By Scott Ryder, News Correspondent

Passionate about music since an early age and eager to promote local talent, one Northeastern student took it upon himself to bring four metal bands to afterHOURS for an evening of hardcore, good-spirited, tunes.

Will Howard, a sophomore music industry and economics dual major, plays bass in the band Aftermath, a self-described “post-hardcore” quintet that participated in Friday’s event. The event also featured the bands As Time Will Tell, Traveler and Constance Alive.

Although Howard said his band’s music is somewhat heavy and intense, he said he believes it appeals to a wide range of listeners.

“You don’t have to be a screwed up kid,” he said. “It’s supposed to be a good message, nice people – that’s kind of what we go for. Most of the band is Christian, but I’m not Christian.”

In keeping with the theme of the show, the band described its style as both metal and hardcore.

“We try to like, keep like the hardcore parts in it, and metal, but mix it in a way,” said Justin Rabito, a junior at Methuen High School and guitarist in the band.

Howard, who joined Aftermath last November, said he has been playing in bands since he was around 12 years old. He personally reached out to the other three bands to invite them to play on campus, and he is on co-op working for Boston-based District Kills Records, where As Time Will Tell is signed.

Aftermath was also recently signed to a label, Reading, Pa.-based From The Depths Entertainment. Howard said he manages to find time for both school and music – it’s difficult, though more manageable now that he’s on co-op.

“We’re going on a two week tour from here down to [New] Jersey after we record the full length album,” he said. “My friends are apartment hunting, and I can’t look with them. But I’d definitely say it’s worth it.”

In addition to performing, Howard serves as co-owner of Justice In Eyre Clothing, whose merchandise was available at the show. Members of the band Traveler also own part of the company, Howard said.

While the concert did attract several students, some audience members felt disappointed there was not more of a crowd.

Nick Andrianas, a senior business and industrial engineering dual major, said he thinks it is disappointing that Northeastern students – especially those who walk into afterHOURS for a coffee and then leave – are not more open-minded when it comes to music.

“People go, ‘Oh my God, what is that music? What is that garbage?’ But, you know, it’s this – it’s blinders,” he said.

The bands agreed more people could enjoy the music if they gave it a chance.

“[These are] really talented musicians,” Howard said. “There’s something for everyone.”

Brendan Sullivan, the Providence-based scream vocalist for Constance Alive, also had a favorable view of the night.
“We like getting out, especially in the Boston scene,” he said. “We haven’t been out here in a while. It’s good to share our music with you guys.”

“We’ve never played in a Starbucks before,” added drummer Brian Cauti.

Howard said Aftermath will be on tour through at least February, playing three shows a weekend. After that, it’s straight to the studio to work on their new album.

In the meantime, songs from Aftermath’s EP may be downloaded from their Facebook page, facebook.com/aftermathbandma.