Two groundbreaking yet very different bands, California alternative metal group Deftones and Swedish hardcore punk rockers Refused, brought seemingly limitless energy to their respective performances at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center on Tuesday, Aug. 2, reminding the packed audience why they’ve both remained relevant since the ’90s.
Deftones were touring in support of “Gore,” their well-received eighth studio album that debuted in April, while Refused released “Freedom,” their first record since 1998’s influential “The Shape of Punk to Come,” last summer. It was a rare treat for Bethlehem to see Refused rock again after years of hiatuses and scattered shows, and with moody fog and spotlights that were later highlighted by colorful neon lights beaming down and out into the receptive audience, the tone shifted from the raging political to the brutally emotional as the Deftones’ extended set continued on, captivating swaying listeners and heavy moshers alike.
Brooklyn “sludgegaze” band Spotlights, whose new album “Tidals” is creating waves, also left an impression with a massive wall of sound that somehow came from a trio, their Deftones influence worn proudly on their sleeves as they converted new fans that night.
