New York City’s Sylar are currently making waves as the opening act on Of Mice & Men’s European Defy tour. The Jayden Panesso-fronted quintet have slowly but surely become one of the frontrunners of the new, modern day hardcore scene, effortlessly combining brutal guitar passages and rhythms with Panesso’s irresistibly memorable vocals. This combination has allowed for them to jump on huge tours and share the stage with the likes of Beartooth, Wage War and Attila. Yesterday, the band stopped off in Amsterdam for their first show in the Dutch capital (together with the aforementioned Of Mice & Men and Wage War). Jack Parker followed them around to document what went down on a minute-by-minute basis.

14:40. As the day starts, we’re greeted by Sylar’s Jayden Panesso taking on a tough Fortnite session.

14:51. As he puts away a guitar, Hufton (and the rest of the band) prepares to explore some of the city’s surrounding area.

16:11. A trip through Amsterdam (after a night out in Belgium) is too much for Dustin Jennings, who puts together a makeshift bed for a quick afternoon nap.

16:48. It’s all smiles for Sylar, with soundcheck in full swing and the line outside slowly growing.

16:49. We’re not sure what Panesso was doing, but we reckon it has something to do with Fortnite tips.

19:00. Not an awful lot has happened in the time between soundcheck and showtime, save for a decent Fortnite session and some food. Here’s Jayden moments before showtime.

19:11. Smiles all round as the set approaches its halfway point by means of a powerful Soul Addiction.

19:29. The show approaches an end, with scenes resembling a sweaty underground club in New York City circa 1991

19:34. And it’s a wrap! Sylar triumphantly finish their set in front of an enthusiastic Dutch crowd.

21:21. A tired Panesso slides his PS4 under a seat on the band’s shared sleeper with Wage War. A five hour drive to Frankfurt follows a few hours later, with Sylar’s second show on the Defy tour well and truly considered a success.

21:23. And on that note, here’s Panesso among the bunk beds as the band think about winding down and the day comes to an end.
All shots by Jack Parker Media.
The Defy tour with Of Mice & Men, Wage War and Sylar continues tonight in Frankfurt, Germany. Watch the official video for Soul Addiction below.