The Summer Slaughter Tour Slams Through SA
Jasta leading the crowd photo by: Isaiah Alonzo
The Summer Slaughter Tour rolled into San Antonio with hardcore legends Hatebreed headlining and an undercard featuring Fugitive, Gridiron, and local support from Life Cycles, InBalance, and more. Here are the highlights:
Lifecycles photo by: Isaiah Alonzo
SA’s own Life Cycles continue to prove why they deserve the attention from legendary bands like Trivium. Their self-branded Southeast metal attack was tight, aggressive, and well-received. Despite the quick 20-minute set, the hometown crowd brought the energy as the band ripped through tracks off their 2024 EP “Portal To The Unknown.”
Gridiron photo by: Isaiah Alonzo
Gridiron brought the East Coast hardcore energy with heavy riffs and NY-style bounce that had the whole room moving. Their blend of rap-influenced vocals and beatdown grooves hit a sweet spot that got the crowd two-stepping like it was DIY basement show.
Fugitive photo by: Isaiah Alonzo
Next up was Fugitive, the Texas-based group fronted by Power Trip’s Blake Ibanez. Their hybrid of thrash and hardcore hit like a brick wall and felt especially lethal in a live setting. It was a standout of the night.
Jasta photo by: Isaiah Alonzo
Finally, Hatebreed took the stage and launched straight into "I Will Be Heard," and the venue exploded. Frontman Jamey Jasta had the crowd in the palm of his hand from the first note, working both sides of the pit like the veteran frontman he is. Crowd surfers poured over the barricade, keeping security on constant alert.
Photo by: Isaiah Alonzo
The energy stayed high through their hour-long set, with mosh pits, circle pits, and stage-diving chaos throughout. Even though the band played San Antonio less than a year ago for their 30th anniversary, the hyped crowd made it feel like a long-overdue return.
Photo by John Paul Isaac
From the opening riffs of "Before Dishonor" to the anthemic chants in "Live for This," Hatebreed reminded everyone why they’re a staple in heavy music and why San Antonio continues to show up for it.
Gallery by Isaiah Alonzo
