Crystal Buchberger
CONCERT PHOTOS + REVIEW
Fit For A King
4/23/24 – The Sylvee – Madison, WI
Photos + Review © Crystal Buchberger
A breezy Tuesday evening began with a night of music for many metal fans. The Sylvee, considered one of the newer concert venues in the Madison area, still holds an older charm that the city is well known for. Nestled between two lakes, the Sylvee is a short walk away from the capital. A bright red sign glowed above the entrance showcasing tonight’s show. The fans were ready to rock as the line was wrapped about the block before doors opened. It’s a good turnout for the show, especially considering the fact that they’re up against another popular band playing tonight in Milwaukee. One of the first people in line was a small family incorporating two 6-year-olds who took their place in the front row once doors opened.
More people trickled through the doors before the concert started. It was an intimate crowd and the fans kept the energy going strong. Mosh pits, making up nearly half of the floor, were already commencing once the first opening band, Soulkeeper, strummed their first chords. The Sylvee, however, did not match the tunes between sets to keep the crowd going. Much of the overhead house music was older 80s dance music that simply did not mimic the vibe of the metal scene and left many of us scratching our heads in bewilderment. That did not stop Kingdom of Giants or Chelsea Grin from throwing an entertaining and energetic show. Moshing was encouraged and walls of death were mandatory.
The mood shifted once the music switched from an upbeat tempo to lower guitar riffs. Fit for a King was taking the stage. People at the bar ran to the front of the stage as they played their opening song, “End (The Other Side).” It was clear this crowd was here to see Fit for a King. “I see many familiar faces!” proclaimed their lead vocalist Ryan Kirby. Just a couple of days earlier, the guys played in Green Bay and many of the fans here tonight traveled well over an hour away just to follow the band for one more show. The entire crowd cheered and cranked up their energy to level 10.
Before I knew it the show was nearly over. “We already talked to the Sylvee, and this will be our last song.” Ryan Kirby said with a wink. They played “When Everything Means Nothing” like it truly was their last then left the stage without saying a word. The crowd immediately started asking for “one more song.” The chanting grew louder. Suddenly the stage lights started flashing in sync with the chant and many more people joined in. Fit for a King granted the crowd their wish and ran back on stage to play “God of Fire.” Crowd surfers got in their last wave before the evening came to an end.
This particular show reminded me of the charm of going to a show of a smaller band. Fit for a King does have a large following, but because their fanbase was split tonight by another competing show, it gave the fans who attended a very unique experience. 6-year-olds were able to be front row the entire show with their parents. Moshers had room to dance without hurting themselves or others. Shorter fans had places to go to see the entire stage. There’s just something about going to shows like these where anyone can have fun and simply enjoy themselves.
Check out the Fit for a King concert photo gallery below:
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