Bullet For My Valentine Packs Soma's Mainstage in San Diego

On a chilly October 29th night in San Diego, music lovers gathered at Soma’s Mainstage for an electrifying performance by Bullet for My Valentine. With the metalcore giants headlining the show, supported by the powerhouse openers Of Mice & Men and Vended, it was a night that promised nothing short of musical mayhem.

Vended, a band featuring Griffin Taylor, the son of Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, brought a unique blend of alternative and heavy elements to the stage. Their performance was characterized by a raw, youthful energy, and they demonstrated a promising future in the metal scene.

Vended’s set included tracks like “Cage” and “Close to Me,” which displayed their diverse range, incorporating heavy guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and a sense of rebellion that resonated with the younger members of the audience. The band’s sound had an edge, and they didn’t hold back in delivering a memorable performance.

Vended in San Diego California at Soma Mainstage features Griffin Taylor, the son of Slipknot's Corey Taylor — Vended in San Diego, California featuring Espeland (Guitar), Griffin Taylor (Vocals), Simon Crahan (Drums), Jeremiah Pugh (Bass), Connor Grodzicki (Guitar).

Of Mice & Men wasted no time in unleashing their energetic and intense sound on the eager crowd. The band’s performance was marked by a fusion of aggressive metalcore elements and melodic hooks, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience.

Songs like “Pain” and “The Depths” showcased the band’s ability to transition seamlessly between heavy, chugging riffs and clean, emotive vocals. Austin Carlile‘s passionate and commanding stage presence was on full display, showing full gratitude for his hometown showing up to pack the house.

Of Mice & Men features drummer Valentino Arteaga, guitarists Phil Manansala and Alan Ashby, and bassist and lead vocalist Aaron Pauley.

The packed venue buzzed with excitement. Bullet for My Valentine kicked off the evening with “Knives,” setting the tone for a night of intense energy and metal prowess. The roaring crowd was instantly transported to the heart of the (secured) mosh pit, fueled by the band’s raw, unrelenting power.

Of Mice & Men’s insane energy was a crowd-surfers delight.

As the night progressed, the setlist included iconic hits like “Tears Don’t Fall” and “Waking The Demon,” which drove the audience into a frenzy of headbanging and enthusiastic sing-alongs.

But the true highlight of the night came with the encore, as Bullet for My Valentine graced the stage once again, playing their emotional anthem “Hearts Burst into Fire.”

Vocalist Matt Tuck‘s powerful vocals, Michael Paget‘s mesmerizing guitar riffs, Jason Bowld‘s thunderous drumming, and Jamie Mathias‘ basslines combined to deliver a performance that left no doubts about why Bullet for My Valentine is a cornerstone of modern metal.

Opening acts “Of Mice & Men” and “Vended” set the stage perfectly with their intense sets, priming the crowd for the main event. Their blend of aggression and melody was a testament to the diversity and talent that defines the metalcore genre.

In the end, Bullet for My Valentine’s headline show in San Diego was nothing short of a metalhead’s dream come true. The night was filled with unforgettable moments, making it clear that these titans of metal are still at the top of their game. It was a show that will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of those who were lucky enough to be there.