From Worcester With Love: Seven Hills Fest Celebrates the Alternative Scene
Seven Hills Festival was more than a collection of performances—it was a celebration of the community, history, and friendships that have defined New England's alternative music scene for decades. Bringing together pioneers, hometown heroes, and the next generation of artists, the festival created a shared experience built on nostalgia, discovery, and connection. After spending five years living in Boston and returning to Massachusetts after a year away, being surrounded by the music, people, and energy of the scene felt like coming home. From Four Year Strong's hometown celebration and A Loss for Words' nostalgic singalongs to Haywire's raw Boston hardcore energy and the discoveries of bands like SPACED and Worry Club, every set reflected the community that continues to make this scene so special. Seven Hills Festival wasn't just about celebrating where these bands came from—it was about showing why the scene continues to thrive and why, no matter how much time passes or how far away you go, music will always have a way of bringing you back home.
☆ Four Year Strong
For nearly 25 years, Worcester, Massachusetts' Four Year Strong has remained one of the most influential forces in modern pop-punk. Widely credited as pioneers of easycore, the quartet seamlessly blends infectious pop-punk melodies with the weight and aggression of hardcore, helping shape an entire generation of bands. With eight full-length albums to their name—including genre-defining releases Rise or Die Trying and Enemy of the World—the band has continued to evolve while staying true to the high-energy sound that has made them a staple on festival stages and one of the most consistently electrifying live acts in the scene.
For a band that has spent nearly 25 years defining the sound of modern pop-punk, there was something undeniably special about seeing Four Year Strong return home to Worcester for Seven Hills Festival. Despite spending five years living in Boston, this was only my third time seeing the band—and the first time experiencing them on their home turf. Having watched countless artists take the stage at The Palladium Outdoors, Four Year Strong felt different. It felt like they truly belong there. As both headliners and the creators of Seven Hills Festival, the band embodied exactly why they earned the closing slot.
Their set was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of the band's legacy and the community that helped build it. Opening with a career-spanning collection of fan favorites before diving into a full performance of their landmark album Rise or Die Trying, Four Year Strong delivered a nostalgia-fueled experience that felt shared by everyone in attendance. From the opening notes of tracks like "The Take Over" and "Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die" to the relentless energy of "Wrecked 'Em? Damn Near Killed 'Em" and "Maniac (R.O.D.)," the band transformed the Palladium Outdoors into a time capsule for a generation of fans who grew up with their music.
What made the performance so memorable was the sense of connection between the band and the crowd. While the Rise or Die Trying portion of the set served as the emotional centerpiece, the band also showcased their continued evolution with newer material, proving that their energy and songwriting remain just as powerful decades into their career.
Four Year Strong's Seven Hills Festival set was a reminder that some bands don't simply return home—they come home to a celebration built around them. After 25 years, they remain one of pop-punk's most influential and electrifying live acts, and seeing them command the Worcester stage they helped create felt like the perfect culmination of everything the festival represented.
☆ Silverstein
For over 25 years, Silverstein has remained one of post-hardcore's most influential and enduring acts. Since forming in 2000, the five-piece has built a legacy around emotionally charged songwriting, dynamic musicianship, and a signature blend of soaring melodies, crushing riffs, and cathartic screams. With landmark albums like When Broken Is Easily Fixed and Discovering the Waterfront, Silverstein helped define the sound of a generation while continuing to evolve through elements of melodic hardcore, alternative rock, and metal. Now with eleven studio albums under their belt, the band continues to prove why they remain one of the scene's most respected and electrifying live acts.
One of the last shows I attended before leaving Boston was a Silverstein performance, making their Seven Hills Festival set feel like a return to a place that once felt like home. After spending a year away, being back in Massachusetts and experiencing a band so connected to those memories was a bittersweet reminder of how deeply music can become tied to certain places and chapters of life.
