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After inspiring sets from The Wonder Years and Boundaries, it was Yellowcard’s time to shine. And what better way to set off on a nostalgia trip down memory lane than to kick things off with the Top Gun theme?

With minimal lighting, lead guitarist Ryan Mendez strolled out onto the stage and began strumming one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable riffs in pop culture history. Violinist Sean Mackin then accompanied Mendez on stage in a duet that sounded so good, you half expected Tom Cruise to appear in a flight suit.

While the Hollywood icon did not make a cameo appearance, the theatrical opening coupled with the dramatic individual introductions of each remaining band member – vocalist William Ryan Key, bassist Josh Portman and drummer Jimmy Brunkvist (of Like Torches) – helped build the moment while simultaneously firing up the packed crowd at Jiffy Lube Live. The loud and enthusiastic ovation that followed was both fitting and a sign of things to come for the evening.

Before fans could settle into their seats, the Jacksonville band immediately launched into “Only One” followed by “Lights and Sounds,” which delivered a mix of emotional depth while continuing to raise the energy level from the jump. The title track from their 2006 album, Lights and Sounds, was clearly a hit with those in attendance – which makes sense because it was one of the band’s highest charting songs (reaching No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart) until “Better Days” hit number one earlier this year.

Before “Lights and Sounds” kicked off, audio of Mikey’s heartwarming speech: “Down here, it’s our time. It’s our time down here!” from The Goonies kept the nostalgia vibes going strong. Additional references to “Back to the Future,” “E.T.,” “Say Anything” and “Karate Kid” were sprinkled in throughout the rest of the set.

A few songs later, Yellowcard debuted “honestly i,” a catchy, new song that could easily find itself in regular rotation on playlists and radio stations. The track, “Believe,” provided a chance for Mackin and his violin to shine. Later on, “Light Up the Sky” allowed Brunkvist to tear into his drum kit the best way possible.

While so much of the show harkens back to a different era, thanks to countless retro references and a massive set that included an oversized VHS tape, it made sense the band was feeling a bit nostalgic.

“There are thousands and thousands of fans singing along with Yellowcard in 2025,” Key said during a brief break in the action. “There was a time when we didn’t think we were going to play together again, and now we’re playing the biggest shows of our careers. Thank you, guys, for your support.”

Key and the rest of the band doesn’t take any of this for granted, especially after they disbanded in 2017. Thankfully, they reunited in 2022 and are now reaching heights that were previously unimaginable.

“We’re 25 years into our careers and this is our first number one song,” said Key. “This song’s called ‘Better Days.’ Let’s go.”

As noted, “Better Days” became Yellowcard’s first-ever number one single on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart this summer. Incredibly, that achievement also set a record for the longest gap between an artist’s first appearance on the chart to their first number one hit. They’re not just clinging to past glory. They’re re-writing history.

After playing their newest hit, there was truly only one way for Yellowcard to end the night — with the biggest hit. Ending the set with “Ocean Avenue” gave the evening a climactic, cathartic release as they circled back to their certified (twice) platinum smash hit from two decades ago. The entire evening showed how to strike a perfect balance between fan favorites and fresh, new material.

Speaking of new material, Better Days is the band’s first full feature length album in nearly a decade, and the highly-anticipated album is produced by blink-182’s Travis Barker, who also played drums on every track. Fans of high-energy pop punk with a signature violin twist, are surely counting down the days until its release.

An aggressively stacked lineup headlined by Beartooth, I Prevail, Killswitch Engage and Parkway Drive hit the road on a massive 25-stop North America tour, with support from The Devil Wears Prada, The Amity Affliction, Alpha Wolf and Dark Divine.

These heavyweights of hard rock and masters of metal swung through Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, for the second-to-last stop on the “Summer of Loud” tour.

Despite the sweltering heat, thousands of enthusiastic metalheads packed the sold-out venue for a marathon of music. Each band in the ridiculously loaded lineup fed off the loud and rowdy crowd, delivering a string of high-energy performances that continually raised the bar to impressive heights.

The first of the four headliners to perform was Beartooth, who have been on a massive trajectory over the last few years. Thanks to an ever-expanding catalog of hits and one of the best live shows in the industry, Beartooth was the band I was most excited for on this day, and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

Let me say this up front: no one expends more energy during a concert than frontman Caleb Shomo. From the moment he first materialized on stage until his final note, the pride of Westerville, Ohio jumped, screamed, bounced, flailed, growled and bellowed like a madman utterly possessed. In fact, Shomo refused to be confined to the stage during his performance, jumping down early in the set so he could be closer to the rabid audience devouring his every beautifully chaotic note. With some steadying hands from security, Caleb was able to prop himself up on the barricade and sing an up close and personal verse with the masses.

