February 22, 2025

‘Back To Life Tour’ at The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ (February 17, 2025)

(by Shay Smith)

The night was nothing short of electric as the ‘Back To Life Tour’ made its stop at The Van Buren in Phoenix, AZ. The venue was packed with eager fans ready to rock, and the lineup did not disappoint. Headlined by the multi-platinum rockers Hinder, with support from Saliva, Kingdom Collapse, and CZYK, the night was a celebration of high-octane performances, anthemic choruses, and a killer atmosphere.

The night kicked off with CZYK, a local alternative metalcore band that immediately set the tone with their fierce energy. The crowd, while still filtering in, couldn’t help but be drawn in by their intense sound and commanding presence. Their tight, fast-paced set showcased their skill and determination as they connected with the audience, building the anticipation for the rest of the night.

Up next was Kingdom Collapse, a four-piece powerhouse out of San Antonio, TX, known for their “no gimmicks, no bullshit” approach to rock. These guys delivered exactly what they promised – pure, unfiltered rock and roll with a high-energy performance that had the crowd moving and headbanging from the start. Their setlist, which included tracks like their new release “Elevate,” “Payback,” and “Suffer,” was relentless. The band’s raw passion was on full display, especially with fan favorites like “Save Me From Myself” and the closer “Unbreakable.” Kingdom Collapse’s performance was a perfect reminder of why real rock will never go out of style.

Then, it was time for Saliva to take the stage. The band, supporting their new album ‘Revelation: Retold’, brought their A-game with a setlist that had fans singing every word. Kicking off with “Superstar” and “Ladies and Gentlemen,” the energy was infectious. Bobby Amaru’s vocals were in top form, and he made sure the audience was part of the experience. A standout moment was the medley of “They Don’t Care About Us” / “Lose Yourself” / “One Step Closer,” a clever mashup that had everyone rocking out in unison. The crowd went absolutely wild when they hit “Click Click Boom,” and to top it off, Amaru pulled a young fan from the crowd to join him on stage and help belt out the iconic chorus. It was a heartwarming and electrifying moment that made the night even more memorable.

Finally, Hinder took the stage, and the crowd went wild. Opening with “Get Stoned,” the room erupted with excitement. The band’s signature blend of hard rock and post-grunge vibes filled the venue, and the crowd was ready to rock. Hinder’s performance was tight, and their connection with the fans was palpable. The band leaned into their “Divorced Dad Rock” identity with a sense of humor, even selling T-shirts at their merch table emblazoned with “Divorced Dad Rock” on the back. It was a hilarious and self-aware nod to their legacy, proving that the band knows how to have fun with the label while still delivering an incredible show. As the night drew to a close, Hinder had one last song for their fans, “Lips Of An Angel”. Released in 2005, and hitting number one in 2006, “Lips Of An Angel” had the fans singing every word with hands in the air. Despite a few minor technical hiccups, Hinder’s chemistry with the audience and their setlist of hits made for a memorable conclusion to the night.

In all, the ‘Back To Life Tour’ was an absolute blast from start to finish. Each band brought their own style and energy, creating a night that was as chaotic and fun as it was unforgettable. If you’re a fan of real rock, no gimmicks, and a wild night out, this tour is not to be missed.

Photo Coverage:

Hinder

Saliva

Kingdom Collapse