By the time War Scream took the stage, the night’s Mastodon tribute, the room was buzzing with electricity. This set hit home for Fresno State students. Drummer Isaac Serrano, a Fresno State student, took control behind the kit with a performance that blended precision and fury.
Frontman Bryan Woolrich handled the uniquely gruff Mastodon vocals while riffing through rhythmic labyrinths. Jackson Martinez, also a guitarist for the band Kutie, shredded through leads like he had been raised in a volcano. Hunter Fogg, bassist and guitarist for Exvamon, delivered lines so heavy they seemed to drag the room into orbit.
The crowd absolutely lost it when War Scream brought out guest singer Raina Martinez (of Permutations) for “Oblivion” and “Motherload,” her vocals slicing through the mix with soaring clarity. The set closed with “Blood and Thunder,” an appropriate title for the storm they summoned.
“I was honored to be a part of this event,” Serrano said in an interview after the concert. “It’s always fun seeing everyone getting together in the crowd and signing their hearts out.
“You can follow us on our journey as we work on our first album, and check out our EP ‘Breaking Point.’ We are all looking forward to accomplishing more together as bands.”