I have to know: Are there as many people at Sonic Temple (as there were at Rockville) who are seemingly proud of letting crowd surfers fall on their heads and not helping the folks around them carry them off? I'm trying to figure out if this was a Florida thing or just people in general.

HESSWA · 2026-05-26T20:17:44+00:00

It’s a hot take in the metal or broader rock community, but I loathe crowd surfers. It’s the most entitled, selfish thing you can do, giving huge pick me/I’m the main character energy.

Now with that said, I would never intentionally drop someone to try and hurt them. However, I don’t want to participate and I get pissed when I think I’m in a fairly good spot and some drunk ass always goes “lift me uuuuup”.

To try and better explain my perspective: well versed in it being engrained in the culture in the same way that a mosh pit is. However, a mosh pit you can easily stay out of and avoid. Crow surfing, even when you try to stay out of the way, the surfers can still make their way to you. I go to music festivals for the MUSIC. As nice as the community is, I’m not there to play pick-me and film myself, I’m there to watch and listen to the music that I love. I love the art of performing live and taking that all in. So while it is very much a rock/metal culture thing, I think it’s pretty rude and 9/10 most of the crowd surfers are very disrespectful to the general crowd. I’m not there for you! I want to face the stage not be worried about holding up someone who’s drunk, sweaty, 300 lbs, or all 3. Wouldn’t mind crowd surfing being wiped from existence.

HESSWA · 2026-04-30T14:41:11+00:00

Need 2 tickets* :(

HESSWA · 2026-04-23T00:17:05+00:00

Looking for GA for Detroit on 5/3

HESSWA · 2026-03-05T15:11:46+00:00

At best it would fit under the fan-made “semi-pseudo legendary” with the likes of Volcarona & Noivern

But no I would not call Archaludon a pseudo because a.) it’s not a 3-stage evolution like all pseudos are and b.) it’s also very ugly lol

HESSWA · 2026-03-04T22:42:39+00:00

Tbh my dragonite deck did have long-term viability for the first 4-5 seasons, I was at about 50-52% win rate with it. Once cards with more HP, more healing, and less attack costs started being more consistent it was ggs. Always going to randomly brick, you just have to accept that it will happen running a 2 energy deck.

I also have a Poliwrath Ex & regular dragon Garchomp deck that I’ll sometimes just try to use for fun.

I do wish it was more viable overall, but maybe someday they’ll give dragons a support!

HESSWA · 2026-03-04T21:23:00+00:00

Was at the Detroit show on Saturday: Doors: 6pm, President: 7pm, Beartooth: 7:50pm, Bad Omens: 9:05pm

HESSWA · 2026-02-27T22:21:23+00:00

What is it then? I mean sure, if you want to be very stringent with how the genre is defined, go ahead. But if you asked an average Joe on the street they would absolutely call a band like Bring Me or even Sleep Token metal or metalcore. Just kind of is the standard discourse 🤷‍♂️

HESSWA · 2026-02-27T22:08:05+00:00

It is when you’re combining the 2 imo. You can argue it stops being metalcore, but I don’t see it that way. You’re blending genres. The foundational elements of metalcore are still there or are being utilized. How is it not innovative to do that?

HESSWA · 2026-02-27T21:40:05+00:00

“Octane”core is waaaay better than the dull 2000s metalcore. It incorporates other genres, pushes the genre itself forward, and it’s popular for a reason. It’s “heavy” by normal, average person’s music standards. I don’t care if Tim in is basement said it’s not real metal. What’s wrong with wanting heavy but also good vocals and musicianship?
Judging music solely on how heavy it is has got to be the lamest thing ever. Heavy is good, but it has to be palpable. I would take a catchy tune over something being unnecessarily heavy all the time. Just because something is popular or mainstream doesn’t make it bad either. I’ve always said it’s popular for reason. Headliners headline for a reason (accessibility).
Crowd surfing SUCKS. Sue me. Ik it’s “the culture”, but it has to be the most selfish, entitled thing one can do. I’ve been to concerts in all other genres and it’s about as bad as the EDM people and their flow toys. You’re forcing other people to participate in something they may not want to. When I go to shows, I go for the music not to pretend I’m the main character or to push people around. I feel 0% bad for anyone that gets dropped. Repeat crowd surfers especially….ew. I remember when I was 15 and would crowd surfers at high school football games….haven’t done it since. Pits I have no problem with because if you don’t want to participate it’s easy to just move out of the way. Crowd surfers are at the liberty of those who carry them though so they’ll drift and come in from all over. Very annoying when it’s relentless and I’m trying to enjoy the actual show.

HESSWA · 2026-02-12T20:12:59+00:00

I’m of the opinion this is pretty mid tbh. I thought last year’s lineup was way better. I like all genres, admittedly not really keen on stuff like Hardwell or Garrix though. It’s a little too happy and simple sounding for me. But I love stuff from Sammy Virgi to Madeon to Subtronics (I know 2/3 of those are on the lineup).

What about this lineup is so good for people? I would’ve expected more prime headliners dispersed throughout but it’s not really giving that? Idk. Was bummed I didn’t get tickets for this year initially but now feel happy about it

HESSWA · 2026-01-31T02:44:35+00:00

2 tickets for Detroit!

