September 7th was a reminder that hard rock is far from fading. Even if the mainstream sometimes overlooks the genre, the Roxy in Atlanta was packed wall to wall with fans who’ve grown up with—and continue to be moved by—the music of Asking Alexandria and Chevelle.

Unfortunately, thanks to a commute from the northern border of Georgia, I missed Dead Poet Society, but got there in time for Asking Alexandria. Their set was a perfect mix of their career—longtime anthems like “Alone in a Room” and “The Final Episode” seamlessly blended with newer songs “Things Could Be Different” and “Dark Void.” Overall, it was a dynamic performance that showcased the band's versatility, as well as lead singer Danny Worsnop’s impressive vocal range.

Then came Chevelle, commanding the stage with their trademark grit. Frontman Pete Loeffler admitted he was under the weather and leaning on doctor-ordered steroids to push through—a confession I felt in my soul, as I too was battling sinus misery. Yet, you’d never know it: his voice was as powerful and precise as ever.

Touring behind their new album Bright as Blasphemy, Chevelle ripped into fan favorite “The Clincher” before taking the crowd on a thrill ride through their catalog. Highlights included fresh cuts like “Pale Horse” and “Jim Jones,” alongside staples that have become the soundtrack to so many lives. Their encore—featuring “The Red” and “I Get It”—sealed the night with a surge of nostalgia and adrenaline.

Chevelle proved once again they’re built for the long haul, capable of transporting longtime fans back to pivotal moments in their lives while winning over a new generation in the process. Hard rock may not always dominate the charts, but nights like this show its heartbeat is as loud and unrelenting as ever.