An iconic name for an iconic band, TDWP took the stage in Grand Rapids in the beginning of April at the intersection. Hailing from Ohio, the book title inspired band is the somewhat opposite in terms of music. 

 

While starting as a Christian metalcore band in 2005, the band pivoted to heavier, harder music in 2008. They managed to do just that as well as keeping their original distinct sound through the rest of their albums. The 2026 spring tour was named after their most recent album, Flowers, that was released in mid November 2025. Don’t let the name fool you though. The imagery might be flowery and midsummer-like, and the music more melodic than their usual heavier sounds, but the lyrics throughout the eight songs are riddled with living through the ups and downs of life. Anxiety, depression, love and following the path you’re supposed to lead are just a few topics hit on throughout the music. 

 

The Devil Wears Prada invited multiple supporting acts from around the world to join in on the Flowers Tour. First in the line up was I Promised The World from Texas. You wouldn't know they’re a newer band by their stage presence. They started off strong by catching the crowd off guard, starting their 7 song set 10 minutes earlier than planned. Immediately, the crowd reacted with enthusiasm and praise. The mostly harsh vocals were intertwined with cleans from their guitarist to create a cascade of emotion. There was even some crowd surfing mid set, which is usually unheard of so early into the night. 

 

Following them was Split Chain, a UK band from Bristol. While I Promised The World was heavy throughout, Split Chain was laid back and easy going. They’re in the nu-metal/shoegaze scene, which is a sub-genre of rock that mixes more ethereal sounds in the music, mainly using heavy guitar effects, and hazy vocals. They ended their set with an extra song from Type O negative, dedicated to a dear friend, Bo Lueders, that passed away recently. 

 

Four Years Strong, from Massachusetts,  was the last of the opening bands. Their most viral song, Uncooked, was the opening song. Being the most well known band other than TDWP on the tour, the crowd went insane. Crowd surfing, mosh pitting, and screaming spread throughout the crowd. Everybody was jumping to their feet in the packed venue throughout the entire set. Even with technical difficulties in the third song, they were quick on their feet and improvised, moving onto the next song and circling back to keep the night going. The positive energy was contagious, spreading through fans and band members alike.

The energy didn’t dissipate while waiting for The Devil Wears Prada. The crowd felt every emotion Mike Hranica and Jeremy DePoster sang. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when songs like Salt and Sacrifice were performed. Whether a fan had heard it before or it was their first time experiencing it, it played at the heart strings either way. Older songs, like Supernova and Outnumbered, generated a steady stream of crowd surfers in the green washed venue. The party didn’t end at Sacrifice, though. After a short break, the band retook the stage to finish out with three nostalgic songs, starting with Play The Old Shit. Fitting name for the demand of the fans. The night ended with thanks and recognition for each band, memories of Bo, and attendees that left with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts.