Killswitch Engage - Summer of Loud in Arizona Brought the Fire (Literally and Figuratively)

7/1/2025 - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater - Mesa, Arizona.

There’s hot—and then there’s Arizona in July hot. But even with temperatures soaring into triple digits, the Summer of Loud Festival rolled through Phoenix and somehow made it feel even hotter. Blame the blazing pyro, the thunderous breakdowns, or the sheer energy from the crowd—but this festival lived up to its name in every way possible.

From the moment gates opened, you could feel the anticipation. Fans were armed with water bottles, neck towels, and enough sunscreen to coat an army, all ready to throw down under the scorching desert sun. Shade was scarce, sweat was constant, but nobody seemed to care. The lineup was stacked, and the music never let up.

TX2 (gallery) kicked things off with undeniable energy. Their set was short but explosive, waking the crowd up fast with anthemic screams and wild crowd interaction. The band has been gaining serious momentum lately, and they proved they belong on stages like this. They came to make a statement, and they absolutely did.

Up next was The Amity Affliction, (gallery) and while the band gave it their all, it was clear they’re still finding their footing after recent lineup changes. Joel Birch delivered emotionally, but there were moments where the performance felt like it lacked that extra punch longtime fans have come to expect. The crowd was still with them, singing along and supporting, but there’s no denying Amity is in a transitional phase—and only time will tell how that plays out.

The Devil Wears Prada (gallery) stormed the stage next with calculated chaos. Their blend of metalcore and post-hardcore carried an intensity that refused to let the audience relax. Mike Hranica and Jeremy DePoyster’s dual vocals kept the energy moving, and the band’s polished, seasoned performance reminded everyone why they’ve stayed so relevant over the years.

Then came Parkway Drive, (gallery) and this was where things went from hot to absolutely molten. With synchronized pyro, dramatic lighting, and Winston McCall’s commanding presence, their set felt more like a war cry than a concert. This band knows how to deliver theatrics without sacrificing sound, and they were easily one of the highlights of the day.

I Prevail (gallery)followed with a set that leaned heavily on crowd connection. Now performing with a single vocalist after lineup changes, the band still held their own—delivering hits like “Hurricane” and “Bow Down” with high intensity. They’ve built a loyal following, and it showed in the sea of fans screaming every word back at them.

Beartooth (gallery)brought a rawness that hit differently. Caleb Shomo’s blend of unfiltered emotion and explosive aggression made their set one of the most cathartic of the night. With the sun finally setting, Beartooth hit that perfect sweet spot of emotional release and fist-pumping energy. You could feel the shift in the air—and in the crowd’s connection.

And then came the final blow: Killswitch Engage closed the night with a masterclass in metalcore. From the first riff, it was clear the veterans were here to dominate. Jesse Leach’s vocals soared, Adam D’s antics kept things light and wild, and the band proved that after all these years, they’re still one of the best to ever do it. They didn’t just end the show—they burned it down.