01/30/2022
Sleep Waker @ The Annex
Madison, WI

Having found these guys during the early days of the pandemic, I began listening to their “Don’t Look At The Moon” album quite frequently. These Michiganders are the new face of Metalcore within the Midwest. Their quick rise and rapid growth of their craft are noticeable between their first album mentioned previously and their newest release “Alias.”

Sleep Waker’s live show is a brutal assault upon your entire existence. Gut wrenching screams and intense growls project quickly from vocalist Hunter Courtright. Plenty of chest pounding and head banging fill the stage.  Guitarists Jake Impellizerri and Jason Caudill are unrelenting in their slaying of the strings. Riffs are laid out in a vicious nature all while swinging the headstocks around often.  Drummer Frankie Mish and bassist Aaron Lutas are the rhythm that makes them tick. Mish is completely focused on the business at hand. Rarely does he interact out side of slamming his kit. Lutas is a wild man though. He paces, stomps and hair swings non-stop. 

As a whole these guys don’t miss. It was also an absolute pleasure to meet and chat with them after their set. I was blown away by their set. Not bad for a band that is on the bill as support. I cannot wait to see them again.

Setlist:
1. Skin
2. Alias
3. Turnaround
4. Hell
5. Synthetic Veins
6. Melatonin
7. Distance