On Sunday June 7th 2026, a whole year after their last Nashville show, Dance Gavin Dance once again illuminated Marathon Music Works with their charisma and musicianship. The post-hardcore veterans from Sacramento brought an electric setlist, including old-time favorites and new hits from their latest album, Pantheon.
Joining them as support for this Nashville stop was legendary mathcore pioneer band The Fall of Troy, who have spent their two-decade career challenging genre conventions within post-hardcore and mathcore scenes. Watching the trio perform almost makes you question whether they have additional musicians hidden backstage. The level of technicality, precision, and energy they produce as a three-piece group is nothing short of remarkable.
Frontman Thomas Erak announced that, since it was the band's last night on the tour, they would be bringing all their friends onstage, and they delivered on that promise. Friends of the band and the crew gathered behind drummer Andrew Forsman, singing along and cheering them on, creating a celebratory atmosphere that turned their set into a victory lap. Crowd surfers began pouring over the barricade as soon as "F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X." kicked in, and the excitement onstage matched the energy in the crowd. Highlights from their set included "Act One, Scene One," "Laces Out, Dan!," and "Mouths Like Sidewinder Missiles," each reminding fans why this band remains one of the most respected in the genre.
When Dance Gavin Dance finally took the stage, the crowd went crazy. Despite the band's many lineup changes throughout the years, particularly behind the microphone, their ability to consistently deliver compelling live performances remains unchanged.
Founding guitarist Will Swan, whose distinctive playing style inspired the “Swancore” subgenre, once again proved why he is considered one of the most influential guitarists in post-hardcore scenes. Swan's intricate riffs and melodic leads formed the backbone of the performance, weaving effortlessly through the band's long catalog.
Alongside him, lead singer Andrew Wells and bassist Sergio Medina brought tremendous energy and precision, while drummer Matt Mingus anchored the set with the powerful and dynamic drumming that has become a signature element of the band's sound. Harsh vocalist Jon Mess continues to be a force on stage. His screams were sharp and powerful from start to finish, and he made one of the most difficult aspects of the band's sound look surprisingly easy. Some highlights of the night were “It's Safe to Say You Dig the Backseat,” “Uneasy Hearts Weigh the Most,” and “Carl Barker.”
The band's newer material translated exceptionally well to the live setting, with songs from Pantheon fitting seamlessly alongside longtime favorites. Rather than relying on nostalgia, Dance Gavin Dance performed with the confidence and chemistry of a group still pushing forward creatively. Every song was met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, and the pit remained active from start to finish. Between soaring melodies, intricate guitar work, explosive crowd reactions, and several more tour dates lined up, Dance Gavin Dance reminded Nashville why they remain one of the most exciting and entertaining live acts in post-hardcore.
Photos: @notfakemaris
