Hershey showed up early and stayed loud. The floor filled fast, merch lines moved, and the pit had that pre-show buzz you only get when a three-band bill is dialed in.
The Ghost Inside — Los Angeles metalcore stalwarts best known for their resilience and crushing comebacks — opened with purpose. Fresh off Searching for Solace, they delivered tight execution, big crowd vocals, and zero dead air. “Death Grip” hit mid-set like a switch flip: the breakdown dropped, the barricade surged, and the sing-backs doubled in volume. It was a clear reminder of why they connect live—heavy parts that move bodies and lyrics that carry weight.
Halestorm — Central Pennsylvania’s own and Grammy winners with radio-proof choruses — walked into a true home-field moment. Lzzy Hale’s power translated cleanly in the room, Arejay’s stick work brought the spectacle, and the guitar lines were sharp enough to carry the upper bowl. A soaring “Like A Woman Can” became the set’s hush-then-howl showcase, the kind of vocal moment that snaps a whole arena to attention before the next riff hits. Between the anthems and the newer cuts, momentum never dipped; it felt like a victory lap for a band that grew up a few exits down the highway.
Volbeat — Denmark’s heavy-rock unit blending metal muscle with swing-and-strut grooves — closed with ease. Michael Poulsen worked the crowd like a ringmaster, toggling bounce-ready riffs and fists-up stompers. A darker mid-set stretch leaned into their “Demonic Depression” vein — minor-key melodies and brooding hooks before snapping back to that clap-and-stomp swagger. The anthems landed, the band stayed locked, and the final run sent people out hoarse and happy.
Three different approaches, one consistent result—energy up, crowd locked in, no lull across the night.
