Photos and writing by Dillon Reesor
On May 17, 2025, the walls of the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach shook under the weight of pure metal fury as Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, Fit For A King, and Boundaries delivered a night of unrelenting energy. From start to finish, the lineup showcased a perfect blend of old-school aggression and modern metalcore sensibilities. Each act brought their own flavor to the stage—whether it was Boundaries’ raw intensity, Fit For A King’s crushing heaviness, or the long-awaited return of Shadows Fall. But it was Killswitch Engage who brought it all home, proving once again why they remain one of the genre’s most enduring forces.
Kicking off the night with ruthless precision, Boundaries hit the stage like a warning shot. The Connecticut-based metalcore outfit didn’t just warm up the crowd—they ignited it. Drenched in red and blue stage lights, frontman Matt McDougal unleashed a torrent of emotion through guttural screams and visceral lyrics, while the band’s crushing breakdowns sent shockwaves through the floor. Songs like “Is Survived By” and “Scars On A Soul” felt less like performances and more like group exorcisms. For a band opening a stacked lineup, Boundaries made sure they weren’t forgotten—they earned every headbang and shout from a crowd that arrived early and left impressed.
Next up, Fit For A King brought their signature blend of melodic deathcore and anthemic choruses. The crowd responded enthusiastically to fan favorites such as “Reaper” and “Backbreaker,” with vocalist Ryan Kirby’s dynamic range leading the charge. Bassist Ryan O’Leary’s stage presence added to the band’s commanding performance, keeping the energy levels high throughout their set.
Shadows Fall’s return to the stage was met with palpable excitement. Their set was a masterclass in thrash-infused metalcore, with classics like “The Light That Blinds” and “What Drives the Weak” resonating deeply with longtime fans. The band’s chemistry was evident, delivering a performance that felt both nostalgic and fresh, reaffirming their place in the metal pantheon.
As the headliners, Killswitch Engage delivered a performance that lived up to their legendary status. Opening with “Strength of the Mind,” the band showcased the dynamic range of vocalist Jesse Leach, who effortlessly transitioned between guttural screams and soaring clean vocals. The setlist was a well-curated mix of classics and newer material, including tracks from their 2025 album This Consequence, such as “Forever Aligned” and “Broken Glass.”
Guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz’s trademark energy and humor added a personal touch to the performance, engaging the crowd between songs. The band’s tight musicianship and genuine connection with the audience culminated, fittingly, in a cathartic rendition of “My Last Serenade.”
The May 17 show at House of Blues wasn’t just a solid metal lineup—it was a statement. Boundaries came to prove themselves, Fit For A King kept the momentum high, Shadows Fall roared back with a vengeance, showing they’ve lost none of their edge, and Killswitch Engage closed the night like seasoned champions. With zero weak links and a crowd that fed off every riff, it was the kind of show that reminds you why live metal still hits harder than anything else. Loud, tight, and unapologetically heavy—this one delivered.
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