Stepping away from your label and betting on yourself can be a daunting ordeal. But that’s exactly the bet Set It Off took when they parted ways with Fearless Records in 2023 to become a fully independent band. Since then, the band has been releasing a slew of singles, now compiled into their latest self-titled album, Set It Off. The band has hit the road in support of their newfound independence and collection of new music, with support from Fame on Fire and Vana. One of their early stops on the tour brought them to The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA. Despite the rain hitting the neighborhood, fans lined up early for a chance to rock out with the newly liberated Set It Off.

I was fortunate enough to discover Vana earlier this year when she toured with Honey Revenge, so I was excited to fully appreciate her set this time. With this new tour, she has already started incorporating more theatrical elements into her performance, stepping on stage with her band wearing gothically ethereal masks. This added a new dimension, as she came across as a Fae-like creature we only get to glimpse for a moment. Vana blends metalcore with dark pop and synth-pop to create her own sound, featuring hard-hitting screams and high energy that transitions into rhythmic melodies perfect for grooving. She seamlessly switches between clean singing and face-melting screams, captivating even those unfamiliar with her music. Making the most of her set, she performed songs like “Prey,” “NOXIOUS,” “PLEASER,” “Serpentine,” “BITE BACK,” “BEG!,” and ended with “Clandestine.” This red queen made her presence known and continues to be a stellar support act for tours. I can’t wait to see her spread her wings when she headlines her first tour.

Up next was Fame on Fire. Coincidentally, the last time I saw them was also at The Observatory a few years ago, so I was excited to see them bring it again—and they did. Kicking off their set with “Nothing Left (The Fool),” guitarist Paul Spirou drove the song with a riff-filled lead line. Vocalist Bryan Kuznitz delivered a powerful melodic voice with just a touch of grit, while drummer Alex Roman made Fame on Fire’s sound big and powerful with his grooves. Since the release of Welcome to the Chaos in 2022, Fame on Fire has invested time and energy into crafting their own music, featuring big sweeping choruses and hard-driving guitar lines. Fans were rocking out in the crowd, but Kuznitz wanted more energy—and the crowd was happy to oblige. For “Welcome to the Chaos,” Kuznitz called for the biggest circle pit The Observatory could hold, and fans went wild, crashing into each other in the small pit area. By this point, the crowd was completely on Fame on Fire’s side, losing it for songs like “Nightmare (The Devil),” “No Tomorrow (The Death Card),” “Spiral (Justice),” “Plastic Heart,” “Cut,” and ending with “Chains (The Tower).”

Finally, it was time for the headliner. Set It Off started their night with “Rotten.” Vocalist Cody Carson was thrilled to perform for the Santa Ana crowd, spending much of the set at the foot of the stage, reaching out to fans. Between songs, his smile revealed how much he was feeding off the crowd’s energy, giving it right back to every screaming fan in the house. Carson’s stage presence was electric, running around like a golden retriever excited to see the gleam in every fan's eye. Guitarist Zach Dewall brought the riffs and guitar lines that give Set It Off their hard rock edge, often getting lost in his own world of guitar playing. Meanwhile, drummer Maxx Danzinger brought a smarmy attitude as he pounded away behind the kit.

A special moment on this tour occurs when Set It Off performs “Partners in Crime.” The original track features Ash Costello, but for this tour, they bring Vana back on stage to help with the song. Cody and Vana’s energy together was the perfect mix, and the crowd went crazy for this single. Another highlight was when Cody accompanied himself on keyboards for a medley of softer Set It Off classics, including “Unopened Wounds,” “Duality,” “Skeleton,” and “Worst Case Scenario.” Carson turned The Observatory into an intimate coffee shop, creating a harmonious energy in the venue. When the full band returned for “Parasite,” fans were ready to let loose again.

Set It Off crafted a show with an ebb and flow that had fans headbanging, moshing, grooving, swaying, and losing their minds to songs like “Evil People,” “The Haunting,” “Fake Ass Friends,” “Killer in the Mirror,” “Pathological,” “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead,” “Bleak December,” “Projector,” “Why Worry,” “Punching Bag,” and a single encore of “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing [REBORN].”

By booking a tour with some of the best support acts, Set It Off is proving that betting on themselves and going independent was a smart choice. Their new music still has heart and powerful beats that get fans moving, and their audience continues to show up to support the band’s next steps. Vana remains a standout performer, quickly growing her fan base, while Fame on Fire continues to carve out their imprint in the music scene with original songs. The tour isn’t even halfway done yet, so if you’re a fan of pop rock and hard rock, this is one you don’t want to miss.