Lightworker Shines Bright in Roseville: A Night to Remember
LIVE MUSIC
I first met Joe Calderon, vocalist for lightworker at a Thrice show in San Francisco at the Regency Ballroom. Joe sat next to me and we mixed it up over a couple cocktails. I told him how I'd been listening to Thrice since Vheissu dropped circa 6th Grade (Don't judge me, ageists!) but I'd never gotten a chance to see them play before. i left joe to head down to the floor while he stayed with his friend up in the balcony and Thrice put on an immaculate performance that night, playing 23 songs and somehow leaving out my favorite :( (Like Moths To Flame) But that night I added Joe on Facebook and I've been watching his band grow for the last 10+ years now from afar. So when the opportunity struck to photograph one of their shows and finally see them perform, I was PSYCHED!
Lightworker is an emerging band from the Bay Area in California, and they have made a name for themselves with their unique blend of hard-hitting metal and melodic undertones. From their inception, Lightworker's music has explored themes of personal struggle, resilience, and hope, striking a chord with a diverse audience. With pounding drums and crushing riffs and breakdowns, a healthy mix of screaming and melodic vocals, they have infuences from all types of genres including hardcore/metalcore/death metal. If I had to pick one band they sound the most alike I would go with Killswitch Engage. Heavy, but not afraid to sing a rock ballad if you know what I mean.
Lightworker has established themselves as one of the better up and coming bands on the West Coast. Since their early days, Lightworker has evolved significantly. Their initial works laid the foundation for a distinctive sound that continues to evolve with each new release. The band’s dedication to their craft is evident in every studio recording they release. It's been awesome seeing their growth over the years!
Lightworker's recent show at Goldfield's in Roseville was nothing short of electrifying. The intimate venue was packed with fans eager for new songs from their brand new album, "How The Beautiful Decay" From the moment the band took the stage to the brutal finish where singer Joe Calderon jumped down into the mosh pit with the rest of the hardcore dancers, Lightworker put on a crushing set and left no doubt that they are ready for bigger stages.
The night was particularly special as Lightworker chose this occasion to debut their latest song, "Burn Scar," live for the very first time. The raw emotion and powerful delivery of the track resonated deeply with the audience. The band's commitment to their craft were evident. "Burn Scar" quickly became a highlight of the night, leaving a lasting impression on the masses. In addition to Burn Scar Lightworker also treated fans to "First Light," the debut single from their new album. I personally took a pause from snapping photos to sing the chorus with the band and bang my head to the breakdown!
Throughout the night, the band's interaction with the audience was genuine and sincere. Vocalist Joe Calderon took the time to engage fans from all sides of the stage, at one time tapping me on the shoulder asking me to move aside in the photo pit to step on the railing right where I was sitting. The connection between the band and their audience was undeniable, creating a sense of camaraderie that is a staple of the metal community.
Looking ahead, Lightworker announced their upcoming fall tour around the west coast. The anticipation for the tour is palpable, with many eager to experience more live performances from the band. They also announced they will be playing capulet fest, a huge festival in late June in Thompson, CT. Trekking all the way to the East Coast to support major international acts such as August Burns Red, Skillet, and Nothing More. As Lightworker continues to crush stages and record incredible music the sky is the limit for these dudes!
