Photos and review by: Jason Robey

CHARLOTTE, NC — The house-turned-music-venue in the northern corner of Charlotte known as the Milestone Club was busting at the seams with blistering guitars and thunderous rhythm on Wednesday night, as Falling Through April and Hazen brought their Worlds Away U.S. tour to a close. The show started with a short set from Raleigh metal band, Komodo. As they stepped onto the stage and tore into a headbanging version of the theme from King of the Hill, it was clear it was going to a fun show. Charlotte locals Dovecage hit the stage next with a high energy set, made up of songs from their recent EP, Blush, as well as their forthcoming album. Their punk-influenced hard rock was a perfect fit to get the crowd ready for the main acts for the night.

Hazen took the stage like a storm with their opening track, “Criminal.” Razor-like guitars and tight, in-your-face rhythm echoed through the dark room with a growing crowd loving every minute. Vocalist and band namesake Kayla Hazen moved seamlessly from smooth melodic singing to a gritty scream at all the right moments. The Phoenix, AZ four-piece brought an energy that could only be matched by the emotion that poured from the stage. Songs like “Undone,” “My Fire,” and “This House” had the audience jumping along to the animated on stage presence from bassist Robbie Daze. The band members took every opportunity to interact with the crowd, often hopping off the stage to get into the middle of it.

Charlotte’s own Falling Through April closed the night with a set of heavy rock, led by charismatic vocalist Mikaela Salazar. From the opening notes of their single, “Paralyzed,” the group took the room by storm. The group played through the majority of their debut album, Zodiac, in addition to a few singles. “Worlds Away” was released as a single less than a week before the show, and was a beautiful centerpiece to the show with its perfectly crafted riffs and catchy hook. Falling Through April and Hazen may be ending this tour together, but both bands are must-see on the road, keep an eye on their social media channels for upcoming shows.