'Periphery V: Djent is Not A Genre': a "Djentastic" Night at The House of Blues, Anaheim.

Saturday night (Nov. 4), the House of Blues in Anaheim was the place to be for any self-respecting djent enthusiast. I was excited walking into the venue as the line outside to get in was non-stop and you best believe the air was charged with tons of excitement from fans. The reason? Periphery’s album, ‘Periphery V: Dent is Not a Crime.’ It was a night of progressive metal that promised to be unforgettable across all boards.

First came Archspire, a band on a mission to become the fastest in the world. If you’re familiar with their track “Involuntary Doppelganger,” you know it’s an absolute jaw-dropper and face melter. The band was on fire, and their fast-paced, technical performance was nothing short of impressive. They threw out jokes and kept the crowd entertained, all while sporting a variety of themed swim trunks. Oli, the band’s singer, had the crowd in stitches and my camera constantly clicking in an attempt to capture the chaos they unleashed. Archspire may win the title of fastest band in the world, but they definitely earn the honor of being the hardest to capture live, no competition.

Then came Plini, hailing all the way from Australia. Plini and his bandmates, including the incredible bassist Simon Grove and Jake Howsam-Lowe, cast a spell on the audience. Plini’s melodies pulled at the heartstrings with every note, and the ethereal beauty of “Electric Sunrise” brought tears to my eyes. His music is truly magical, and it was a soothing prelude to the impending djentstorm.

Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. Periphery took the stage, and the House of Blues erupted with cheers and applause and singing. Their new album, ‘Periphery V,: Dent is Not A Crime‘ may not be a radical departure from their typical chaotic and unpredictable progressive metal core sound, but it packs a stronger punch. Though I may find the album title a bit cheesy, the boldness they bring to the stage is nothing short of demanding. The crowd was treated to a sonic journey filled with intricate guitar work, pounding rhythms, and vocals that soared from clean to scream, Spencer Sotelo’s typical and beloved range.

The lineup for the evening was a unique blend of bands with a shared love for djent but a diverse range of styles. Seeing Periphery and Plini together on the same bill after the long hiatus caused by COVID was a dream come true. Archspire, a band I’d been eagerly waiting to witness live, added a surprising element to the mix and one that added an extra “umph” I was glad was there.

In the end, the House of Blues in Anaheim was the perfect setting for an unforgettable night of djent. The performances by Periphery, Plini, and Archspire, each with their own distinct styles and strengths, offered djent lovers a multifaceted experience that kept minds engaged and hearts pounding. It was a night that celebrated the artistry and diversity of the genre, reminding us all that dent is not a crime but a reason to come together and rock on.

Post and photos by Sydney Ellis

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