red collectively impressive set, combined with their well crafted setlist and very over the top production allowed them to deliver a performance made for an arena, not a theater or club. This Pennsylvanian band has continued to rise through the ranks over the year and they reminded their home state fans at the Sherman Theater that they aren't done yet but for now they continue on the 'Atonement Tour' with Killswitch Engage to perform to packed venues every night.

The saga of Killswitch Engage across the past 20 years is truly that of a poetry in the metal world as they rose to colossal heights early on and while the journey here hasn't always been the clearest at times they remain as relevant as when they debuted into the scene. 'The Atonement Tour' has resulted in packed venues nationwide so far and the band was greeted to a massive crowd on a Monday night in Stroudsburg, Pennslyvania at the Sherman Theater. While the venue is a staple within the state it is by no means a major city play which made the colossal turn out on an early weeknight even more impressive by Killswitch Engage.


The band's set was brutal, intense and as all good metal sets should be full of crowd surfing and moshing. The majority of shows on this tour have had revolving setlists and the Sherman Theater was no exception as the band made sure mainstays like "My Last Serenade" remained in the set but took some risks as they debuted "World Ablaze" for the first time with Jesse Leach singing. The band's 18 song set was a rollercoaster that left many in the crowd exhausted from the back to back to back approach of the band's live set. Leach prowled the stage all night long while eager fans flowed into the arms of security guards who kept them from getting any closer to the stage but that didn't keep them from reaching out for a fist bump from any band member in reach.


The evening culminated in a once in a lifetime encore as Howard Jones, front man during the era of the band while Jesse Leach had taken a break, re-joined the band for a closing set of 3 massive songs.

Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Jack's Mannequin return to Philadelphia for another SOLD OUT show

By Matt Christine • June 13, 2025
On June 8, Jack’s Mannequin swept into the Fillmore Philadelphia for the hometown stop of their Made For Each Other 20th-anniversary tour, turning the storied ballroom into a reunion between new Andrew McMahon fans from his solo era and the fans who grew up with his songs in Jack's Mannequin. A burst of lights and the band made their way to their places on set as the massive LED screens behind them flicked to life with the roar of the crowd—almost before the crowd could catch its breath—the band dove head-first into “Bruised,” instantly launching a full-room sing-along for the first time of the night. The family style sing-alongs would continue all night long because a Jack's Mannequin show is more than just a concert, it's a gathering of fans of all walks of life. Rather than lean solely on radio favorites, McMahon built a career-spanning arc that kept veterans and newcomers guessing. Early standouts “The Mixed Tape” and “Amy, I” landed with arena-sized fervor, while deeper cuts like “Spinning,” “Television,” and the introspective “Cell Phone” offered welcome detours for die-hard listeners. Mid-show, the tempo dropped for a surprise, lights-down, almost-whispered rendition of “Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)”—performed nearly a cappella, save for a few plaintive piano chords. It was McMahon’s first time revisiting the lullaby in years, and the silence that followed its last note spoke louder than any applause. The final stretch was a one-two-three knockout: “I’m Ready,” “The Resolution,” and the soaring “Dark Blue,” each chorus louder than the last. After a brief exit, the band returned beneath a single spotlight for the encore. McMahon tipped his cap to the tour’s namesake, easing into the gentle “Restless Dream” before the full ensemble erupted into the sprawling suite “MFEO: Pt. 1 — Made For Each Other / Pt. 2 — You Can Breathe,” turning the title track into a communal vow to keep moving forward together. Twenty years on, Andrew McMahon and company showed how to honor a past without getting trapped in it: by laughing at the room you’re in, risking a fragile ballad in the middle of the party, and playing every song like it still belongs to today.

Shakira brings the 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour' to Atlanta

