Asking Alexandria’s recent stop at The Cotillion in Wichita, Kansas, was nothing short of electric. Backed by a stacked lineup featuring From Ashes to New, Royale Lynn, and What Lies Below, this tour proved that rock and metal are alive and thriving in Middle America. With a sold-out crowd that wrapped around the venue before doors even opened, it was clear Wichita came ready to throw down.
The night kicked off with a bang as Pennsylvania metalcore band What Lies Below stormed the stage. From the very first note, the energy in the room shot to an eleven. Frontman Andrew Watson commanded the crowd like a seasoned general, and when he called for movement, Wichita answered—with a mosh pit that opened up almost instantly. Their set was the perfect ignition, setting the tone for the night with pure, unfiltered aggression and crowd engagement.
Next up was rising country-rock artist Royale Lynn. A self-proclaimed metalhead with country roots, she brought a fresh blend of genres that somehow fit perfectly into the night’s heavy-hitting lineup. Her hits like “Six Feet Deep” had the crowd singing along, thanks in part to steady rotation on SiriusXM Octane. A standout moment came when Asking Alexandria’s Danny Worsnop joined her on stage for their duet “Death Wish,” showcasing powerful chemistry. She also performed her latest single, “Greed,” with a confidence that belied her newcomer status. Keep an eye on Royale Lynn—her star is on a steep rise.
When From Ashes to New took the stage, the atmosphere hit a fever pitch. Their high-octane blend of rock, rap, and metal never fails to hit hard, and tonight was no exception. Vocalist Danny Case and rapper Matt Brandyberry’s dynamic interplay lit up the room, delivering an emotionally charged, fist-pumping performance. A particularly touching moment came when Brandyberry invited an 11-year-old fan, Cage, onstage to perform “Panic.” A repeat appearance for the young fan, it was a reminder of how deeply this band connects with their audience and nurtures the next generation of rock talent.
Finally, Asking Alexandria took the spotlight, and the room erupted. Opening with “Eve,” the band launched into a relentless, tightly executed set that spanned their discography. Worsnop’s vocals were in peak form, and the crowd fed off every scream, every lyric, and every breakdown. Royale Lynn returned the favor by joining Worsnop for a memorable performance of “Into the Fire,” their voices meshing seamlessly and adding another layer of depth to the night.
Midway through the set, Worsnop paused for a heartfelt moment with the crowd, emphasizing the unifying power of music. “No matter who we are or what we do outside these walls,” he said, “we can all come together and be a family when we walk into a venue for a concert.” He added with typical humility, “We’re all just human beings trying to do our fucking best.” For a self-proclaimed “dumb ass,” Worsnop delivered one of the most genuine and resonant moments of the evening.
As the band closed with fan-favorite “Alone in a Room,” the message was clear: community, catharsis, and connection were the real headliners tonight. Asking Alexandria didn’t just deliver a concert—they reminded Wichita why live music matters.
