We Came As Romans Concert Review The Van Buren Theater 8-8-25
Concert Review and Photos by Maxwell Williamson
Under the sweltering heat of a Phoenix summer evening, The Van Buren Theater was packed to the brim for an unforgettable night of metalcore mayhem. Headlined by We Came As Romans, the Bad Luck Tour featured electrifying performances from supporting acts Currents, After The Burial, and Johnny Booth—all of whom surpassed expectations.
Johnny Booth kicked the night off with an opening set of their intense metalcore sound that hit the audience like a punch to the gut from the very start. Their groovy metalcore sound instantly established an atmosphere of tight riffs, frenetic drumming, and a raw vocal intensity that drew even the early attendees closer to the stage. Despite being the Get Into Johnny Booth Here!
Next on the lineup, After The Burial delivered their distinctive fusion of powerful riffs and complex, technical guitar skills. The audience reacted with the evening’s first genuine surge of moshing—spinning pits formed like whirlpools, while synchronized headbanging spread across the crowd. Their performance showcased why they continue to be one of the most esteemed names in progressive metalcore, even after a short break from touring and creating new music.
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Currents delivered a performance infused with a darker, moodier energy, juxtaposing soaring melodic sections with heavy breakdowns. Their frontman, Brian Wille, commanded the stage, urging the crowd into synchronized leaps and sparking a continuous wave of crowd surfers flowing over the barricade. By the conclusion of their set, the venue was charged with electricity, and the excitement for the headliners was at an all-time high.
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An Electrifying Night with We Came As Romans
As We Came As Romans took the stage, the crowd erupted in a thunderous cheer. From the very first note, the band captivated the audience—voices shouted every lyric at an almost overwhelming volume, hands shot up in harmony, and mosh pits formed like fierce tempests. The energy was unyielding, with security scrambling to handle the wave of crowd surfers making their way to the front.
Midway through their performance, the atmosphere shifted to something more poignant. The band took a moment to pay tribute to their late vocalist Kyle Pavone, whose spirit continues to resonate in their music and within their hearts. With heartfelt words, they expressed gratitude to fans for honoring Kyle’s life and legacy. This tribute seamlessly transitioned into one of their most cherished songs, transforming the venue into a choir of thousands—a deeply emotional high point that harmonized beautifully with the night’s earlier chaos.
From beginning to end, We Came As Romans demonstrated why they remain a foundational element of the metalcore scene. Their set was tight, passionate, and brimming with energy—the kind of performance that leaves you sweaty, hoarse, and exhilarated. Coupled with an impressive lineup of opening acts, each contributing their unique sound, The Bad Luck Tour stop in Phoenix was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of metalcore’s ability to unite and uplift, even in the sweltering desert heat.
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