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Last Wednesday, December 3, marked the first time PRESIDENT stepped onto U.S. soil for their debut American performance. The mysterious masked British band is one of metalcore’s fastest rising new artists and has wasted no time in proving their momentum across the world, as both standalone headlining shows announced in New York City and Los Angeles were sold out within seconds of tickets going on sale.
Not only was this the first American performance by PRESIDENT, but also only their third live performance ever, following their debut at Download Festival earlier this year and an intimate club show in London over the summer. With such little precedent, no one knew what to expect, but that didn’t deter eager fans at all, as energy was buzzing in the line that wrapped around the corner an hour before doors opened. Countless fans, already decked out in PRESIDENT shirts and hoodies, stopped in the middle of the sidewalk to take photos with the Gramercy Theatre marquee displaying the band’s name.
The fully packed venue echoed with cheers as the lights dimmed and the podium bearing the neon pink PRESIDENT insignia illuminated the front of the stage. Without any further introduction, the frontman of the band, only known as The President, walked out in his suit, accompanied by Heist (guitarist), Protest (bassist), and Vice (drummer) in their distressed black masks, launching straight into “Fearless.”
It’s surreal that a completely new band that only popped up this year, with no identities officially attached to the project, already has such a dedicated fanbase. Crowd chants of “Fearless” echoed back to the band loudly, along with every word from “Dionysus” and “RAGE.” Even their cover of Deftones’ “Change (In the House of Flies)” came as no surprise to dedicated fans who knew it had been performed at the London show. The set also featured the live debut of “Conclave,” followed by “Destroy Me,” and finally ending with their debut release “In the Name of the Father.”
The enthusiasm from the crowd was reflected in The President’s energy and performance, as he moved around the stage with expertise and took in the moments of cheers that would break out between every song. Not every band can hold the high honor of sounding better live than in studio recordings, but The President is undeniably one of those you have to experience in person. While the EP has brought plenty of discourse over the use of vocal effects, hearing The President live makes it clear that the extra production is not necessary to make him sound good.
The fervent response proves that PRESIDENT is not just a fleeting internet sensation; they have already built a dedicated following that is eager for more. The 30-minute, seven-song set is short but comprehensive of all the music they have released so far and gives a glimpse of the massive scale they are rapidly growing into.
PRESIDENT will take to the big stages next year, appearing alongside Beartooth in support of Bad Omens’ upcoming North American arena tour. If you missed out on these two intimate shows, tickets are still available to catch them on the Bad Omens tour.
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