Orange County Hardcore to California Beatdown: First Degree

First Degree originated from Orange County, California in the local hardcore scene to beatdown. They are known for their music that contains the nature of bloodthirsty brutality, barbaric vocals and staggering tones. These sets are inspired back to the power violence of the early Beatdown scene and old school mosh pits.

The band made a stop in downtown Pomona at The Haven where I got an insight before and after the show. I observed the love, respect and brotherhood before walking through the doors into a carnage of ruthless fans. The place was packed with people inside and out. It was lit up as smiles were upon people’s faces. Sometimes, there will be a person carried out with blood pouring out of their heads or mouths. First Degree shows are not for the weak. It’s violent music for violent people. Be prepared.

I ran up to the stage where both singers were on the floor interacting with the audience. The ravage set begins and it was chaos from start to finish. First Degree brings merciless energy to their performance and the crowd reacts viciously to the music yet and takes care of one another when there’s a fallen member.

Wood ripped from the floor, human fluids on the stage and endless moshing settled the quality and the ambience of what it is like to be in this particular beatdown scene because it is not like what many people perceived that genre to be. There is no circle mosh, happy hardcore dancing and no soft shit.

At the end of the set, First Degree brought back a tradition called, “Murder Ball.” Sounds like a petrifying idea, however, it is a game of power, resilience and pure fun. It is a form to take out vitality with the ferocity that’s bottled in oneself. The singer, Danny, holds the ball high in reach and promises free merch as a prize for the winner who survives the battle amongst men and women. Many have been beaten and battered but there will be one who overcomes and conquers the game. By the end of the song, the lionhearted fan came to collect. The lucky night came to an end with smiles as when I first walked in.

Danny McGarry is one of the two vocalists and one of the original members of First Degree. His charisma sheds a light on the lyrics that he is singing. He is able to connect on a deep level with everyone in the room. He brings them in on the performance, shares the microphone and gives the attention to a few of the many solid fans that evening.

Adam Artea on vocals holds a whole vibe of destruction and domination. He sings with his chest heart, straight from the depths of within. His spine-chilling structure and raw cords make him one of the gnarliest vocalists in the scene along with Danny McGarry and likes of Code Orange.

Nick Black is an original member and guitarist of First Degree. He was sophisticated, jamming and amused by the crowd’s spirit as he played on stage with the rest of the band. It was loud, crude and electrifying. He hyped up the crowd even more than you can already imagine. You can feel the jolts as each guitar string he strung. He was on a mission to bring the beast out of you.

CJ Gumaer is a guitarist that knows how to conduct a show! CJ is known for his heavy and off-the-wall guitar riffs around the scene. He was vibrant and a delight to watch as fights busted out all around me. He was into the groove and absolutely shredded on guitar.

Ery Sanchez on bass was one of the best parts of the night. Bass lines laid back and completely unfazed by the mayhem that’s unfolding before his eyes. His harmony flows flawlessly along with the guitar and drums, making a deadly combo. His nonchalant presence is relatable making him one of the highlights of the show.

Sam Reid, a drummer that knows how to be a badass on stage and America’s sweetheart in person. He is one of the most talented, determined and unbreakable drummers in rock history. His performance proved that he is dedicated and passionate when on stage. He is one of the finest, professional wise and one of the best human beings to ever meet.

Last but not least, Luke Lodge. He was their former bassist turned hype man, manager and the heart of the band. A huge thank you to Luke for all the contributions, securing every act to be successful, entertaining and a mind-blowing experience. He has made a huge impact in the industry and encourages others to be their unapologetic self at their shows.

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