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.
14:50. Whilst Jayden keeps himself busy, bassist Travis Hufton runs through the rig.
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.
14:58. Panesso takes in the Leidseplein.
15:02
15:03
15:05. A gift shop selling “cannabis chocolate”. Surely it can’t be real? Hint: it’s not.
15:14. It’s always handy to have a picture of a tattoo in the mix.
15:20. Guitarist Miguel Cardona ponders…
15:21
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.
16:47. That’s until soundcheck rears its head, and the band are out getting ready.
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.
16:50
16:52. Cardona ponders, again.
17:53. A quick look at Sylar’s merch offering on this run.
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.
19:00. And here he is once again, looking out over the police station across the water.
19:05. And we’re off!
19:06. Travis gets into the swing of things.
19:08
19:09. Miguel Cardona, one of few hardcore guitarists who does it with his eyes closed.
19:09
19:11. Smiles all round as the set approaches its halfway point by means of a powerful Soul Addiction.
19:13. Something about whipping hair back and forth…
19:14
19:15. This is the face Jayden Panesso gives you when he wants another beer.
19:16. And this is Jayden Panesso enjoying aforementioned beer.
19:21. The view from the crowd.
19:22
19:26
19:28
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.
20:07. Panesso enjoys some post-show downtime as Wage War take to the stage in the background.
20:18. A towelled Cardona takes over on Fortnite duty.
20:24. Meanwhile, Hufton prepares to take a wander.
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.