After agreeing to cover Reignwolf and opener King Nun Friday at Delmar Hall, I knew I was in for a night of more hard-core music than I personally care to listen to but love to photograph. I walked away from the show with … well, not as a rabid new fan-girl but with a true appreciation and happiness that I attended as I watched these bands unfurl their passion on and off stage. Looking forward to seeing how each band continues to grow.
Reignwolf’s stage was simple — bathed in minimal red lights and a set of bright white vertical lights piercing into the crowd’s eyes that flanked drummer Joseph Braley and a large wolf face backdrop that looked as if it were about to eat Braley. Supporting their long-anticipated album Hear Me Out, Reignwolf performed a powerful, short set that left the small, packed crowd cheering and hungry for more. At 50-minutes, it felt as if the band had just hit its stride as they stopped as abruptly as they started: full tilt.
Reignwolf kicked off with the hard-hitting “Over & Over” and didn’t let up with their heavy, driving beats that incorporated various genres from hard rock to heavy/thrash metal to blues; playing fan favorites such as “Wanna Don’t Wanna,” which lead singer and guitarist Jordan Cook stated was the band’s current favorite, “Keeper,” and “Are You Satisfied?.”
Cook noted it was Reignwolf’s second time in St. Louis and the first time “there were about 13 people” in the audience. He promised to be back as long as the audience continued to grow which elicited cheers and howls from the crowd.
During “Hardcore” the entire three-man band made their way onto the dance floor and played the remainder of their intense set from the floor surrounded by adoring fans. With Cook’s gritty, yet sweet vocals and the frenzied energy of the trio, Reignwolf is primed to take over the rock world.
On their second night of touring with Reignwolf, King Nun opened with a fast-paced short, nine-song set packed into about 25 minutes.
A little punk and a little garage rock, this band is thick with heavy riffs, driving beats and high energy. Hailing from London, King Nun is one to keep tabs on. Songs included “Bug,” “Cowboy,” and “Family Portrait” which is a big-hook number from this up and coming band. The majority of songs played will be on their forthcoming EP to be released this late fall.
Check out all the photos from Reignwolf and King Nun.
Go see live music — find out what’s coming up next at Delmar Hall.
In my work life, I help nonprofits and small businesses with media and public relations. In my what I love to do life, you can typically find me photographing either wild horses or concerts.