While many fans—including myself—may have hoped to hear "Massachusetts" during a hometown-state performance, the band surprisingly left the track off their setlist. Even without that personal moment, Silverstein delivered a career-spanning performance packed with the intensity and emotion that have defined them for more than two decades. Their set pulled from throughout their catalog, featuring longtime favorites like "My Heroine," "Smile in Your Sleep," and "Bleeds No More," alongside newer material that showcased the band's continued evolution.
From the first notes to the final song, Silverstein proved why they remain one of post-hardcore's most reliable and commanding live acts. Their performance served as a reminder that, while certain songs may hold personal meaning, it is the overall connection between band, music, and audience that creates the memories that last.
Silverstein's Seven Hills Festival set may not have included the song that many expected, but it still captured everything that has made the band a cornerstone of post-hardcore for over 25 years. Returning to Massachusetts and hearing those songs once again felt like revisiting an old chapter—one that continues to resonate no matter how far away life takes you.
☆ A Loss For Words
Before the current pop-punk resurgence, Massachusetts' A Loss for Words had already established themselves as one of the defining voices of the genre's early 2000s wave. Known for their blend of melodic hardcore intensity, infectious pop-punk hooks, and heartfelt lyricism, the band built a dedicated following through relentless touring and unforgettable live performances during the Vans Warped Tour era. Across five studio albums, including These Past Five Years (2005) and Crises (2016), A Loss for Words delivered anthems centered around resilience, friendship, and personal growth. Though they have stepped away from the spotlight in recent years, their influence remains deeply woven into the foundation of modern pop-punk and easycore.
As one of the hometown heroes on the Seven Hills Festival lineup, the group delivered a set that felt like both a reunion and a celebration. The Massachusetts pop-punk veterans brought a wave of nostalgia to The Palladium Outdoors, reminding longtime fans why they became such an important part of the New England scene throughout the 2000s. The band's chemistry and enthusiasm never wavered, making every minute count.
Opening with "Wrightsville Beach" before moving through fan favorites like "Pirouette," "Raining Excuses," "Honeymoon Eyes," and "Distance," A Loss for Words balanced high-energy singalongs with the heartfelt sincerity that has always defined their music. By the time they closed with "Stamp of Approval," the crowd was singing every word back, creating one of the day's most nostalgic moments. Although the band has spent much of the past decade away from the spotlight, the connection they've built with their fans has never faded.
Watching A Loss for Words perform in their home state added another layer of significance to an already memorable festival. Their set wasn't simply a trip down memory lane—it was proof that the songs that helped shape a generation of New England pop-punk still carry the same energy and emotional weight years later, making them a perfect fit for a festival dedicated to celebrating the community that built the scene.
☆ Haywire
Boston's Haywire (617) has quickly become one of the most promising new forces in modern hardcore. Formed in 2023 by vocalist Austin Sparkman, the band channels the raw aggression and community-driven spirit that has defined Boston hardcore for decades while bringing a fresh sense of urgency to the genre. Combining crushing riffs, explosive gang vocals, and relentless live energy, Haywire has built a reputation as one of hardcore's fastest-rising acts. With releases like CONDITIONED FOR DEMOLITION (2024) and New England Forever (2026), the band continues to honor Boston's hardcore legacy while carving out its own place within the scene's next generation.
Haywire brought one of the festival's most explosive performances to the Seven Hills Festival, proving exactly why they're one of hardcore's fastest-rising acts. While part of me would have loved to experience their set without a barricade—where stage dives and constant crowd interaction would have felt even more real—my camera certainly appreciated the extra space. Even so, the barrier never diminished the energy. From the moment they took the stage, vocalist Austin Sparkman refused to stay confined to it, repeatedly climbing onto the barricade and leaning into the crowd to scream lyrics shoulder-to-shoulder with fans, blurring the line between performer and audience.
