Sick New World in Texas!

Hopping on a plane without really having expectations on how this festival is going to go was definitely unexpected. From Chicago to Texas, I am giving you the inside scoop and point of view of how this festival went! Spoiler alert, it was crazy! Now the bands I am going to talk about are the ones I managed to go see, there were so many amazing bands in this lineup I wish I was able to see them all! Now let's dive in!

As soon as you walk in, you are rushed by the enormous space of the raceway filled with various tents and the four big stages set up. You walk down the aisle where it is originally for the audience to watch the races, you come across this huge banner with "Sick New World" blown over a customized car for the event. You keep walking and immediately come across the vendors, such a variety of foods, treats and bar drinks! I had the honor of trying the Spicy Pie and they did not disappoint. You get such big slices it literally filled me up for the whole event. Not so much of a fan of the $6 water but hey your girl needs to stay hydrated. Now it's time to head to the Gold Stage for Amira Elfeky!

Amira Elfeky was someone I've really been wanting to see in person for a long time. She has such a unique sound that is similar to Poppy but a lot more vocal work. She definitely uses her voice to her advantage and as she should! Sadly, I'm not too sure about the setlist but she did introduce new music and it was amazing. She wore a witchy, purple dress that really brought the spooky vibe of the event. She got the crowd on her feet and I was loving it. Amira had such a positive energy that I could not help but root for her. Go check her out if you can!

I continue to wait for Dying Wish! I haven't heard their music in a long time and they haven't done a lot of touring, to my knowledge. This festival was a perfect way for them to get back into it and they did not hold back! They are a lot heavier than Amira but gosh Emma Boster, the singer, sang her heart out. Her screams were so impressive and with such ease. Almost made me wanna try and fail. I can tell how in awe they were on stage and owned the entire set. They poured everything into every song I felt it in my bones. Rock on Dying Wish!

Coming onto the Blue Stage is AFI! Awesome Fucking Introduction is what I would describe my experience. Now this is my first time seeing them (I know I am missing out), and so many other fans had the same idea. It was the start of a packed showing and I knew I was in for a treat. I loved the poses, music and ambience just everything was amazing. I could hear every person singing along and screaming their hearts out! I can see why so many people wanted to witness their set. I wish it was longer!

Let's fucking go KNOCKED LOOSE! OOOOH boy I was excited for this one! I knew this was going to be intense but I have SEVERELY underestimated just how much. I got into a pretty packed part of the crowd so I witnessed the start of crowd surfers and the results of heavy mosh pits. Now as a 5'0 woman I was terrified but also tempted to join in on the fun. But maybe next time...with body protection. The intensity of the screams and head banging drums in conjunction with the guitar was a banger! To all the victims of the pit, I hope you survived because I surely would not have.

Marilyn Manson you crazy son of a bitch. I adored him after his set. I have a new profound respect for him. He is authentically himself and his music speaks in such volumes on how his life has been. Not many people truly understand what he went through or what his music is about. But as we have just learned, underestimating someone is a dangerous thing. Clearly the true fans came through and the crowd grew even bigger! I couldn't think of a better place to witness his majestic-ness than Sick New World!

EVANESCENCE left me on my knees and jaw dropped! I was looking forward to this show since I saw the lineup. I truly missed all those years of them performing and Amy absolutely fucking killed it! AHHH! I can't get over her voice and new music and of course going back to the classics. She still sounds just as amazing as before! She has truly grown into a powerful and outspoken woman. I was just in awe of her set and I couldn't stop watching. I know she had the fucking time of her life especially it being her first Texas show. NEVER STOP LOVING OTHERS!

Deftones was the last I saw of the night and what a way to end such a magical time. They started the set with "the saxophones". Now if you are not on the internet for hours on end, the "saxophones" signify a tragedy about to unfold. I assume Deftones brought their humor to the scene. While it was not a tragedy, it surely was a blessing to be in their presence. I was not in the midst of the horror of crowds for this set but I was able to hear how fucking awesome they sounded. Now they don't perform often or even nowadays. So I felt like I witnessed a historic event that'll be embellished in our history books as the most badass concert of all time!

Thank you so much Sick New World for this amazing opportunity and thank you Texas for a memorable introduction as a first time goer! I will be back!