Last night, Polyphia took Nashville by storm with their genre-defying performance at the iconic Marathon Music Works. Performing for a sold-out audience, the progressive rock instrumental quartet showcased their virtuosic talents and captivated the audience with an eclectic blend of rock, jazz, and electronic elements.
The venue itself, Marathon Music Works, boasts an industrial aesthetic that provided the perfect backdrop for Polyphia’s electrifying set. The acoustics of the space further amplified the powerful impact of their music, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.
Opening for Polyphia, German progressive metal band Unprocessed delivered a powerful set that left the audience craving more. Their unique blend of djent, progressive metal, and atmospheric elements provided the perfect appetizer for the main event.
Frontman Manuel Gardner Fernandes showcased his impressive range of vocal styles and exceptional guitar skills, while bassist David Levy, guitarist Christoph Schultz, and drummer Leon Pfeifer demonstrated their mastery of complex time signatures and powerful grooves.
Their energy and stage presence was contagious, and they clearly gained new fans during their dynamic performance. Unprocessed undoubtedly left a lasting impression and proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
As the lights dimmed, anticipation filled the air, and Polyphia did not disappoint. Opening with “Genesis,” the first song of their new album “Remember That You Will Die,” the band instantly set the tone for the night. The crowd roared with excitement as they witnessed Tim Henson’s and Scott LePage’s dazzling guitar work and the tight rhythm section provided by Clay Gober on bass and Clay Aeschliman on drums.
Polyphia’s setlist featured a well-balanced mix of tracks from their discography, including “40oz” and “Look But Don’t Touch,” which showcased their ability to infuse catchy melodies with mind-bending technical prowess. The band also performed an unreleased new track, giving fans a taste of their evolving sound.
The visual experience was nothing short of spectacular. The lighting design was executed flawlessly, creating an immersive and otherworldly atmosphere. The synchronization of the lights with the music added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the performance, ensuring that the audience was fully engaged from start to finish.
Throughout the evening, the band members displayed not only their undeniable technical skill but also their magnetic stage presence. Their chemistry on stage was infectious, allowing the audience to be fully immersed in the experience. Henson, LePage, Gober, and Aeschliman connected with their fans through their music, further solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in the progressive rock scene.
Guitarist Scott LePage was emcee for the night, conversing with the audience between songs of a dominantly instrumental set. When the first crowd surfer emerged towards the stage, Scott encouraged the audience letting them know “We want to see a lot more of that shit!” and the crowd happily obliged throughout the rest of the night. Later, LePage invited the audience to play a round of ‘Sing the riff,” where the audience sings the guitar melodies in a call-and-response throughout the song, to which the crowd fulfilled their end of the obligation.
As the show drew to a close with an explosive rendition of their latest hit “Playing God,” the audience was left in a state of euphoria, chanting for “One more song!” as the band walked offstage. Caving into the crowd’s demands, Polyphia walked back onstage and performed “G.O.A.T.,” a fan-favorite track from their 2018 album “New Levels New Devils.” Next, they played a cover of CKY’s “96 Quite Bitter Beings” where, making his vocalist debut for the night, LePage growled the vocals… although it’s not clear from his performance that he knew the lyrics. Whether he did or not doesn’t matter, as it made a powerful close to an already astonishing set.
Polyphia’s performance at Marathon Music Works was truly an unforgettable evening, and fans in Nashville are already counting down the days until they return.
Rating: 5/5 stars
