Metal bands Exciter and Midnight team up for the ‘Feel the Evil Like A Knife’ summer tour, which began its trek at White Oak Music Hall in Houston.
It was a humid July evening in Houston, the kind that makes the air feel thick and heavy. Assembling a co-headlining tour that spans generations of extreme metal lineage and legacy, the ‘Feel the Evil Like A Knife’ summer tour began its trek at White Oak Music Hall. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager for a night of relentless metal mayhem.
The night kicked off with Hellwitch, a band that has been a fixture in the metal scene for four decades. Their intro song, “Solipsistic Immortality,” sent shockwaves through the audience. Intricate melodies weaved through rapid-fire riffs, while the main singer’s gritty voice added a raw edge to their sound. The band played with an energy that belied their years, their synergy on stage connecting deeply with the crowd. This was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of Hellwitch’s 40-year journey.
Next up was Wraith, an Indiana-based band known for their raw, aggressive sound. They launched into “Asylum” from their latest album, Fueled By Fear, with a ferocity that electrified the audience. Fast-paced guitar riffs and powerful drumming created an intense atmosphere, while the band’s dynamic stage presence kept the crowd on their toes. Wraith’s ability to blend old-school thrash with a modern edge set them apart, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh experience that left the audience craving more.
As the night wore on, the stage darkened, and the eerie sound of wind and bells filled the air. Midnight took the stage, their black hoods and masks adding to the sinister atmosphere. They opened with “Penetratal Ecstasy,” a blistering blend of black metal, speed metal, and punk rock. The chaotic energy of their performance was contagious, with the crowd soon erupting into a frenzy of moshing and crowd-surfing. Midnight’s DIY ethic and rebellious spirit shone through, making their set a standout of the night.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Exciter, the Canadian metal lifers, took the stage to the sound of wind blowing, signaling the start of “Holocaust.” The band’s fast tempos, aggressive guitar riffs, and high-pitched vocals created a high-octane atmosphere that had the crowd headbanging from the first note. With a career spanning over four decades, Exciter’s endurance and influence were evident in every powerful note.
As they ended their main set with “Long Live the Loud,” the crowd erupted, chanting for one more song. The band obliged, returning for an encore that would go down in metal history. They performed a cover of Motörhead‘s “Iron Fist,” inviting Athenar of Midnight back on stage to join them. The collaboration was electric, a perfect fusion of classic and contemporary that brought the night to a stellar close.
In the end, the ‘Feel the Evil Like A Knife’ tour was more than just a concert; it was a testament to the enduring power of metal. From Hellwitch’s intricate thrash-death blend to Wraith’s raw aggression, Midnight’s chaotic energy, and Exciter’s speed metal legacy, the night was a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future. As the crowd spilled out into the humid Houston night, they carried with them the memory of a night when metal’s generations collided in a blaze of sound and fury.
I am a writer and photographer based in Houston, Texas. I am currently attending the University of Houston as a Marketing major, and a PR and MIS minor. I am passionate about my work through the various creative avenues I use such as writing, designing, and photography. In my free time I enjoy delving into rabbit holes and discovering new things!
I'm a Houston-based concert and automotive photographer. I've been a music fan my whole life, and previously was the director for Coog Radio, the University of Houston's student radio station. I listen to a bit of everything, from blues to rock to EDM, but predominantly metal. Some favorites include Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. When I'm not behind the camera, you can catch me skating, going to car events, and buying too many coffee table books.
