From Ashes to New stormed into Houston’s House of Blues on Tuesday night and wasted no time proving why they’ve built such a loyal following. Opening with “New Disease,” the band set a relentless pace, their mix of crushing riffs and soaring choruses rattling the room from the first downbeat. Danny Case and Matt Brandyberry’s vocals cut through with both grit and clarity, balancing the melodic hooks with the raw urgency fans have come to expect. Songs like “Monster in Me” and “Nightmare” hit especially hard live, their darker edges amplified by the heavy low end and flashing lights that bathed the stage in deep red and shadow.
The setlist had a smart push and pull. After a run of heavier tracks, the band eased back just enough to let emotion rise to the surface. “Scars That I’m Hiding” carried a weight that had the room swaying, while “Hate Me Too” showcased the band’s knack for weaving vulnerability into hard-driving rock. “Barely Breathing” offered a slower, more haunting interlude before the intensity spiked again. The production added layers to the mood—flickering strobes for the chaos, cooler tones during the more reflective moments.
For me, the highlight of the night was finally getting to hear some of my favorite tracks live. “Nightmare” hit even harder with the crowd behind it, “Hate Me Too” carried a raw bite that made the whole room erupt, and “Barely Breathing” was haunting in a way that recordings can’t capture. Walking out, it felt less like just another show and more like a reminder of why this band resonates so strongly—because in the middle of all the noise and chaos, their songs manage to feel personal.
