Shadow of Intent performing during the I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me Tour at the HEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas on October 5, 2025, with Ben Duerr, Chris Wiseman, Andrew Monias, and Bryce Butler. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Shadow of Intent stands at the formidable intersection of deathcore brutality and symphonic grandeur, a band that has rapidly ascended from an ambitious side project to a defining force in modern extreme music. Hailing from Connecticut, the group initially garnered attention for their conceptual work based on the lore of the Halo video game series, but they quickly transcended that origin story. Their identity is now built on crafting massive, multi-layered soundscapes where hypertechnical deathcore instrumentation a blistering convergence of drums, intricate, crushing guitar work, and guttural vocals is enveloped by epic, often melancholic orchestral arrangements.
At the core of Shadow of Intent's colossal sound is vocalist Ben Duerr, whose performance is nothing short of breathtaking. Duerr possesses an incredible command over various vocal styles, from piercing high shrieks to stomach-shaking pig squeals and deep growls, delivering lyrical themes that have matured from video game narratives to complex stories of existential dread, cosmic horror, and historical tragedy. Paired with him is guitarist and primary songwriter Chris Wiseman, whose mastery of composition allows him to weave technical complexity with genuinely moving symphonic melodies. This combination a brutal weight meeting classical elegance is the engine that powers the band’s unique impact.
The current tour is a physical manifestation of the immense, detailed sound they craft in the studio. When the house lights drop and the orchestral intro track swells, the atmosphere in the venue instantly shifts from a typical rock show to something approaching a cinematic event. The band hits the stage with explosive energy, proving that the intricate, near-impossible speed of their recordings is not only reproducible live but feels even more powerful when delivered directly.
The sheer volume and sonic clarity of the performance are immediate highlights. Drummer Bryce Butler anchors the chaos with an unrelenting attack of blast beats and precise fills, while Wiseman’s guitar work is both punishing and melodic, ensuring that the audience is not just overwhelmed by noise, but captivated by sophisticated musical structures. Duerr, the undisputed focal point, commands the stage with a primal intensity. He effortlessly executes the vast range of vocal techniques, demonstrating the staggering power and endurance required to sing over such colossal arrangements.
The setlist is a well-balanced journey through their catalog, emphasizing both the brutal efficiency of their deathcore foundation and the operatic weight of their symphonic additions. Moments where a torrent of speed suddenly gives way to a sweeping, dramatic orchestral break are particularly effective, showcasing the band’s mastery of dynamics. This tour solidifies Shadow of Intent's position: they are not just another heavy band, but architects of a new sonic terror, delivering a live experience that is as emotionally stirring as it is devastatingly heavy.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the HEB Center
The show was awesome.
Amazing! I was super impressed by their performance and the versatility of the lead singer. Every member was amazing! Very talented band and would absolutely see again.
Shadow of Intent was amazing and fantastic! Good to see a full show and they delivered!
I brought twelve year old that have a passion for metal music. They were treated well by everyone and even doted on for keeping metal alive through generations. They got to mosh, stage dive, got a pick and autographed drumstick. Pure bliss for them! They had an exceptional time, so did I.
- Prepare to Die
- Flying the Black Flag
- Mechanical Chaos
- Vehement Draconian Vengeance
- Infinity of Horrors
- Feeding the Meat Grinder
- The Heretic Prevails
Shadow of Intent shared the stage with Lorna Shore, The Black Dahlia Murder, and PeelingFlesh at the HEB Center. They continue across the United States and Europe with the last stop at the AFAS Live in Amsterdam, Netherlands on February 12, 2026.
Shadow of Intent
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