PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, was packed for a night that brought together three bands with very different sounds, but one thing in common…they all know how to put on a rock show.

Starset kicked things off with a darker, moodier vibe that immediately felt different from the usual opening set. Their music has that almost cinematic feeling to it, and the stage lighting really played into it. The stage was full of color, with the lights changing throughout the set and adding another layer to the performance. It was moody without feeling boring, and the whole setup helped create the kind of atmosphere that pulled you in.

Then Chevelle took the stage and turned the volume up. They came out and rocked like they always do, and they were flawless. There was no wasted time and no need for anything over the top. The music was loud, and exactly what you want from a Chevelle set. The band sounded great, and the crowd was right there with them.

Chevelle is one of those bands that doesn’t need to prove anything. They get on stage, play their songs, and let the music do the talking. After years of seeing them live, they still have that same ability to grab your attention and keep it. The energy coming from the stage carried through the entire venue, and it was clear that the crowd came for them as well. 

Breaking Benjamin closed out the night, bringing a set that mixed some of their older songs with their newer material. And honestly, that mix worked. The older songs brought out some of the biggest reactions of the night, with fans singing along to songs they’ve probably had on repeat for years. At the same time, the newer material didn’t feel out of place. It fit right in with the rest of the set.

There’s something pretty cool about watching a crowd come together over songs that have been around for years. You could hear people singing from all around the venue, and it was one of those reminders of why live music is so different from just listening to an album at home.

Breaking Benjamin kept the energy up and gave the crowd a little bit of everything. Heavy moments, big sing-alongs, older favorites, and newer songs all came together for a set that felt like a good look at where the band has been and where they are now.

Three bands, three completely different vibes.

Starset brought the atmosphere. Chevelle brought the straight-up rock. Breaking Benjamin brought the nostalgia mixed with something new.