The Well & Moon Destroys Live 8/28/26
Live at Taffeta Music Hall in Lowell, Massachusetts USA *August 28th 2026*
My anticipation for this show was quite high when I heard about it a couple of months ago. At the beginning of this year, I got to see The Well perform at Planet Desert Rock Weekend in Las Vegas. That was the first time seeing the band live and I was completely blown away! Just months before that, I had just started listening to their three albums (2014’s Samsara, 2016’s Pagan Science, and 2019’s Death And Consolation). I think they’re one of the best and most underrated bands today. They are fantastic and every song is excellent. I wasn’t too familiar with the band Moon Destroys, but I was intrigued because Zach and Taylor from Abrams are now a part of it. There has been a lot of good hype about the band so I was curious to hear them firsthand.
I went to the show with my good friend Justin and we decided not to get there too early. There were two opening bands playing and I was just coming off a long week of work. I just wanted to hang out for a little bit, decompress, and take our time getting to the show. My focus was on Moon Destroys and The Well. I only had limited brain capacity and energy left to expend after working three job all week. We actually got to the show at the perfect time when the last band was finishing up. As we were approaching the front door, I noticed Lisa from The Well outside and she was chatting with drummer Jason and Zach Amster from Moon Destroys/ Abrams. I introduced myself and we shared a nice conversation that expanded through different points throughout the night.
The vibe with both bands was so chill and friendly. I didn’t feel awkward talking with them and it was comfortable like we are all good friends, which was awesome! I love learning about the individual stories from each band member and just getting to know them as people, who we all share a passion for music together. There were so many great conversations throughout the evening with both bands that I was just so grateful in experiencing.
Music for me is the ultimate drug. A good portion of my life relies on music, for my mere existence, sometimes. The heavy underground scene is incredible with a vast majority of bands doing their own thing and not being limited by a certain style or genre of music to follow. The heavy underground invites all sorts of creative opportunities for artists to really do everything they can to express what their band is all about. The two bands playing tonight, Moon Destroys and The Well are both amazing bands! The evening was spectacular and aside of the awesome music, it was the wonderful people that I met that made it all that much more special. Here’s a quick review of each band and I encourage everyone to check out this tour if you get a chance.
MOON DESTROYS
I wasn’t expecting to be completely blown away by Moon Destroys! The music really moved me and went through my whole body. The atmospheric tones that were coming out of their instruments, and the tightness of the execution was captivating. I felt hypnotized throughout their whole set while listening to their amazing sounds. I brought earplugs, but I mostly kept them out to fully immerse myself in what I was experiencing. Moon Destroys are all seasoned musicians from former and current established bands. The brainchild of the band is guitarist Juan Montoya (ex-Torche, MonstrO) and drummer Evan Diprima (Gold Pyramid, ex -Royal Thunder). Zach Amster joined on vocals and guitar and brought along Taylor to play bass. After their set, they said this was like their ninth show with this lineup playing in the same room together. They had everyone in the palms of their hands with the electrifying sounds that they were producing. They ended up playing nine out of the eleven songs on their latest album, OMNI. It sounded incredible! The music is driving heavy rock with atmospheric elements with the guitars and great vocals to boot. Tightly executed and precise with an intense surge of energy, not too many bands could be able to follow them.
https://moondestroys.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.facebook.com/share/17cLfGWrHu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
THE WELL
If Moon Destroys hypnotized me with their performance then The Well had me totally possessed! They were on another level with their sound and the quality of their songs! I believe they are one of heavy rocks best kept secrets because they are amazing! I really love all of their recordings and the brand new songs sound awesome too! I believe they played about four new songs from their newest and soon to be released new album entitled, …And Flames Ran Like Living Animals. They were awesome and my body was numb with the chills and goosebumps. My mind is still spinning and I can’t remember what songs they played other than, the excellent “Trespass” and “This Is How The World Ends”. The band consists of Ian Graham on guitar and vocals, Lisa Alley on bass and vocals, and Jason Sullivan on drums. They have such a dynamic and full sound with only three members. The vocals are great with both Lisa and Ian singing together, adding such depth to their already big sound. It felt like a religious experience taking it all in and feeling the music permeate throughout my body and soul. I didn’t realize how much that I needed this moment until afterwards. I never take it for granted that going to live shows can have such a profound effect on me. The Well certainly delivered an astounding performance and transformed me that night. It’s the kind of buzz that I will feel for days later. I feel so honored and blessed to be able to feel this way as the result of this music. It’s quite amazing actually and a feeling that will stay with me for some time. It is the kind of re-charge that I needed and a special moment that will help get me through each day with a new resolve and mindset.
https://www.thewellband.org/about
