Albany, NY – Opening slots are often thankless jobs. The crowd is still filtering in, drinks are being ordered, and anticipation for the headliner hangs heavy in the air. Yet on Thursday night at Empire Live, Held. approached their opening set for Thrice as if they were headlining the room themselves.
Most of this is due in part to the fact that even though Held. is a new band, it’s members are not newcomers to the music scene, Singer/guitarist Douglas Robinson and bassist Sal Mignano are from NY’s post-Hardcore outfit The Sleeping and drummer Josh Eppard you may know from this little band Coheed and Cambria. All that experience drives Held. at almost unstoppable speeds.
Taking the stage early, the band wasted little time establishing their presence. Against the backdrop of Empire Live’s intimate, high-energy atmosphere, Held. delivered a performance built on urgency, emotion, and a clear understanding of how to command a room that may not have arrived specifically to see them.
From the first song, the band’s chemistry was evident. Their blend of melodic post-hardcore textures and driving alternative rock rhythms immediately connected with fans gathered on the barricade. Rather than easing into the evening, Held. attacked their set with purpose, creating the sense that every minute on stage mattered.
What stood out most was the confidence with which the group navigated the space. Their sound carried surprising weight through the venue, balancing soaring melodies with heavier instrumental passages that gave the songs both atmosphere and punch. The guitars rang with clarity while the rhythm section supplied a relentless backbone that kept the performance moving forward.Vocalist Doug Robinson proved to be the focal point throughout the set, alternating between introspective passages and explosive moments that showcased impressive range. Even audience members unfamiliar with the material appeared drawn in. By the middle of the set, heads were nodding across the room and pockets of fans had begun singing along especially on the bands singles “New You Anthem” and “Constant Tension” , from the bands debut album Grey which was released last month. It’s also important to note this was only the 8th live performance Held. as done since becoming a band.
Held.’s greatest strength may be their ability to create emotional tension without sacrificing momentum. Their songs moved naturally between quiet reflection and cathartic release, keeping the audience engaged.The band also demonstrated an appreciation for the opportunity before them. Between songs, they expressed gratitude to both the crowd and the headliner the legendary Thrice, maintaining an approachable demeanor that contrasted nicely with the intensity of their performance. It felt genuine rather than rehearsed, further strengthening the connection they were building with the audience.
As their final song reached its climax, the room responded with loud cheers. It was the kind of reaction every opening band hopes to earn, not polite applause, but enthusiastic approval from listeners who may have walked in unfamiliar with the music and left wanting to hear more.
While Thrice would ultimately deliver the night’s main event, Held. succeeded in the difficult task of setting the tone for everything that followed. Their set was energetic, emotionally resonant, and professionally executed, proving that they were far more than an opening act filling time before the headliner.For a band still introducing themselves to many concertgoers, Held.’s performance at Empire Live felt less like an introduction and more like a statement.