While that made for an exciting few seconds for fans closest to the barricade, it was not the most noteworthy moment of their set. Shomo makes time during each performance to spotlight mental health, sharing some of the trials and tribulations he’s been through during his time in the public spotlight. By all accounts, he’s in a good place these days and it carries through to the music. His search for inner peace and happiness is incredibly personal and uplifting, and his willingness to share with others is incredibly noble and important.

While the entire show featured a raw, unfiltered and vulnerable Shomo, “In Between” showcased these aspects at their absolute best. After admonishing one concertgoer mid-song by halting everything to exclaim, “We don’t fight at a Beartooth show!” Shomo launched back into the final track, which featured a beautiful call and response with the crowd. Without the benefit of a microphone, the frontman stood center stage and bellowed out the hook. Thousands of passionate fans replied heartily with a full-throated response. At that precise moment, Caleb had the entire venue in the palm of his hand and it was beautiful.

Back in May, I Prevail announced a mutually parting of ways with founding member Brian Burkheiser. After a decade together, the band was moving on without one of their main vocalists. Roughly two months later, I was eager to see how the lineup change impacted their live performance.

From day one, I Prevail’s signature sound has revolved around a dual-vocal dynamic, featuring clean vocals by Burkheiser and dirty vocals from Eric Vanlerberghe. Intrigue set in as the band filed onto the stage. How exactly would they navigate the melodic portions of their catalog in this new chapter? We were all about to find out.

I Prevail threw down the gauntlet immediately by starting their set with a screamer like “Bow Down.” They weren’t there to play it safe or ease into this performance. Regardless of the changes to the band’s roster, the Michigan rockers were intent on delivering something special.

They kept the aggression level high with “Body Bag,” another fast-paced and aggressive banger. Vanlerberghe delivered his signature sound while he lurked in the shadows on stage. Rhythm guitarist Dylan Bowman provided additional vocals, admirably filling the void created by Burkheiser’s surprising departure. All of which occurred while pyro jets blasted into the air with each downbeat. The high energy and breakneck pace of the set was already both impressive and exhausting.

During “Violent Nature,” the band welcomed Kage Archer, a 12-year-old from Wichita, Kansas, onto the stage. The middle schooler had recently won the band’s $5,000 Violent Nature contest, and this was his time to shine. Anyone who mistakenly viewed the moment as a publicity stunt or a charity case quickly realized this kid was legit as he confidently roared alongside Eric with a raw, fearless and infectious energy that proved he belonged.

Before “Hurricane,” the band paused to honor Dave Shapiro, the prominent music agent who died in a plane crash earlier this year. In a heartfelt moment, they thanked him for believing in them and giving them a shot when they were in the early stages of establishing themselves as I Prevail. It was a very touching tribute to their former manager, agent and longtime friend.

The sprawling amphitheater was at full capacity as Killswitch Engage took the stage, greeted by a loud roar from the sold-out crowd. The Massachusetts metalcore veterans, known for their blend of crushing riffs, soaring melodies and emotional intensity, wasted no time diving head-first into their set.

The show opened with “Rose of Sharyn,” from the band’s 2004 The End of Heartache album. The recognizable guitar riff surged through the oversized speakers as fans sang along, nearly drowning out frontman Jesse Leach. It’s a passionate start with great energy that established the tone for the rest of the evening.

For more than 25 years, they’ve brought their special brand of kickass to the genre, which was on full display during “I Believe.” As the guitar kicked in and Leach bellowed out the opening lyrics, which double as the song’s title, circle pits quickly opened again. Up next was “Hate by Design,” with its socially conscious lyrics that appeared to resonate strongly with many in attendance.

When the opening chords of “My Curse” hit, the reaction was immediate and overwhelming. This song, one of Killswitch Engage’s most commercially successful singles, earned the night’s loudest ovation. The audience couldn’t wait to belt out the chorus while a sea of cell phones lit up across the venue to capture the moment. As the setlist got heavier and heavier, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz’s infectious energy and unique brand of humor created an amusing juxtaposition — his “I’m with stupid” t-shirt, “Beer” headband and pizza-themed guitar clearly created a distinct vibe.

Finally, Killswitch Engage closed out the night with a cover of Dio’s “Holy Diver.” They’ve performed the track so well for so long, it wouldn’t be a surprise if many younger fans weren’t aware it was a cover song. Regardless of when and how fans were first introduced to it, thousands of voices had little trouble belting out the words, ending the set on an adrenaline high.