By Matt Christine • June 4, 2025
After a rocky start to her U.S. leg, with technical issues forcing the postponement of both the Washington, D.C. and Boston dates, Shakira delivered an electrifying, glitch-free performance in Atlanta that more than made up for the delays. The sold-out show at State Farm Arena proved why the Colombian superstar remains a force in global pop music: it was a spectacle of raw emotion, razor-sharp choreography, and dazzling stagecraft. Every moment felt polished and purposeful, yet deeply personal, a balance only a veteran performer like Shakira can pull off. The night opened with La Fuerte, a powerful declaration of intent that set the tone: this tour is about resilience, evolution, and feminine power. With minimal delay, she launched into a fierce rendition of GIRL LIKE ME, originally with the Black Eyed Peas, injecting it with her signature moves and vocal style. The audience, many of whom were adorned with glittering wolf ears and flashing LED bracelets, responded instantly, roaring as she transitioned into a nostalgic medley of Las de la intuición and Estoy aquí. It was a clever juxtaposition—early-career Shakira meeting her modern self, both artists occupying the stage in harmony. One of the most emotionally potent sequences came with Empire blending into Inevitable, where her vocals took on an operatic, almost volcanic intensity. The screen behind her exploded with elemental visuals—lava flows, crashing waves—mirroring the emotional crescendo on stage. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a catharsis. Later, Acróstico offered a softer moment, featuring a touching video of her children Sasha and Milan singing along, which visibly moved many in the crowd. You could hear a pin drop as Shakira sat on a stool, wiping away tears mid-performance. In terms of showmanship, the middle of the setlist was where Shakira proved her mettle. Copa Vacía, La Bicicleta, and La Tortura formed a seamless trinity of reggaeton and cumbia-infused pop, each song melting into the next with smooth transitions and high-energy dance breaks. She momentarily disappeared backstage during Chantaje, only to reemerge in a vibrant new costume and launch into a salsa version of the hit that transformed the entire arena into a nightclub. By the time she reached Whenever, Wherever, complete with a dramatic belly dance introduction using knives, Shakira had the entire arena in the palm of her hand. Her hips truly didn’t lie, and neither did the crowd, erupting into a thunderous sing-along. That energy spilled right into Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which featured a thrilling Champeta breakdown and pulsating rhythms that was the infectious anthem of the 2010 World Cup. Shakira left the stage like a mythic figure—part woman, part legend—having proven once again that she isn’t just a performer. She’s a storyteller, a mother, a rebel, and above all, a she-wolf with a story still very much in motion.

The All-American Rejects kick off a new era at Parx Casino in Bensalem

By Matt Christine • April 1, 2025
On March 29, The All-American Rejects brought a whirlwind of nostalgia, energy, and surprise to the Xcite Center at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. With the crowd already buzzing, the band made their entrance to the iconic "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky, setting the tone for a night that would blend theatrical flair with heartfelt musicianship. Tyson Ritter and crew wasted no time launching into “Dirty Little Secret,” immediately turning the venue into a singalong haven for fans of all ages. The evening’s setlist was a well-balanced mix of crowd favorites and deep cuts, keeping both longtime fans and newer listeners on their toes. From upbeat anthems like “Fallin’ Apart” and “Beekeeper’s Daughter” to early classics like “My Paper Heart,” the band showcased their full range. But one of the night’s most emotional moments came from an unexpected fan request: an acoustic, acapella performance of “Heartbeat Slowing Down.” Tyson delivered the first verse and chorus with just his voice and a dim spotlight—his first time performing the song live since 2013. The crowd, stunned into silence, erupted with cheers at the final note. Throughout the show, Tyson Ritter kept the mood light with his signature irreverent humor. He poked fun at the convention center-style room, joking, about what other events were hosted in the room including a furry convention before launching into a riff about Parx Casino’s not-so-subtle encouragement to gamble. “They want you to leave this show... and immediately hit the slots. Don’t let them down!” he quipped, drawing laughs from every corner of the venue. That excitement rolled perfectly into a performance of their brand-new single “Sandbox,” which blended the band’s classic melodic hooks with a fresh, heavier indie-pop edge that had fans filming the moment for social media. One particularly fun surprise came when Tyson improvised a short, comedic song inspired by fans in the front row called “Chrysanthemum.” The details of this moment will be left behind lock and key for anyone not at the concert but just know it was one of the most obscene moments of the set and was a perfect way for the band to launch into "Sweat" after the moment wrapped up. The band also took time to acknowledge their recent appearance at Jonas Con, where they teased their upcoming role as special guests on the Jonas Brothers’ 20th Anniversary Summer Tour. The crowd cheered at the announcement, and Tyson grinned, saying, “We’ve officially joined the Jonas extended universe.” As the show neared its finale, The All-American Rejects rolled out a trifecta of hits—“Swing, Swing,” “It Ends Tonight,” and “Move Along”—each met with raucous applause and heartfelt singalongs. The encore, naturally, closed with “Gives You Hell,” sending the audience out into the casino with their voices hoarse and spirits high. Fans could be heard raving as they exited, calling it “everything I could have hoped for” and praising both the band and the intimate, high-energy setting. In the end, The All-American Rejects proved that they’re far from just a nostalgia act. With clever banter, emotional surprises, a killer setlist, and a brand-new single to boot, their performance at Parx Casino was a reminder that great bands don’t just survive the decades—they evolve, engage, and keep giving fans reasons to fall in love all over again.