After nearly eight years since their last visit to New York City, VOLUMES finally returned to Manhattan, bringing their latest album Mirror Touch to Gramercy Theatre this past Tuesday. The long-awaited return on a mid-week evening did not quell any energy from fans, treating them to a rare headlining set featuring a stacked support lineup of Resistor, Catsclaw, and Until I Wake.

Resistor, a modern nu-metal band from Long Island, spared no time to let everyone know this was their home ground as the members took to the stage all donning various New York sports teams apparel, even their drum head was on theme with a Knicks-esque logo of their band name. It’s hard to kick off a show as the first opener, especially on a weekday where people are still making their way to the venue after work, but Resistor had no trouble working with the crowd as people trickled in through their set. The band rolled through their heavy set with the ease and polish of a seasoned act, not one that you’d expect to have released their debut full album BITE THIS! just earlier this year. After their set, some of the members chatted to fans and explained that they rarely play hometown shows unless the occasion was something special. Certainly this show was special and they made a strong impression as they won over many new local fans. 

Catsclaw is a Nebraska-based metalcore band that stole the show with a heavy, non-stop 30 minute set. It was clear in the crowd that while many did not know Catsclaw, the energy was infectious and the majority of the pit definitely became new fans after that night. Their set ran through the Perfect Dark album, released last year, with an addition of an unreleased song in the middle that promises more greatness coming soon too. They’re heavy, groovy, a blend of thall and metalcore with catchy choruses. For those who like Humanity’s Last Breath, Vildhjarta or ALLT, this one is for you and they’re surely going to get bigger as they get more exposure. 

Until I Wake, a metalcore band from Buffalo, followed with a more polished production from the stage lighting to the confident ease of each member. However, the crowd did not seem to match that same energy they had on stage. Their set featured mostly older songs from their 2023 album Inside My Head, with a few from their latest album Renovate, which was released in 2024. Perhaps it was the lack of newer material that didn’t fit with the energy of the audience that night. Their performance was solid, gaining some momentum at the end with a wall of death but the overall energy in the room felt subdued compared to the set just before them. 

The long and eagerly awaited VOLUMES finally took the stage last and had a packed set, featuring mostly songs off the new Mirror Touch album with a sprinkling of older songs in between. The anticipation from fans for their return to this city could be easily felt as every lyric was echoed back from the crowd and every request from the band, whether it be a circle pit or moshing or crowdsurfers, was answered with enthusiasm. 

They’re fun and groovy, heavy when you want it to be and emotional when you want to slow it down. Joey of VRSTY joined for a surprise feature on “Edge of the Earth,” a fan favorite from their debut album 15 years ago that was made even more special to end the show and it really was met with the loudest cheers of the night. After more than a decade as a band, VOLUMES knows how to put on a good show and have a good time, and prove that this has been well worth the wait. 

“The Mirror Touch Tour” is just getting started – VOLUMES continues down the east coast through the end of this month so don’t miss your chance to see them on this rare headlining tour.