CONCERT REVIEW: Tetrarch breaks the trend at West Hollywood's Whisky A Go Go

Written by Jessica Klausing

Tetrarch (from left: Ryan Lerner, Diamond Rowe, Josh Fore, and Ruben Limas).

Tetrarch is a Nu Metalcore band on the music radar in Los Angeles. After interviewing Diamond Rowe and Ryan Lerner back in 2011 for the EP, The Will to Fight, I have been dying to see Tetrarch live ever since. Reminiscent of Metallica and Korn, Tetrarch boasts self-reflective lyrics and jackhammering melodies. If you’re a fan of the intense and emotional, then look no further.

Tetrarch recently finished their Summer/Fall tour with DevilDriver, 36 Crazyfists, Cane Hill, and Uncured. I managed to see Tetrarch open the show on Wednesday at West Hollywood’s Whisky A Go Go.

From the moment, the four piece ensemble roared onstage bathed in a midnight blue light with the opener, “Break the Trend" off the new album, Freak, I just knew this was about to be a killer gig!

Frontman/Rhythm guitarist Josh Fore reminded me of Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington vocally. Fore embodied Bennington’s angst filled emotions and higher belted screams. It was a shame there was not a large audience to showcase this talent, but that did not affect the performance. Fore kept the audience chit chat to a minimal to let the music speak for itself.

Tetrarch performs "Oddity" photo by Jessica Klausing

“Oddity” was the second new song of the night. Fore and Bassist Ryan Lerner offered plenty of attitude, engaging the audience. The song served as a pissed off stick-it-to-the-man kinda anthem. You know, the type of song that makes you want to break things!

The Whisky’s pit became lightning in a bottle with hand bangs and fists pumping at intense speed.  I’ll never forget that one guy determined to out guttural scream the venue!

“Relentless” was my favorite. The song praises one’s individuality despite what the haters may think. “Push me around with all the twisted words you speak/Feeding me lies just to please you/I’ll never be like you/Not like you,” Fore belted out to a cheering crowd.

Tetrarch performs at West Hollywood's Whisky A Go Go. Photo by Jessica Klausing

The band closed out with “We are the Hunters.” Lead guitarist Diamond Rowe, Lerner, and Fore waved their stringed instruments and head banged together in perfect unison. Watching Rowe and Lerner switch stage sides without missing a beat was an impressive feature. Ruben Limas was a powerhouse drumming machine that night. His broken drumsticks after the show proves he’s a force to be reckoned with!

My only complaint was that the 20 minute set was way too short. A four song setlist just left me wanting more. After the set, I went straight to the merch booth to pre-order their newest album, Freak. The album officially released on September 29. I highly recommend it to all metalheads. Tetrarch’s music praises individuality with the confidence to back it up. No doubt that these guys will be the headliners soon.

SETLIST:

Break the Trend

Oddity

Relentless

We are the Hunters