by Sydney Yllanes | October 15th , 2024

All images are from Marianas Trench - The Force of Nature Tour in Denver, CO on 10/15/24.

Photo By Sydney Yllanes | @jaded_photographs

The Summit buzzed with excitement on October 15th as Mariana’s Trench returned to Denver after five long years. The packed crowd felt the anticipation long before the band hit the stage. When they finally appeared—amid thunderous claps and dramatic lighting—it was clear the night would be unforgettable. Despite a few minor technical hiccups at the start, the band's energy and professionalism were unwavering, ensuring the audience stayed captivated.

Lead singer Josh Ramsay was a force to be reckoned with, effortlessly commanding the stage with his dynamic vocals and soaring falsetto. His colorful array of guitars added to the visual experience, but it was the detail of the light-up microphone stand that I loved, glowing as brightly as the harmonies between Josh Ramsay, Matt Webb and Mike Ayley that mesmerized the audience. Drummer Ian Casselman, too, had his own mini fan club in the crowd, adding to the high-energy atmosphere.

The crowd joined in full voice for fan favorites like "One Love" and “All to Myself,” with Mike Ayley leading a joyful sing-along for the latter. The connection between the band and their fans was unforgettable, with Ramsay frequently engaging the audience, even pausing during their set to acknowledge a fan dancing the Macarena on the balcony, then hilariously joining in himself. But the highlight for me was when Ramsay wove his way through the audience, eventually standing right next to me and singing.

From nostalgic hits like “Cross My Heart” to fresh tracks off their latest album Haven, such as “I’m Not Getting Better,” the band made sure everyone in the room felt part of something special. It wasn’t just about the music, the lights, or the smoke machines—it was about the connection Mariana’s Trench fosters with their fans. They make you feel like you belong, like you're truly seen and heard. Hearing them play one of my personal favorites, “Stutter,” was the icing on the cake. Their harmonies throughout the night were nothing short of magical.

Opening the evening was Canadian pop sensation Piao, who brought a contagious energy that set the tone for the night. Her mix of heartfelt and upbeat songs resonated particularly well with the younger crowd, as she shared personal anecdotes about navigating college during COVID and watching her parents age. Her vocal range was impressive, especially during standout tracks like “Haunted by Potential,” and her cover of Paramore’s “Still Into You” had fans belting out the lyrics alongside her. Tracks like “pagingbubu” and a playful ode to Hannah Montana, Piao’s performance was warm, authentic, and full of heart.

Cassadee Pope cranked up the energy with her punchy mix of pop-punk, backed by a drummer and guitarist that gave her set a nostalgic early 2000s vibe. Performing several songs from her latest album, Hereditary - Deluxe Edition, Pope’s commanding vocals carried through rocking anthems like the title track, “Hereditary.” One of the night’s standout moments was her surprising, rock-infused cover of Wicked's "Defying Gravity," which had the crowd singing along in unison. Pope’s dynamic stage presence and ability to engage the audience perfectly built the anticipation for Mariana’s Trench to take the stage.

All in all, the night was an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions and music. From the heartfelt performances of the openers to the unforgettable main act, the Force of Nature Tour delivered everything fans had been waiting for and more