Carnifex at Summit Denver
Show Review
Carnifex brought their “Hell Chose Me 15 Year Anniversary Tour to the Summit in Denver Colorado on 7/22/2025. The band was celebrating the 15th anniversary of their seminal deathcore album, “Hell Chose Me”. They were supported by Suffocation, Bodybox and Monochromatic Black.
Kicking off the night and kicking some serious ass in general, Monochromatic Black took the stage with what seemed like something to prove. Nearing the end of their most significant tour to date, they’ve had the unenviable task of opening each night for a monstrous lineup of breakout acts and long-time heavyweights. Despite having just a sliver of the downstage edge to work with (thanks to the gear of four bands behind them,) vocalist Tanya Elizabeth and Monochromatic Black commanded the room and performed with energy and confidence of a band who has been doing this for decades.
By the time Bodybox took the stage, Summit was full and ready to move. If you didn’t know any better, you might have mistaken Bodybox as the headliner. Despite being just the second act on the bill, it felt like over half of the fans in attendance were wearing their merch and the energy in the room became electric from the moment the up-and-coming quintet took the stage. I would not be surprised to see these guys headlining Summit in the near future.
Suffocation took the stage in front of a room full of fans that, despite having nearly torn Summit apart over the course of the three previous performances, we’re ready to get active. Anchored by a truly brutal rhythm section, vocalist Ricky Meyers and the rest of Suffocation bludgeoned a visibly eager crowd with 50 minutes of songs that spanned the length of their storied career. As long-time tourmates of Carnifex, they knew exactly how to prepare Summit for their closing set.
Carnifex closed the night with a blistering set of songs that spanned their nearly two-decade career as flag bearers of the genre. While Carnifex may have come to Denver with a focus “Hell Chose Me,” the crowd (and even more so, the pit) consisted of fans spanning generations. Some of the most enthusiastic and active attendees may have still been in diapers when “Hell Chose Me” was released, proving that the reach of great music is truly limitless and not bound to any era or moment in time.
By Brock Marlborough
Monochromatic Black
Monochromatic Black is a progressive deathcore band based out of Long Island, New York. Formed in 2018, the band combines elements of deathcore, djent, and melodic metal with atmospheric textures and technical precision. Fronted by vocalist Tanya Beickert, Monochromatic Black stands out with a dynamic vocal range that blends guttural aggression with haunting clean passages. Their debut EP Pneuma (2019) and full-length Vicissitude (2022) showcase their ability to weave brutality and melody into a cohesive, modern metal sound. With a growing presence on the live circuit and a DIY work ethic, Monochromatic Black continues to make waves in the progressive and extreme metal communities.
Bodybox
Bodybox is a heavy-hitting death metal band hailing from Daytona Beach, Florida. Blending elements of death metal, hardcore, and sludge, the band delivers a raw, groove-laden sound that’s as menacing as it is memorable. Known for their crushing riffs and unapologetically aggressive tone, Bodybox has quickly carved out a name for themselves in the underground metal scene. With releases like Through the Bongfire and Bones & Blood, they’ve become a rising force, often described as bringing a Southern-fried flavor to brutal music. Their live shows are loud, loose, and deliberately unpolished, exactly how they like it.
Suffocation
Suffocation is a pioneering American death metal band formed in 1988 in Long Island, New York. Widely credited with shaping the technical and brutal death metal subgenres, the band’s 1991 debut album Effigy of the Forgotten is considered a landmark release in extreme metal. Known for their complex song structures, blast beat drumming, and guttural vocals, Suffocation pushed the boundaries of metal throughout the ‘90s and beyond. Despite lineup changes, the band has remained influential with later albums like Souls to Deny (2004), Pinnacle of Bedlam (2013), and …Of the Dark Light(2017). Currently fronted by Ricky Myers, Suffocation continues to tour globally, maintaining their legacy as one of death metal’s most respected and relentless acts.
Carnifex
Carnifex is an American deathcore band formed in 2005 in San Diego, California. Known for their punishing blend of death metal, metalcore, and black metal elements, the band quickly gained recognition with their debut album Dead in My Arms (2007). Over the years, Carnifex has built a reputation for their aggressive sound, dark lyrical themes, and relentless touring. Their discography includes notable releases such as Hell Chose Me (2010), Die Without Hope (2014), and Graveside Confessions (2021). Fronted by vocalist Scott Lewis, the band remains a driving force in modern extreme metal, consistently evolving while staying true to their brutal roots.
All Photos by Brock Marlborough | All Rights Reserved
