Last, but certainly not least was Unearth. I am a relative newcomer to Unearth (though not as new as I am to Darkest Hour). Prior to the show the only album of theirs I owned was III: Through the Eyes of Fire, now I own two having picked up The Oncoming Storm. Now there is a purchase I should have made long ago. It is a fantastic album that is only made better when you have the live experience to back it up. I have been lucky enough to have seen them, now, twice this year. Back in February I saw them open for Slayer at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. They put on a sick show, but the February show has nothing on this one. The Chance is a considerably smaller venue, which is a plus. Now take the facts of a smaller, more intimate locale plus the headlining slot equal a much more intense show.

Unearth combine some serious heaviness with intense technical precision. That makes for a rather strong combination that puts them right near the top of the metalcore genre and a band that has to be seen live.

The set included such cuts as "This Glorious Nightmare," "Zombie Autopilot," "Giles," and "Sanctity of Brothers." As good as all of those songs were, the live highlight came during "The Great Dividers" when Buz McGrath left the stage, made his way through the crowd and played will walking on the bar, merch table, and on top of a snack machine before returning to the stage for the final song, "Black Hearts Now Reign."

You know, this was a great show. It was loud, heavy, overflowing with energy and worth every minute. Yes, including Suicide Silence. If any of these bands come through your town, do not hesitate.

Set lists (all but Suicide Silence):

Unearth:
1. Giles
2. This Lying World
3. This Glorious Nightmare
4. Zombie Autopilot
5. Endless
6. March of the Mutes
7. Only the People
8. Sanctity of Brothers
9. The Great Dividers
10. Black Hearts Now Reign

Darkest Hours:
1. Doomsayer
2. Sound the Surrender
3. Demons
4. This Will Outlive Us
5. Convalescence
6. Deliver Us
7. With a Thousand Words to Say But One
8. Sadist Nation

August Burns Red:
1. The Truth of a Liar
2. The Eleventh Hour
3. Your Little Suburbia Is In Ruins
4. Composure
5. Back Burner
6. The Seventh Trumpet