”Chicago is our second home” frontman Bryan Garris shouted gratefully to the packed out Aragon Ballroom during a break in Knocked Loose’s set. The Chicago crowd roars with welcoming approval. Garris then goes into a short story about how he thought headlining the Metro was the peak of Chicago’s legendary venues. Metro is an iconic venue that’s hosted many acts that have gone on to great success, but right now it is not the right size for Knocked Loose. Garris goes on saying he couldn’t imagine greater heights, that is until Chicago locals Harm’s Way mentioned the Aragon Ballroom. Garris tells the crowd that his sights were set from that moment on; to play the very room we are standing in. And here we are.

The Louisville natives are on their second full U.S. headlining tour of the year. It speaks to the impact of their newest record You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, that they are able to make the rounds to growing crowds. On this second go around they have brought along Drain and Militarie Gun, both bands being headliners in their own right. A special addition to the tour is none other than rapper Danny Brown. While it may seem that Danny Brown is a potential outlier in a bill of guitar bands he is no stranger to this scene, having given a shout out to Knocked Loose on X and interviewed Code Orange on his podcast. Actually, each band on this bill could be considered an outlier of sorts, in the traditional sense of hardcore. Militarie Gun is closer to a power pop band, having more in common with Guided By Voices than with Terror. Drain brings the hardcore energy but they might be too inviting and wholesome for a gatekeepers of the genre. Knocked Loose is encouraging their fans to keep an open mind with these support acts.

Not only are Knocked Loose challenging their hardcore roots with their support choices, but as they take the stage it’s evident they have ambition for something much larger than hardcore can provide. With elaborate stage sets, high powered steam blasters and dazzling lighting displays, Knocked Loose is upping the ante for aggressive bands of all kinds. On stage the band is flanked by gnarled willow trees that look like they were taken from a haunted bog seen only in your nightmares. The centerpiece of their set is a fluorescent cross, connecting their live show to their new album’s cover . Knocked Loose caps off the show’s production with their top notch stage presence. Garris and guitarist Isaac Hale never give the crowd a second to think about anything besides moshing and screaming the words along. If you don’t know the words to older bangers like “Billy No Mates” then you sure as hell better be in the pit. Every song gets a reaction from the crowd and there is never a dull moment on stage. Newer songs like “Suffocate” and “Blinding Faith” go off like anything off of Laugh Tracks. Hale is dressed up in a very Corgan-esque robe with a very stylish cutout across left ribs. His constant provocations amp up the crowd to go even crazier. It’s this constant banter as well as the band’s stage movements that set them apart from “just another hardcore band”. During songs members are constantly shifting their position on the stage, moving up and down platforms, or jogging over to the opposite side. Before you know what’s happening it’s another breakdown and you’re getting shoved into strangers. Knocked Loose’s performance seems miles away from smaller stages and is closer to that of longtime pros, like Slipknot or Metallica. It’s obvious that Knocked Loose wants you to think of them in that same class of bands, not just a hardcore band.

It’s been a long journey to this moment for Knocked Loose. From days dreaming about playing the Metro, to absolutely stunning the Aragon Ballroom. They’ve surpassed the expectations of what a hardcore band can be. From their breakout Laugh Tracks to their critically acclaimed You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, Knocked Loose is breaking down barriers for aggressive music and is not giving you a second to think otherwise.

Words and photography by Blake Correll

Knocked Loose at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL (11/1/24) photo by Blake Correll