For The Fallen Dreams Rocks Mahoney’s Irish Pub in Council Bluffs with Local Metal Bands
Jacqueline Radakovich
On a high-energy night at Mahoney’s Irish Pub in Council Bluffs, Iowa, For The Fallen Dreams (FTFD), a Michigan-based metal band, launched their short headlining tour with a powerful performance. Joined by three Nebraska local bands—From This Day Forward (FTDF), Endless, and The World Without Us—the show delivered a loud, passionate, and unforgettable metalcore experience. This concert review explores the vibrant performances, the unique sounds of each band, and why this event was a standout in the Midwest metal scene.
The World Without Us Kicks Off the Night
The World Without Us, a Lincoln-based metalcore band, set the tone for the evening with an electrifying opening set. Featuring lead vocalist Drew, bassist Brett Larsen, drummer Cole Yeager, and guitarists Dustin Johns and Isaac Garcia, the band blended hard-hitting riffs with intimate lyrics. Their energetic stage presence, led by Drew’s goofy yet passionate delivery, captivated the crowd, including young fans experiencing their first metal show. Brett Larsen’s commanding stage presence and Cole Yeager’s dynamic drumming—also notable from his work with The Zooey’s—added depth to their performance. The rhythm guitar and tight band cohesion stood out, making their set a perfect opener. Fans can stream their latest album, Silver Tongues, on Spotify or Apple Music for more of their raw metalcore sound.
Endless Brings Classic Metal Vibes
Omaha’s own Endless took the stage next, delivering a performance that fused classic ‘90s and ‘00s rock influences with modern metalcore. Comprising vocals, bass, guitar, and drums, Endless exuded confidence and camaraderie, supporting fellow bands with enthusiasm. Their sound, reminiscent of Tool’s vocal intensity, resonated with the audience, including a young fan visibly thrilled by the experience. Endless spread positivity through their music while maintaining a heavy metal edge. Their single, Cutting Ties, is available on Spotify, and fans can follow them at @Endless.Band.Official for updates on future shows.
From This Day Forward Electrifies with Electronic Hardcore
From This Day Forward (FTDF), an electronic hardcore band from Omaha, brought a unique sound to the night. Formed by Bobby Wright (vocals), Jesse Little (bass), Eddie Deets (lead guitar), Cole Buckley (rhythm guitar), and Mikey Donnelly (drums), FTDF blended metal with electronic elements. Fresh off their second album, Play Me When You’re Sad, the band played hits that had the crowd buzzing. Bobby Wright’s powerful vocals and Eddie Deets’ skillful guitar work shone, while Jesse Little’s stage presence—his first with FTDF—felt seasoned. The band’s passion was palpable, with smiles and high energy throughout their set. Their innovative use of electronic tracks set them apart in the metalcore scene. Catch FTDF at upcoming shows like Fright Night in Council Bluffs or Cosmic Eye in Lincoln, and stream Play Me When You’re Sad on Spotify or Apple Music.
For The Fallen Dreams Headlines with Intensity
Headlining the night, For The Fallen Dreams showcased why they’re a staple in the Midwest metal community. Formed in 2003, FTFD prides itself on adaptability, constantly evolving their aggressive metal sound while staying true to their roots. Their self-titled album, released earlier this year, fueled their high-octane performance, led by drummer Marc Esses and vocalist Chad Ruhlig. Esses delivered standout percussion, doubling as a physical and vocal force with backup vocals. Ruhlig’s screaming vocals, paired with intimate lyrics and engaging crowd interaction, created a memorable set. The guitarists’ riffs added depth, keeping fans hooked. As the first stop on their three-date headlining tour before joining Monuments, FTFD proved their enduring appeal. Check out their latest album and catch them on tour with Monuments through the next month.
A Night of Passion and Local Talent
The concert at Mahoney’s Irish Pub was a testament to the strength of the Midwest metal scene. From The World Without Us’ high-energy opener to Endless’ nostalgic metalcore, FTDF’s electronic flair, and FTFD’s commanding headline performance, each band brought unique talent and passion. The event ran smoothly, with excellent sound quality and an enthusiastic crowd, including young fans discovering metal. For those who missed it, From This Day Forward and For The Fallen Dreams have upcoming tour dates, and all bands’ latest projects are available on streaming platforms. This show was a must-see for metalcore fans and a proud moment for Nebraska’s local music scene.
