“Hey security. We good? Hey! Can we keep playing?” Comeback Kid frontman Andrew Neufeld yells aimlessly into the crowd. The band had just stopped playing due to a brawl that occurred in the mosh pit – for the second time.

For those who have never attended a concert at The Palladium in Worcester, it looks like any other underground venue from the outside. A line of tattooed and pierced youths standing in line in front of an old repurposed brick building chat about recent shows they saw or heard about. Cigarette smoke and frigid autumn air glide through the crowd.

The Palladium was originally opened in 1928 under the name Plymouth Theater. Although the venue now hosts a variety of local and national touring acts, it is cherished for the important role it plays in the Massachusetts metal and hardcore scene. On Friday, Oct. 23, the show of the night is the Subliminal Criminals Tour, named after the newest release by the headlining band, Stray From the Path (Long Island).

The show begins with opening acts Deez Nuts (Long Island) and Major League (New Jersey). Normally, the opening acts have a tough job of warming up the crowd, and often many fans have not arrived yet. This time, the balcony and floor of the 500-person capacity venue are full from the beginning.

Major League vocalist and guitarist Brian Anthony Joyce performs at the Palladium in Worcester, Mass.

Being As An Ocean (California) takes the stage third, and sweeps the audience off its feet and into an intimate experience. Vocalist Joel Quartuccio delivers a heartfelt speech about the individual’s power to bring about positive change, and climbs the outside of the balcony while the next song begins. Standing high above the crowd, he declares through the mic that he trusts everyone in the audience. Quartuccio jumps off the balcony and, caught by the fans on the floor, is carried back to the stage.

Being As An Ocean vocalist Joel Quartuccio connects with the fans.

Direct support to the headliner, Canadian hardcore band Comeback Kid sets up. Three mics on stands are positioned in front of the guitar and bass amps, and another is placed center stage for lead vocals. The guitarist on stage left sports a Gibson with the word “vegan” written in bold capital letters on it. The band takes the stage by storm, and the venue burns with a new energy. Frenzied fans shout lyrics at the top of their lungs and jump onto and off of the stage. The venue’s security is put to work keeping the mosh pit contained, but still have to remove several people after fights break out.

Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid takes the stage.

And finally, Stray from the Path kicks off their set with a featured song from their new album, “Subliminal Criminals.” Staying true to their roots, the band plays a balanced set, featuring key components of their past four albums, but focuses on the message in their newest. The frontman of the self-proclaimed outspoken band, Drew York takes a moment to speak, first to declare enemies with sexual predators, and next to call to attention to police brutality – both topics addressed in the band’s severe lyrics.

The final band of the night, Stray From the Path, engages the crowd.

The show came to an end at about 11:30 P.M. Tired and happy fans slowly emptied out of the venue, or rushed to the balcony to pick up a last-minute piece of merchandise from the bands. Half an hour later, people still lingered at the front of the venue, and the excitement of the night’s event buzzed in their voices.