In a moment that could only happen at a Massachusetts hardcore festival, Haywire opened their set with the unmistakable strains of "Sweet Caroline." The singalong instantly united the crowd before seamlessly giving way to the band's relentless brand of Boston hardcore, creating one of the weekend's most memorable openings. From there, the set never let up, charging through tracks from CONDITIONED FOR DEMOLITION and New England Forever with crushing breakdowns, gang vocals, and nonstop movement both on and off the stage.
While every artist on the Seven Hills lineup brought something unique to the festival, Haywire's performance stood apart for its sheer intensity and connection with the audience. It wasn't simply a set to watch—it was one to experience. Between Sparkman's commanding presence, the band's relentless energy, and a crowd eager to match every ounce of it, Haywire delivered one of the weekend's most captivating performances and further cemented themselves as one of the defining new voices in Boston hardcore.
☆ One Step Closer
Over the last decade, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania's One Step Closer has emerged as one of the most exciting forces in modern melodic hardcore. Drawing influence from the genre's rich history while incorporating elements of emo, alternative rock, and shoegaze, the band has developed a sound that balances hardcore's intensity with emotional vulnerability. Following the release of their acclaimed debut This Place You Know (2021) and the expansive All You Embrace (2024), One Step Closer has continued to push beyond traditional genre boundaries while staying rooted in the community and authenticity that define hardcore. Their evolution has cemented them as one of the scene's most forward-thinking and compelling contemporary acts.
One Step Closer's performance was one of the sets I had been looking forward to most all weekend. The first time I saw them was during Knuckle Puck and Real Friends' winter 2023 tour, and their performance immediately left an impression. In many ways, that show reignited my love for hardcore and adjacent genres, making this return to see them at Seven Hills Festival feel especially meaningful. When I started planning a trip back to Massachusetts this summer, seeing One Step Closer on the lineup made the timing of my visit an easy decision.
Since that first show, I've been fortunate enough to build a friendly relationship with vocalist Ryan Savitski and even had the opportunity to photograph the band's sold-out performance at Chain Reaction before the iconic Southern California venue closed its doors. Having watched the band grow over the past few years, it was exciting to see them command one of the festival's stages with the same authenticity and emotional intensity that first drew me to their music.
Opening with the blistering "Dark Blue" before tearing through fan favorites like "Leap Years," "Lead to Gray," "Orange Leaf," and "Pringle Street," One Step Closer delivered a set that perfectly balanced melodic vulnerability with hardcore aggression. Their ability to seamlessly shift between introspective moments and explosive energy has become a defining characteristic of the band, and Seven Hills Festival showcased that dynamic in full force.
Watching One Step Closer continue to grow—from a standout opening act in a packed club to one of the most anticipated bands on a festival lineup—was incredibly rewarding. Their Seven Hills Festival performance reaffirmed why they remain one of the most compelling bands in modern melodic hardcore, delivering a set that was as emotionally resonant as it was relentlessly powerful.
☆ Knuckle Puck
Since forming in Chicago in 2010, Knuckle Puck has become one of the defining acts of modern pop-punk's resurgence. Known for their emotionally driven songwriting, explosive live performances, and seamless blend of pop-punk melodies, emo vulnerability, and melodic hardcore intensity, the band has built a dedicated following while remaining true to their roots. Their breakthrough debut Copacetic (2015) established them as one of the genre's standout voices, while releases like Losing What We Love (2023) showcase a band that continueas to evolve without sacrificing the passion and authenticity that first connected them with fans. Over a decade into their career, Knuckle Puck remains a vital force in the scene, delivering cathartic performances that have solidified their place among modern pop-punk's most respected acts.
Knuckle Puck's set was a reminder of why they've remained one of modern pop-punk's most consistently compelling live bands. Having listened to and seen the Chicago five-piece for what feels like forever, their performances never lose their impact. Their signature combination of soaring melodies, emotionally charged lyricism, and driving pop-punk riffs continues to resonate just as strongly today as it did when they first emerged over a decade ago.
