Koluna returns to Blue Fox Billiards, Bar, and Grill to Tear Down the House

Martinsburg’s favorite metal band closes out 2022 with an electric performance

If you’re a metal fan and Koluna isn’t on your radar and ruling your playlist yet, you’re missing out in a huge way. Formed during the COVID-19 lockdown, these dudes didn’t let a worldwide pandemic hinder their dreams of becoming a big name in the tri-state area. In fact, they converted this strictly alternative-listening gal into a metalhead. Prior to seeing them perform for the first time in June of 2022, the screamy heavy stuff wasn’t my cup of tea. Koluna changed that with a mini set that I’ll never forget. 

Fast forward half a year later and I don’t miss a single nearby show. I’ve got everything from a hoodie to keychains from their merch, and I’m stage-side with my camera in tow every chance that I get. This 5 piece ensemble gets through soundcheck and they’re out mingling with friends and fans before their set. They’re the openers tonight, but it doesn’t matter if they’re the main act or supporting, these guys pack a punch every single time. The clock strikes 9 p.m. and it’s show time. David, Chris, Brad, Jason, and Hunter gather on stage and the lights go dim. Each member scoops up their respective instruments and turns to face the crowd. Stage lights go red and it’s on, and the crowd knows it.

David’s signature curly copper locks envelop his hands as he clutches the mic and begins crooning away, while Chris and Brad bob their heads in sync as they strum after him on their guitars. Jason picks away on the bass while Hunter bangs away behind him on the drums. They open with “Obelisk”, a single they put out in January, and the crowd is in a trance. 

Literally, everyone in sight is singing along, headbanging, and totally enthralled. The energy is electric and the band transitions from one song to the next, never missing a beat. They’re giving the crowd exactly what they came here for.

I literally get goosebumps every time I hear the opening guitar riff for “Mantra”, which they use as a smooth shift into their ever-popular song, “The Awakening”. Even though the crowd knows this means their set is coming to an end, they fist pump along and chant with the same energy from the start. 

Koluna’s set ends and Chris, who also does backup vocals, thanks the fans for coming out tonight and gets the crowd pumped for the next act.

Click here to stream “The Eye of Despair”, Koluna’s latest EP.

Next up to bat is A Killer’s Confession, an alternative metal band formed in 2016. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, they’re nearing the end of their East Coast tour with only 5 shows to go. Making a pit stop to command the crowd at the Blue Fox, they’ve got a new fan in me. 

Waylon, the vocalist, strides out on stage in a dope-ass vest and donning a painted face. Don’t let that fool you, he looks totally intimidating and badass. 

The crowd gathers close to the stage, eager as they look upon this group of four as they serve up a stage rumbling performance. They have a few substitute band members tonight on the guitar and the drums. Waylon tells us that both of these guys had insanely short notice to learn the set (less than two days), and unless he had let us in on it, there’s no way the crowd would have known. This is my first time hearing A Killer’s Confession, and man do they put it on. Despite missing a few of their OG crew, they absolutely rule the stage. 

They danced and grooved around the stage, their bassist and guitarist swinging around their sweaty locks. Waylon points out to the crowd with authority, and they’re happy to follow his commands. The drummer smacks around on his kit, oftentimes cracking a huge smile and flashing his tongue to the crowd.

A few songs in, Waylon calls to the crowd for a serious message. Like their merch says, “Save A Child, Kill a Pedophile”, he harps on how kids are the future and need to be protected. He lets the crowd know that if they don’t agree, they’re in the wrong place. They then continue to rock and roll around the stage passionately.

AKC concludes their set with a cover, “Roots” by Sepultura, that sends the crowd into a frenzy. The lyrics are echoed back to them in the form of the crowd singing along and cheering as their time on stage comes to an end. 

You can listen to a collection of A Killer’s Confession’s most popular songs by clicking here. 

Made famous by their 2002 hit, “Do You Call My Name”, Ra is up next. Due to an unforeseen emergency, I had to leave before their set began but next time they’re in town I am sure not to miss it. 

All in all, an incredible night of heavy music that you can shake your ass and thrash your head to. If you have the opportunity to see any of these bands perform, take my advice and do not miss out. 

Click Here for the Full Gallery of the Evening!

If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.