Chiodos Concludes Their Tour at a Sold Out Finale in Anaheim with Holywatr and (a) Big Ass Truck

Post-hardcore legends Chiodos brought their All’s Well That Ends Well 20th anniversary tour to a close this past weekend at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California alongside Holywatr and hometown heroes Big Ass Truck. Chiodos’ return after their 8 year hiatus was the gift that kept on giving all year long with many additions made later and a roster that rounded the evening out in perfection every, single, show. Reunited in 2024 at When We Were Young Festival, Chiodos have since resurged by gaining a new wave of fans with each leg of the tour welcoming younger generations discovering the band for the first time. Like most other dates on the tour, Anaheim sold-out and fans packed the venue to the brim, eager for one final chance to celebrate an album that has soundtracked two decades of emotional catharsis.

Opening the night was Inland Empire hardcore force Big Ass Truck, who wasted no time turning the House of Blue’s floor area into one giant circle pit. Taking the stage with relentless intensity, the band’s energy was instantly contagious. Their crushing breakdowns, beatdown-style riffs, and humorous callouts had the crowd locked in from the first note. Despite vocalist Abel Abarca battling a cold, Big Ass Truck. delivered a uniquely memorable set by bringing out crew members and friends to handle vocal duties throughout the performance. This rotating cast of guest vocalists added a raw, unpredictable edge to songs like “Corn-Fed,” “Back-Wheel Stomp,” “From the Grave,” “Beef,” “Big Ass Dog,” and “Big Ass Truck.” Bodies began flying over the barricade, security stepped up to the plate and handled the overload with graceful coordination and ease. With Big Ass Truck setting the pace, it was clear the night was already destined to be something special.

Holywatr followed shortly after, shifting the energy toward a more modern metalcore sound. Blending catchy choruses, and nodding breakdowns, Holywatr still managed to keep the energy high and the room in constant motion. Vocalist Patrick flowed between clean, emotional melodies and aggressive screams that complemented ICEMVNE’s guitar work, seamlessly transitioning from clean textures to distorted aggression.Their performance won over anyone in attendance who wasn’t already familiar, further cementing their place among the scene’s rising acts.

As All’s Well That End’s Well Prelude played, time froze while a single spotlight shined over Mitchel Rogers on the keyboard with a guitar slung around his back. The band continued out one by one, until frontman and brainchild Craig Owens positioned front and center to absorb the energy emitted from the audience that has now completely lost it. As “All Nereids Beware” struck, the entire venue erupted with every word immediately shouted back. As waves of crowd surfers passed overhead, nostalgia washed over the crowd and it was 2004. Owens delivered a commanding performance with his iconic live vocals soaring alongside the album’s timeless guitar riffs that have lost none of their impact over the years. His voice effortlessly flowed from melodic highs to the deepest growls so graciously and flawlessly it was arguably even better than their recent remaster of the album.

The band played through the entirety of All’s Well That Ends Well, performed two tracks from their sophomore release Bone Palace Ballet: Grand Coda, “Bulls Make Money… ” and “Two Birds Stoned at Once” and closed with the ultimate emo anthem, “Baby, You Wouldn’t Last a Minute on the Creek.” Owens expressed heartfelt gratitude to the crowd, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of closing out such a monumental tour and excitement for what was to come.

For many, this was the final show of their 2025 concert year, and Chiodos delivered the perfect send-off. Whether longtime fans or first-timers, everyone in attendance witnessed something spectacular. While only time will tell what the future holds for Chiodos, one thing is certain: this final Anaheim show was one for the books. Stay tuned with Chiodos and First III No Flash for more tour and festival updates!