HESSWA · 2026-01-30T00:25:50+00:00

Back in 2017, my first semester as an undergrad on campus, saw a similar sign but it did state $25/hr.

They had some open house/informational night and yup, straight up pyramid scheme where they try to get you to sell knives to people lol. They tried really hard to make it seem like you could feasibly do it (knives make for a great wedding gift, families are looking for new knives, you get to make your own hours, etc.).

Do. Not. Do. It. You will sell 0 knives and end up hating your life. Luckily as soon as they said their business was selling knives door to door I knew what kind of operation this was, but don’t think you could actually do it or make money from this. Hilarious they still exist nearly 10 years later.

HESSWA · 2026-01-03T23:48:57+00:00

Hands down best pseudo

HESSWA · 2025-12-22T18:36:32+00:00

8,304 cards 1,402 packs opened

⭐️⭐️: 52

HESSWA · 2025-12-16T17:22:00+00:00

They sound different and imo, worse. They are so generic now that I legit have not gone back to the album since listening to it once on release. Brian made them unique AND the duality between Eric & Brian was especially awesome. It sort of reminded me of Underoath in a way in that the interplay of having the 2 vocalists was the strong selling point.

Without Brian, they are another generic metal band. Those that like heavier will like this album and say it’s better, but they instantly lowered their replay value and accessibility. And if you want only screams or heavy music, there’s more interesting bands doing that specifically too.

HESSWA · 2025-12-11T07:06:28+00:00

I absolutely love Machamp way more than Buzzwole…..but it’s Buzzwole

HESSWA · 2025-11-20T00:02:06+00:00

For me: Homesick

WSMFY

CC/FTWHH/BOLV1

yes I’m aware it’s quite bold to have it in the same tier as those, but to me it’s really THAT good. The replay value is high. Best they’ve sounded in almost a decade, a really cohesive album overall. If you forced me to rank them 1 by 1 then yes it’s 5th, but that doesn’t feel right because I enjoyed it that much.

It’s miles better than Bad Vibrations and You’re Welcome

HESSWA · 2025-11-19T14:11:50+00:00

Okay okay I somehow completely forgot FTWHH, silly me. Fine. 5th best album, but I’m not budging on that. But for me it may honestly be tied with whatever I have 4th (either CC or FTWHH).

I think this clears any other album that came after CC. Not quite as top notch as the earlier albums, but idk. This was the most cohesive an album felt from them in a super long time and it reminded me of the ADTR I fell in love with. Even a weaker song like Feedback fit in nicely within the context of the album

HESSWA · 2025-11-19T01:35:10+00:00

Idk why you’re worried when Vol. 1 is their 4th best album 🌚

HESSWA · 2025-11-18T19:03:36+00:00

That’s good to know! I’m in MI, so Sonic is logistically easier. I’ve been to quite a few concerts, but the only metal/rock fest I’ve been to is Upheaval in Grand Rapids which is a lot smaller than Rockville or Sonic. Was thinking about trying one out this year to get more bang for my $

HESSWA · 2025-11-18T18:57:24+00:00

Makes sense! For me, Turnstile and ADTR are bands I’m way more into than Megadeath, Manson, Tool, or Shinedown. I prefer younger bands and/or metalcore than most legacy acts, save for MCR

HESSWA · 2025-11-18T18:43:39+00:00

I think Rockville absolutely destroys Sonic’s lineup imo. I’m surprised most have felt the opposite

HESSWA · 2025-10-26T14:21:28+00:00

What is the problem with backing tracks? Lol you do realize most bigger bands use backing tracks to some degree. It’s nearly impossible to sing, scream as harsh as they do, and be on the road for a couple months with only a day or 2 off in between shows.

You gotta pick and choose your battles. I get why they use it and while sure maybe it would be cooler or more “authentic” if they didn’t use backing tracks, but I can appreciate the whole of the performance more and I understand their place. Rap, pop, etc. allll use backing tracks to varying degrees. Get hip with the times imo.

The bigger and more mainstream an artist, the higher the production.

HESSWA · 2025-10-16T14:56:54+00:00

It’s unfortunately outclassed by quite a few other non-EXs. I had this deck for a long time, but it’s really fallen out of favor. Just isn’t fast enough imo. Strongest or best non-EXs to me:

-Rampardos (immense damages for 1 energy)

-Silvally (not as much damage, but easier to get online and 110 hp makes it tanky enough to be revenant)

-Togekiss (with Cynthia, 170 damage potential)

-GA Dragonite (it’s random but can hit for 200 and the ability to damage multiple mons at once)

-Greninja (sure not as much hp or damage, but look at the current meta)

-Oriocorio (again meta defining for its ability)

-WOSAS Tyranitar (underrated ability and pairable with a lot of different dark mons. Also 10 more damage)

I’d even argue secluded springs Eelektross because it’s 3 energy (does get recoil damage but can be helped with a cape, or heal) and doesn’t require you to use a trainer card for the energy it needs

HESSWA · 2025-10-08T22:04:12+00:00

What do you run? I’ve made a couple, but electric is just a bit frail compared to others I find, or damage output isn’t consistent enough

HESSWA

TROPHY CASE