FIT FOR A KING LIVE!! | RITZ VENUE
🔥 Fit for a King Live at The Ritz – February 2, 2024
Venue: The Ritz, Raleigh, NC
Tour: Metalcore Dropouts: 2nd Semester Tour
Support Acts: The Devil Wears Prada, Counterparts, AVOID
Fit for a King returned to Raleigh with a vengeance, delivering a blistering set at The Ritz that left no doubt about their place at the forefront of modern metalcore. As part of the Metalcore Dropouts: 2nd Semester Tour, the band brought a stacked lineup and a thunderous performance that had the venue shaking from the first breakdown to the final scream. The crowd—an energized mix of longtime fans and new converts—packed the venue wall-to-wall, ready to throw down. From the pit to the balcony, fists were raised, heads were banging, and the energy never let up.
The band’s setlist was a crushing blend of fan favorites and newer material, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their roots:
“End (The Other Side)” – a powerful opener that set the emotional and sonic tone
“Breaking the Mirror” – a crowd favorite with massive singalong moments
“Falling Through the Sky” – melodic and anthemic, with soaring choruses
“Pissed Off” and “Backbreaker” – pure aggression and pit-fueling fury
“Reaper” and “Eyes Roll Back” – dark, atmospheric, and relentless
“Shattered Glass” and “Deathgrip” – classic FFAK intensity
“God of Fire” – a show-stopping closer featuring guest vocals from Benny of AVOID and a surprise guest drummer named Julien
The set pulled heavily from albums The Hell We Create, Dark Skies, Deathgrip, and The Path, giving fans a well-rounded journey through the band’s discography.
Vocalist Ryan Kirby delivered a commanding performance, seamlessly shifting between guttural screams and melodic cleans. Guitarist Bobby Lynge and bassist Ryan “Tuck” O’Leary brought relentless energy, headbanging and engaging the crowd with every riff. The band’s chemistry was tight, their transitions razor-sharp, and their passion unmistakable.
The lighting design was moody and intense, with strobes and deep hues that matched the emotional weight of the music. The Ritz’s intimate layout amplified the impact—every breakdown felt like it was happening in your chest. The pit was a whirlwind of movement, with circle pits, crowd surfers, and synchronized headbanging throughout the night. Fans screamed every lyric, creating a communal catharsis that’s unique to metalcore shows. The band fed off the energy, pushing harder with each song.
The highlight of the night came during “God of Fire,” when Benny from AVOID joined the band on vocals and a guest drummer named Julien took the kit—an unexpected twist that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Fit for a King’s 2024 performance at The Ritz was a masterclass in modern metalcore—brutal, emotional, and unforgettable. With a setlist that honored their past and embraced their present, the band proved they’re not just surviving the scene—they’re leading it. For fans in Raleigh, it was a night of sonic catharsis and community, and a reminder of the power of heavy music to unite and uplift.
