A packed night at Austin’s Come And Take It Live where The Word Alive, The Funeral Portrait, Melrose Avenue, and Lift The Curse deliver a night of high energy, emotion, and excitement leave the crowd breathless.
With a line wrapped around the building, Austin’s Come and Take It Live was buzzing as four bands came together to deliver a night of raw energy, passionate performances, and non-stop headbanging. Headlined by The Word Alive and The Funeral Portrait, the atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly waited for the music to begin.
Lift the Curse, a hometown favorite, opened the night with a powerful set that instantly fired up the crowd. Promoting their latest album Don’t Bury The Curse, the band’s blend of alternative rock and metalcore was met with roaring approval. Fans threw up horns, banged their heads, and captured the moment on their phones. With commanding stage presence, the vocalist and guitarists gave the performance a gritty, local edge which drew the audience in with every verse.
Next up was Melrose Avenue, a pop-metal band all the way from Sydney, Australia. Their arrival brought a fresh international energy to the stage. As they walked out, the crowd erupted. Known for their infectious hooks, dynamic vocals, and charismatic frontmen, Melrose Avenue lit up the room with their dynamic sound. Tracks like “Fool and the Beggar,” “Reflections,” and “Body Bag” got fans dancing and waving their arms, but it was their closing song “Suffering” that took things to the next level. Their presence added a vibrant, high-energy chapter to the evening, keeping momentum strong and spirits high.
Then came The Funeral Portrait, and the night took a theatrical turn. More than just a performance, their set felt like a gothic ritual. With green hair, black attire, and a devotion to drama, the band transformed the venue into something transcendent. From the first note, they captivated the room with a cinematic intensity. Songs like “Voodoo Doll” and “Herse For Two” pulsed with emotion, while frontman Lee Jennings led the crowd through a twisted, powerful liturgy.
The band’s connection was powerful and during their radio hit song “Holy Water” two members shared a passionate and high-energy kiss on stage that ignited the crowd and pushed the excitement to new heights. Their message of embracing the outcast and creating a space for community was deeply felt, as fans screamed along to tracks from their latest album Greetings From Suffocate City. The connection between band and audience was undeniable.
Finally, The Word Alive took the stage to close out the night and they didn’t disappoint. Their set celebrated the band’s evolution, balancing early metalcore anthems with newer, more experimental material. Frontman Telle Smith’s versatility was front and center, effortlessly shifting from guttural screams to melodic cleans. Songs like “Why Am I Like This” brought a wave of nostalgia for longtime fans, while “Eyes Above” showcased the band’s growth and emotional depth. The energy never faltered with every breakdown and had the crowd locked in. Before ending the night, they sparked a unifying “hell yeah, brother!” chant that echoed through the venue, leaving the audience both exhilarated.
By the end of the night, fans swarmed the merch tables, some to meet longtime favorites and others to support the new bands they had just fallen in love with. From Lift the Curse’s opener to the devotional ceremony of The Funeral Portrait and the climactic set by The Word Alive, every act brought something unique to the table. It was a night of contrasts and connection, one that left the crowd sweaty, smiling, and satisfied.
I am an Austin, TX based concert photographer with roots in Houston, TX. I graduated from Texas Tech University with both my BA and MBA. In my spare time, I photograph shows in the local Austin scene, buy way too many plants, and go bouldering. Some of my favorite local artists are Capital Vice, Chancla Fight Club, and Nolo.
