Excision Brings the Bass Heavy Mayhem at the Armory
From the moment the first support set hit the decks, the sound system was primed for devastation. Up-and-coming and established bass artists tore through sets that built anticipation with a blend of heavy riddim, glitchy wubs, and experimental bass. By the time Excision dropped into his set, the crowd was already primed for chaos.
The visuals and lighting were essential story partners throughout both sets. Towering screens and synchronized lasers emphasized the drops and breakdowns, making the light show feel like a character in the performance rather than mere decoration. At times the room shook with enough intensity that it seemed the music wasn’t just playing. With so much fire you can feel the energy raging through the Armory.
The crowd’s intensity mix of seasoned bassheads and newer fans all riding the same wave of low end. While typical of dubstep events, pit energy and collective dancing gave both nights a charged, almost ritualistic vibe as the base frequencies pulsed in sync with the crowd’s movement.
The second night retained all the visceral power of the first but with notable differences. While themes of bass destruction and visual flair remained, the setlist diverged — pulling in deeper cuts alongside crowd favorites. Excision’s mixing showcased a slightly different arc, allowing more space between thunderous drops for atmospheric interludes before ramping back up to full force again.
Supporting acts added texture to the weekend’s sonic landscape with their own distinctive styles — from industrial-sized wubs to more experimental bass textures — helping each night feel fresh rather than repetitive.
Before Excision got on fans packed into The Armory for Excision’s Minneapolis takeover, the excitement didn’t start with the headliner it built steadily through a curated lineup of bass music innovators. Kai Wachi, Calcium, Virtual Riot, Kill the Noise, and rising force All The Reason each brought something distinct to the stage, proving that the future of bass music is as varied and vibrant as the scene itself.
Kai Wachi kicked things off with emotionally charged, hard hitting bass that immediately locked the room in, blending melodic tension with crushing drops. Calcium followed with raw, dubstep and riddim, driving the intensity higher with relentless low end that shook the floor. Virtual Riot added technical finesse and versatility, weaving intricate sound design and dynamic transitions that showcased the creative depth of modern bass music.
Kill the Noise brought veteran presence and cinematic weight, connecting bass music’s past and present with polished production and explosive moments that resonated across generations of fans. Rounding out the lineup, All The Reason injected fresh energy and festival ready bass, proving why they’re an act on the rise and a strong addition to a heavyweight bill.
Together, the openers formed more than a support lineup they built momentum, variety, and atmosphere, perfectly setting the stage for Excision’s massive two-night takeover.
