Wicked vocals, mouths set to scream

A sparse and stagnant crowd inhabited the Marquis Theatre Thursday night as everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of Arizona group Eyes Set To Kill. One dedicated and vocal fan even claimed to have come all the way from Alaska to see them unleash their wildness.

As the opening bands slowly took their gear off of the stage—revealing the massive ESTK banner on the wall—the eclectic and energetic crowd began to converge closer to the stage. The throng of tight black pants, dyed hair and arm tats seemed to double in size and ferocity as the four-member metalcore group took the stage at 9:45.

Lead screamer Cisko Miranda, sporting a ‘Fuck Everything’ T-shirt, introduced the group: founding members and sisters Alexia and Anissa Rodriguez, to the left and right on guitar and bass, and of course long-term drummer Caleb Clifton behind them.

Eyes Set to Kill took no time at all getting the venue jump-started by cranking up the volume and encouraging jumping, moshing and general mayhem. Unfortunately for the band, and fortunately for those in the front row trying to sing along, the mosh-pit only really had about six or seven participants who were worn out quickly. A few songs in, Alexia, with her bright red Ibanez in hand, introduced a new song called “Where I Want to Be” from their most recent studio release White Lotus. She started the song with a bang, and let it fade into a catchy bass riff by her sister.

What sets Eyes Set to Kill apart from other hardcore or screamo bands is the haunting and undistorted vocals from The Rodriguez sisters. The combination of screamed vocals and high energy metal with the talented serenades from the ladies on stage makes the entire set more dynamic and saves some viewers from a headache.

Along with playing songs from White Lotus, ESTK also played a brand new song called “True Colors” which the group really showed in the intimate setting of the Marquis Theatre.

After 45 minutes of jamming, drips of sweat were pouring off of lead vocalist Cisko’s beard and dropping at the feet of his screaming fans. To the delight of the masses, ESTK finished their set with the ever-popular song “Broken Frames,” and even returned for a much-appreciated encore.

Since its formation in 2003, Eyes Set to Kill have undergone many changes—including numerous new members—which can make it difficult for a group to establish an identity of their own. This group has shown that regardless of other people, they have truly solidified their stylistic and musical technique, which can be exemplified in their new releases and unique style.