That’s right & it’s not that one festival we all thought was theirs. Hailing from Dallas Texas, the thrash metal group known as Power Trip were resummoned after their halt, following the passing of frontman Riley Gale in 2020. This time, the band is led by Skourge’s very own Seth Gilmore.
After a Fugitive performance in Austin Texas last December, Seth & Blake Ibanez’ other amazing project, the two remained onstage & the other members of Power Trip soon walked on. Chris Whetzel on bass, Nick Stewart on Guitar & Chris Ulsh on drums. They performed a 5 song set in which I’m pretty sure was absolute madness. What an epic surprise!
Following this event, the band then announced in February of this year, that they will be performing at the No Values festival in Pomona California, on June 8th. Seeing this was definitely an awesome surprise & it gave me hope that they could possibly revive the Power Trip name in SoCal even more. Low & behold, they did! On May 1st, Power Trip announced that they will be performing on June 6th in Pomona at The Glass House, & on June 9th in Los Angeles at The Fonda Theatre. I seriously could not keep my excitement!
Thus, that brings us to last night. Upon arriving soon to doors opening, there was already a line out the door. Who wants barricade for Power Trip? I definitely do! Support Spy & opener Soul Glo put up gnarly performances to set up for what was about to unfold, the first true return of Power Trip. Oh us fans thought we’d never see the day again.
The tape rolled & out came one of the sickest riffs ever, Soul Sacrifice. Straight off the bat, Power Trip got the entire venue stirring up the mosh pit until that second riff slammed in for everyone to go nuts. There was headbanging all around & the crowd surfers were already piling up. After that, Executioner’s Tax had the whole place screaming word for word. It was absolutely so cool to witness as Seth even kept aiming the mic to the crowd.
After Firing Squad was Hornet’s Nest & that was the song I was hoping they put on the setlist. That was the first song I’ve heard from them those years ago & I was immediately hooked! It’s truly an awesome thrash track. I stopped what I was doing just to take in all the epicness onstage.
Later in the set, Seth gave some words to the fans & the guys, giving thanks & honoring Riley. After more songs, then came what I believe should be on the metal anthem list, Crossbreaker! Yet another dope riff with lyrics that had everybody joining in. Finally, after a night filled with chaos, screams of “Rest In Power Riley” & chants of “Power Trip”, came the encore with Hammer of Doubt. Once again, the tape rolled for fire soon to follow. Overall, this was not only an experience but definitely a core memory unlocked. Blake & Nick’s guitar playing was cutting, Chris’ drums attacked everywhere, Seth’s vocals were ferocious & Chris’ bass hit like a truck. Rest In Power Riley & hopes to more Power Trip!
