NJ Music Festivals

Post-hardcore band Chiodos returned to New Jersey as part of its first tour in 11 years, celebrating 20 years of “All’s Well That Ends Well,” a record that was released in 2005.

The band — who took a decade-long hiatus — returned to the stage at Las Vegas’ When We Were Young festival in 2024. This is the band’s first tour since 2014, where the band headlined Sayreville’s Starland Ballroom.

Emo band Hawthorne Heights, metalcore group Emmure, and rock band Big Ass Truck joined Chiodos on the bill.

Chiodos

After the band completed its 2014 run, Chiodos quietly stepped away from touring and recording, leaving fans unsure if the band would return. Vocalist Craig Owens pursued solo work, while the rest of the group branched into new projects or roles.

Over the years, rumors of reunions circulated but never materialized. In late 2023, the band teased its comeback and returned to the stage at When We Were Young Festival in 2024.

Probably the least impressive band of the night, Chiodos still managed a high-energy and well put together show. The group performed the entirety of “All’s Well That Ends Well” during its 70-minute set.

During “There’s No Penguins in Alaska,” Owens had the entire crowd squat down and jump in unison. The crowd was certainly one of the most energetic I’ve seen all year, and this show may have had the most crowd surfers all year as well.

Setlist:

1. Prelude
2. All Nereids Beware
3. One Day Women Will All Become Monsters
4. There’s No Penguins in Alaska
5. Expired in Goreville
6. No Hardcore Dancing in the Living Room
7. We’re Gonna Have Us a Champagne Jam
8. To Trixie and Reptile, Thanks for Everything
9. The Words “Best Friend” Become Redefined
10. Break
11. The Undertaker’s Thirst for Revenge Is Unquenchable. (The Final Battle)
12. Two Birds Stoned at Once
13. Bulls Make Money, Bears Make Money, Pigs Get Slaughtered

Hawthorne Heights

Hawthorne Heights, formed in Ohio (not Hawthorne, N.J.) in the early 2000s, became a defining force in the emo and post-hardcore explosion. Best known for hits like “Niki FM” and “Ohio Is for Lovers,” the band has remained active with a steady stream of music and touring.

Hawthorne Heights didn’t quite fit into the lineup, but in a way, it worked. The band described themselves as “Disney adults” compared to the other three groups, and while it’s true, the band delivered a much-needed break from the relentless hardcore while still keeping the energy high.

Setlist:

1. Pens and Needles
2. Dandelions
3. This Is Who We Are
4. Saying Sorry
5. The Storm
6. Hard to Breathe
7. Niki FM
8. Ohio Is for Lovers

Emmure

Emmure had a good set, but for some reason, they played with the lights off. Strange.

Big Ass Truck

I was expecting Big Ass Truck to be a country band, but I was wrong. Even at 7:00 p.m. and with 25 minutes to work with, the group had the largest circle pit of the entire night. It was also the first time I’ve seen the first of four bands have so many crowd surfers. Would recommend.