Launching into a set packed with fan favorites, Knuckle Puck effortlessly balanced explosive energy with heartfelt moments, keeping the crowd engaged from start to finish. Tracks like "No Good," "Want Me Around," "Untitled," and "Pretense" were met with deafening singalongs, while newer material fit seamlessly alongside the classics, highlighting how naturally the band has evolved without losing the authenticity that made them stand out in the first place.
What has always set Knuckle Puck apart is their ability to pair infectious hooks with genuine emotional weight, and that balance was on full display throughout their performance. Even after countless listens and multiple live shows, their music still carries the same excitement and catharsis that first drew fans in. Their Seven Hills Festival set served as another reminder of why they remain one of the defining bands of modern pop-punk, delivering a performance that felt both nostalgic and as vital as ever.
☆ SPACED
Since emerging from Buffalo's hardcore scene in 2021, SPACED has quickly become one of the genre's most exciting new voices. Blending hardcore aggression with elements of punk, thrash, and alternative rock, the band has built a reputation for high-energy performances, infectious hooks, and a sound that refuses to be limited by traditional genre boundaries. Led by vocalist Lexi Reyngoudt, SPACED brings a unique balance of intensity, personality, and undeniable fun to their music. Following releases like Spaced Jams (2022) and This Is All We Ever Get (2024), the band continues to gain momentum as one of the most promising acts pushing hardcore's next generation forward.
SPACED delivered one of the festival's biggest surprises, making an unforgettable first impression from the moment they took the stage. Despite never having seen—or even listened to—the Buffalo hardcore group before Seven Hills Festival, it took only a few songs to understand why they've become one of the genre's fastest-rising bands. Their blend of hardcore, punk, and thrash was equal parts relentless and infectious, with an energy that immediately drew the crowd into every riff, breakdown, and singalong.
Frontwoman Lexi Reyngoudt was a commanding presence throughout the set, bringing an undeniable charisma that helped distinguish SPACED on a lineup largely dominated by male-fronted bands. Her stage presence, paired with the band's explosive musicianship, made for one of the weekend's most refreshing performances, proving that intensity and personality can go hand in hand. Their chemistry was evident from start to finish, creating a set that felt as fun as it was ferocious.
On a personal level, the performance carried an added layer of significance. Hailing from Buffalo, New York—a city where my father was born—SPACED represented a place that has always held a special place in my heart. That connection, combined with the band's standout performance, made them one of my favorite discoveries of the weekend. Sometimes the best festival moments come from the bands you know the least about, and SPACED was a perfect reminder of why it's always worth showing up early and keeping an open mind.
☆ Origami Angel
Since forming in Washington, D.C. in 2016, Origami Angel has become one of the most innovative and celebrated acts in the modern emo revival. The duo of Ryland Heagy and Pat Doherty has built a distinct sound by blending emo, pop-punk, math rock, indie, and easycore influences into a style that is both technically ambitious and emotionally resonant. With their acclaimed debut Somewhere City (2019) and continued evolution through releases like Feeling Not Found (2024), the band has earned a reputation for infectious melodies, intricate musicianship, and an uplifting approach to songwriting. Fueled by a strong DIY spirit and unforgettable live performances, Origami Angel continues to push the boundaries of emo while cementing their place as one of the genre's most exciting modern acts.
Origami Angel continues to prove that a band's size has little bearing on the impact of its live performance. Blending elements of emo, pop-punk, math rock, and easycore into a sound entirely their own, the Washington, D.C. duo has become one of the most refreshing acts in the modern alternative scene. Having seen them three times now, every performance has left a lasting impression, but their Seven Hills Festival set showcased a level of confidence and stage presence that has noticeably grown since the first time I saw them less than a year ago while they were touring with Neck Deep and The Story So Far.
