Silverstein, Story of the Year, Origami Angel, and Aly Nicholas set up Camp Screamo at Observatory North Park!

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the Camp Screamo Tour rolled into the Observatory North Park. Aly Nicholas, Origami Angel, Story of the Year, and Silverstein showed why post-hardcore is not stuck in the past but built for the present and beyond.

Up first was Aly Nicholas, an artist who was completely new to me, and I was pleasantly surprised. Her genre-blending grungesque style was the perfect opening act/sound for the night and immediately set the tone. What I loved about her music is her raw delivery and passion. A three-piece unit, her band’s sound is big and fit seamlessly alongside the bigger names on the bill. Her stage presence and crowd interaction, right from the start, gave the early Observatory crowd an immediate jolt.

Origami Angel was next to take the stage. The duo brought a massive sound and energy. Their sound is a unique blend of emo, pop punk, and math rock, and it had everyone in the early attendance moving throughout their set. It was hard to believe that a two-piece band could deliver that massive a sound, but they did. Big guitars and mighty drums reminded me a lot of Local H. Their musical style is the reason why this reviewer is now a fan.

While waiting for Story of the Year, you could feel the tension building. People rushed back from the bar to grab their spot. As the lights dimmed, you immediately felt something special was about to happen. Singer Dan Marsala and company came out hard with “And the Hero Will Drown” and “Tear Me to Pieces.” Fans screamed every lyric word for word with Marsala and company.

After more than 20 years, Story of the Year has only gotten more refined. Their signature sound has become more powerful and passionate. Songs like “Anthem of our Dying Day,” “Choose your Fate”, “Falling Down,” among many other fan favorites, were echoed by the sold-out crowd. The set also hit us with a Jedi (thank you, San Diego Comic Con) and one of the best cover medleys (mixtape) of late 90’s to early 2000’s rock I have ever heard. The “mixtape” started with Korn’s “Blind”, Deftones “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away),” and local punk rock heroes Blink-182’s “All the Small Things.” Pouring every ounce into their live set, there is no band I have seen in the last year that works the stage like Story of the Year. Ryan Phillips (guitar) and Adam Russell (bass) are two of the most engaging performers I have ever seen. Partnered with drummer Josh Wills, Story of the Year put on an insane stage show. Put in Dan Marsala’s crowd interaction and passionate vocals/screams, you have a recipe for success.

Ending their set with “Until the Day I Die” was perfect and a reminder to all why this band is so important. It really felt like a victory lap for such an important band that helped define, not only the genre, but generations of scene kids, myself included.

Last to take the stage was Silverstein. After more than 25 years as one of the defining bands of post-hardcore (in my opinion, the defining band), Silverstein again proved why they are one of the best to ever do it.

Opening with “Negative Space,” singer Shane Told and crew wasted no time letting us know what to expect for the rest of the night. Dressed in scout uniforms to fit the Camp Screamo vibe, the band filled the hall with the perfect song to set off their night. Circle pits began immediately, and crowd surfers came in waves to songs “Drain the Blood” and “Smashed into Pieces.”

The setlist flowed between newer material and songs that have defined their career. “Massachusetts,” “My Heroine,” “Your Sword Versus My Dagger,” “Retrograde,” and “Smile in Your Sleep” helped Shane Told and crew keep their foot on the gas. They had no intention of letting up. This was the setlist we were hoping for, one we could scream every word with the band. I found myself giving into the moments to just sit and watch one of my favorite bands do what they do best. Their signature heavy guitars, aggressive and big bass lines, insane drumming, paired with melodies and coarse vocals filled the venue. This was a special night for this photographer. Being able to document this band and moment is something that was a full circle experience for me. Silverstein closed the night with “Bleeds No More,” a perfect song choice to cap an amazing concert experience.

If this tour comes anywhere near your city, go. You won’t regret it. For me, it was one of the most memorable concert experiences in recent memory, and it will be for you, too.

Catch the remainder and Camp Screamo and Camp Screamo in the fall.