He Is Legend at the Studio at Webster Hall

Heavy metal band He Is Legend formed in 2000 by several graduating high school students in Wilmington, North Carolina. The band name was adapted from the title of Richard Matheson's 1954 vampire novel I Am Legend. The band presently consists of vocalist Schuylar Croom, guitarists Adam Tanbouz and Denis Desloge, bassist Matt Williams and drummer Sam Huff. He Is Legend released its fourth album, Heavy Fruit, on August 19, 2014.

Headlining at the Studio at Webster Hall tonight, He is Legend performed a compelling mix of classic and nu metal styles, combining bluesy vocals with fast, crunching guitar riffs and pounding percussion. Croom's vocals verged on screamo while rooting itself on a basic rock and roll foundation. The overall sound was raw, gritty and forceful, and yet sometimes interjected art-rock-styled mini-suites where the music slowed and lightened significantly before reengaging with a sledgehammer. At a time when so many metal bands sound alike, He Is Legend's non-traditional and experimental hard rocking performance was refreshing.