|||
A hardcore show?
On a Tuesday night?
The answer is “yes” if Bootcamp is coming through town on tour.
Where to have it? The House of Chiefs.
When first approached, the York Road restaurant does not appear to be a venue.
No need to hesitate. Keep right, past the takeout area, down the hallway… just a bit further. Foks know why you are here and where you are heading… no need to be nervous. There you go!
Turns out, the Baltimore underground has made do once again, working with the friendly and welcoming owner and family to have a place to have shows.
The evening began full-throttle with a performance by Cataclysmic, the venue already full, the furious dancers ready to go for it, hard, in appreciation of the local opener.
Cataclysmic
Grudge
Grudge’s appearance was greeted with fanfare not only by their fans but no less than six professional photographers going at the band during their set in a venue that could (maybe) comfortably accommodate three. The hardcore scene in Baltimore is gaining more and more attention. Some folks in the audience were at their first show, ever. There is room for all, as long as folks understand show etiquette. Sure, Grudge’s music is not about being polite, but in a room full of ecstatic participants, watching out for one another is key.
Bootcamp
Bootcamp roared into action, their appearance here in Baltimore and Wednesday in DC being the catalyst for these mid-week shows. They not only delivered their set with rage and precision but commented on what Baltimore has in their scene being what they wished they saw more of elsewhere. It is sometimes hard to appreciate what I have had the privilege of witnessing over thirty years of involvement, and it is nice to hear it noticed from a fresh vantage point.
Doubt
Three excellent sets later, it was time for Doubt to come and wrap it up, their appearance being a source of excitement in and of itself as their reputation and hard work continues to lead to new opportunities. Whether here in a DIY venue or this coming Memorial Day weekend at Soundstage Baltimore, you can count on them to bring it.
Doubt
As the crowd gathered to gang-chant “(I’ll) make you pay for what you did” along with the band at the conclusion of Doubt’s set, it is clear that the scene continues to thrive and has once again found a place to be. I hope those new to the experience found a welcoming environment to cathartically deal with the rage and confusion we are all experiencing in 2025. All we have is each other. Let’s continue to build this community together.
