Built on Connection: Black Veil Brides Deliver Captivating Set in Connecticut
Just two days after elder millennials packed The Dome at Oakdale Theatre for emo royalty Taking Back Sunday, a much different crowd arrived in Wallingford, Connecticut on Friday, September 25.
Instead this crowd leaned into the goth subculture, with plenty of dark fashion and face makeup, as fans came out for Black Veil Brides and their more theatrical brand of metal. With a nor'easter looming the next day, local fans were eager to get one last live show in before weathering the storm.
AUTUMN KINGS
First of four bands on the bill, Autumn Kings jumped straight into their opening set. This band’s stage energy is infectious. From bassist Skywerth whipping his dreads and pulling over-the-top facial expressions, to vocalist Joseph Coccimiglio pacing the risers and hyping the crowd, to the smiles and good vibes of guitarist Jake Diab. I love it when band members feel confident enough to leave their respective posts and move around the stage.
There are no days off for Autumn Kings. By the time you read this, Autumn Kings will already be on the road again, supporting Skillet on the Comatose 20 Years, Still Screaming Tour!
ARCHERS
Wisconsin's Archers took over next. Crowd surfers finally began to brave the sea of hands. Admittedly, I wasn't too familiar with the metalcore band, but judging by the room's reaction, I may have been one of the few who didn't know their music. From the photo pit, I have to give vibe points to bassist Drew Hansen, messy mullet and all, who seemed to exist in his own flow state.
CASKETS
English metalcore band Caskets is fast approaching the one-year anniversary of their third album, The Only Heaven You'll Know, having spent most of the past year or so touring around the world.
Their set opened with dark ambience, band members barely lit by stage lighting. I actually didn't shoot a single frame during the first song. As they progressed through their set list, the stage lights grew brighter. By the third song, “Make Me A Martyr," the set hit its stride, which tells me the slow build was intentional, to bring the crowd along with them.
This was my second time in the pit for Caskets, and what stands out is their distinctly UK metalcore sound. Watching their showmanship and musicality, it's hard not to draw some comparisons to Architects. Like their fellow Brits, Caskets expertly weave soaring choruses and guitar runs with heavy breakdowns, and it's all held together by honest, vulnerable lyrics.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES
When drummer Christian “CC” Coma took his place at his elevated kit, the crowd's roars filled the rafters of The Dome. One by one, the band members filed onto the stage. After one final pause, frontman Andy Biersack stepped up to the riser, greeting his fans with a beaming smile.
That initial interaction tells you all you need to know about a Black Veil Brides show. It’s a performance that thrives on the connection with the fans.
Start with Biersack himself. He walks to the farthest corners of the stage, damn near blinded by the stage lights, to bring his performance to every angle of the room. Then there are his enthusiastic, almost goofy waves to the crowd, which of course result in waves back. It's amusing to see a crowd express its approval with waves just as much as with metal horns pumping in the air. And between each song, Biersack is a master of crowd work, whether he is reading signs from fans or recounting a story.
As much as Biersack is the face and personality of the band, there is something to be said for his bandmates, who see the value in his ability to connect with fans, and leverage it with their own impressive musicianship to deliver an incredible performance. When a band leans into authenticity together as a team (and yes, sometimes goofiness), it’s what creates an undeniable bond with your fans.
If you've read enough of my reviews, you know I make it a routine to stand to the side and take in the room, assess the vibe. Did fans show up because a popular band is passing through a quiet state? Are people more interested in the social side of concerts? Or are they there because the music and the experience matter to them? As you can imagine, for Black Veil Brides, it's the latter.
During “Rebel Love Song,” the crowd voted with a show of waving hands to bring a ‘stranger’ up from the crowd to play guitar. That not-so-random guitarist was Ianni Kay, a talented heavy metal guitarist from Long Island, and he absolutely crushed his solo. After the song, I spotted him at the side of the stage as plenty of fans approached him to offer praise.
After a brief exit, the band returned for their encore. The first song “Cut,” from the latest album. Jinxx picked up the violin and Biersack's wife, Lilith Czar, joined him on stage for the duet. Yes, it's a routine part of their set, but it’s a fan favorite moment that the couple seals with a kiss.
Black Veil Brides closed out the evening with “In the End.” This Connecticut stop was one of the last on this run, capping off a big year for the band: an album release, a massive North American tour, and main stage slots at major festivals. After a bit of rest, Vindicatour heads to the UK and Europe in early 2027.
BLACK VEIL BRIDES | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE
BLACK VEIL BRIDES SETLIST
The Dome at Toyota Oakdale Theater, Wallingford, Connecticut (9/25/2026)
Knives and Pens
Bleeders
Hallelujah
Vindicate
Certainty
Wake Up
Alive
Rebel Love Song (guest guitarist Ianni Kay)
Revenger
Woe & Pain
The Legacy
Perfect Weapon
Encore
Cut (with Lilith Czar)
In the End
