Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
On Tuesday, March 22nd Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman announced the lineup for this year’s edition of the tour, and while most people were busy losing their minds when they heard that heavyweights like Good Charlotte and Sum 41 were on the bill, I was busy listening for the names that just aren’t as recognizable to everyone. As a whole, this lineup is stacked from top to bottom, and is in my opinion the most complete lineup I’ve seen on Warped in a number of years. I’m so impressed, I’ve compiled a list of 10 bands you didn’t know you wanted to see until right now.
Who: Assuming We Survive
Why: This fierce pop punk group is poised to make the most of their opportunity to be exposed to the masses at Warped. They’ve been touring relentlessly for almost a decade, creating a reputation for themselves. With a high energy, in your face live performance, fans around the country are sure to be impressed all summer long.
Who: Cruel Hand
Why: The beauty about Warped Tour is that there are so many different sounds to listen to. Cruel Hand offers a hardcore punk sound that comes from being influenced by such a wide range of amazing bands ranging all the way from Metallica to Terror. With that being said, prepare to be unprepared for what will surely be one of the most eclectic sounds of the day.
Who: Gideon
Why: Gideon is a Christian metal band from Alabama but you’d never guess there was anything Christian about them when you hear their heavy breakdowns and screaming vocals. Gideon not only has a real chance at being the heaviest band on this year’s tour, they will fit in perfectly in the new Monster Energy Party Zone.
Who: Knuckle Puck
Why: Knuckle Puck comes off at first as a pseudo throwback to the early 2000s, with a nice blend of emo and pop punk. They provide heavy riffs and vocals creating a wide range of sounds that sets them apart and shows off their uniqueness.
Who: Old Wounds
Why: This New Jersey metalcore band is a self sufficient group of road warriors who have a do-it-yourself mentally that has helped propel them to where they are today. When Old Wounds hits the stage, they will go nonstop for the length of their set every single day of tour, no matter how much distance they’ve logged or how hot the weather gets. To put it in simple terms, this is a must see performance as they charge forward in support of their most recent album The Suffering Spirit.
Who: Secrets
Why: Secrets is an ironic name for a band that everyone should know by the end of this Warped Tour. And everyone just might. With a catchy sound comprised of impressive vocals and breakdowns, it’s bound to quickly become high tide with no shortage crowd surfers for their set.
Who: The Interrupters
Why: What would this tour be without a little classic punk thrown in the mix? The Interrupters is a family affair made of 3 brothers and their sister on vocals. If punk and family don’t embody all that is Warped, I don’t know what does. The Interrupters meld your classic punk sound with a ska influences that’s sure to get you jumping. You’re welcome in advance.
Who: Volumes
Why: If you look up Volumes online it’ll tell you they’re a metalcore band, which you can find plenty of throughout Warped. What sets Volumes apart is how they redefine what metalcore is. Their groovy riffs, duel vocals, and intense breakdowns will have you questioning if you ever truly knew what metalcore was.
Who: Wage War
Why: Wage War brings a fast paced, controlled chaos to the stage. Riding high off the success of their debut album Blueprints they look to make the most of their opportunity on Warped Tour this summer. This metalcore band has already gained numerous endorsements from a lot of people, most notable among them Jeremy McKinnon (A Day To Remember), who also produced their debut album.
Who: Waterparks
Why: If you’re looking for something totally different, no need to look any further. Waterparks is a pop punk band that, although still relatively new to the scene, is already making their second Warped Tour run. Waterparks will easily provide one of the most crowd-pleasing experiences of the day; just imagine if Green Day and Blink 182 had spawned a love child. That’s what you can expect to see with Waterparks.
Now all that’s left is to stock up on the sunblock and we’ll see you on the pit!
Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments!
For tour & ticket info visit vanswarpedtour.com and don’t forget to enter our Warped Tour giveaway for a chance to win 2 tickets to any stop one on the tour!