Opening with the explosive "Dirty Mirror Selfie" before tearing through fan favorites like "Doctor Whomst," "The Brightest Days," and "Thank You, New Jersey," Origami Angel never allowed the energy to dip. Ryland Heagy's intricate guitar work and Pat Doherty's relentless drumming created a sound that felt impossibly massive for just two musicians, effortlessly filling The Palladium Outdoors with soaring melodies, technical musicianship, and infectious enthusiasm. Their chemistry on stage made it easy to forget there were only two people performing, commanding the crowd with the presence and intensity of a full five-piece band.
What makes Origami Angel such a compelling live act is their ability to balance technical precision with genuine joy. Every song felt vibrant and celebratory, with the audience matching the duo's boundless energy from beginning to end. Their Seven Hills Festival performance served as another reminder of why they have become one of the most exciting bands in today's emo revival, delivering one of the weekend's most dynamic and memorable sets despite having the smallest lineup on the bill.
☆ Hard Target
Representing Worcester's influential hardcore scene, Hard Target has quickly established itself as one of New England's most uncompromising heavy acts. Formed in 2019, the band blends the raw intensity of Massachusetts hardcore with elements of metalcore and thrash, delivering a sound built on crushing riffs, punishing breakdowns, and relentless energy. Following releases like Relive. Rebuild. (2021) and Losing Grip (2022), Hard Target has continued to build a reputation for authenticity and ferocious live performances. As part of a new generation carrying New England hardcore forward, the Worcester outfit remains committed to the aggression and community-driven spirit that define the region's legendary scene.
Hard Target embodied everything that has made Massachusetts hardcore one of the most influential regional scenes in heavy music. From the moment they took the stage, the Worcester outfit delivered an uncompromising performance built on crushing riffs, relentless breakdowns, and an intensity that never let up. Their set felt like a tribute to the foundations of Boston and New England hardcore while proving that the genre's next generation is in more than capable hands.
What stood out most was the band's commitment to the roots of hardcore. Rather than chasing modern trends, Hard Target leaned into the raw aggression, authenticity, and community-driven spirit that has defined the scene for decades. Every song was delivered with conviction, and the crowd responded in kind, creating a constant wave of movement from the pit to the barricade. It was a performance that honored the genre's history while showcasing how those influences continue to shape today's hardcore landscape.
As one of the hometown representatives on the Seven Hills Festival lineup, Hard Target perfectly captured the festival's mission of celebrating New England's rich hardcore legacy. Their set wasn't simply heavy—it was a reminder of where the scene came from and why its influence continues to resonate far beyond Massachusetts.
☆ Worry Club
Since forming in Chicago in 2020, Worry Club has quickly evolved from a bedroom recording project into one of the Midwest's most promising alternative acts. Founded by vocalist, songwriter, and producer Chase Walsh alongside creative director Zack Zagula, the band blends indie punk, bedroom pop, and Midwest emo into a sound defined by emotional honesty, infectious melodies, and a distinct sense of personality. With their debut full-length I'm Freaking Out (2026), Worry Club has continued to showcase their unique balance of vulnerability and charm, establishing themselves as one of the most exciting emerging voices in Chicago's growing alternative scene.
Worry Club provided the perfect opening to a festival lineup that celebrated the diversity of today's alternative scene. While their blend of indie rock, bedroom pop, and pop-punk offered a noticeably lighter sound than many of the heavier acts that followed, the Chicago outfit never felt out of place. Instead, their melodic songwriting, infectious hooks, and emotionally honest lyricism created a refreshing start to the day, easing the crowd into the festival before the intensity steadily ramped up.
Fronted by Chase Walsh, Worry Club brought an undeniable charm to the stage, pairing heartfelt moments with an upbeat energy that immediately connected with the audience. Their set demonstrated that Seven Hills Festival wasn't solely about breakdowns and circle pits—it was equally about showcasing the breadth of the modern alternative scene and the different ways artists can connect with listeners.
For me, Worry Club was one of the weekend's best discoveries. Walking into the set with little familiarity and leaving as a fan is exactly what makes festivals so rewarding, and their performance served as a reminder that some of the most memorable moments come from the bands you weren't expecting to find.
