Nothing More stormed into Chattanooga on March 28th, kicking off their Carnal tour at The Signal—and from the moment the lights dropped, it was clear the band had no intention of easing into things. They came in swinging, delivering a high-octane performance that felt more like a full-scale arena show than a club gig. If you’ve never seen them live, you’re missing one of the most electrifying acts in modern rock.

I first saw Nothing More back in 2014 when they opened for Chevelle in Nashville. At the time, all I knew was “This Is the Time (Ballast),” and it hit me like a freight train. I kept telling the friend I was with that she’d be into them—and within minutes, we were both fully converted. That show featured their now-iconic metal contraptions: elaborate, welded sculptures that doubled as percussive instruments and experimental gear. I even got to see bassist Daniel Oliver welding one of them years later at a venue in Clarksville. These guys don’t just play music—they build it.

The Chattanooga show opened with “House on Sand,” immediately setting a blistering tone. But it was “If It Doesn’t Hurt” a few tracks later that really sent the crowd into a frenzy. Frontman Jonny Hawkins, barefoot and covered in his signature body paint, led the charge with a raw, magnetic energy that’s become synonymous with the band.

While the setlist hit all the fan favorites, the standout moment for me was “Freefall,” the band’s latest single featuring Daughtry. Though Daughtry wasn’t present for this stop, the track held its own—and I can only imagine how powerful it’ll be live when the two acts share the stage on the upcoming Disturbed tour.

Guitarist Mark Vollelunga took a moment to introduce “Fade In / Fade Out,” written as a tribute to his father and son. It’s a deeply emotional piece, and one that resonates even more if you’ve experienced the kind of grief that reshapes you. That was followed by “Jenny,” a longtime fan favorite penned about Jonny’s sister and aunt and their battles with mental health—a track that never fails to land with impact.

Of course, no Nothing More show would be complete without the drum battle between Hawkins and drummer Ben Anderson. Jonny takes to his gothic-industrial drum rig while Ben mans the standard kit, creating a percussive duel that’s as visually captivating as it is sonically explosive.

They closed out the night with the track that started it all for me—“This Is the Time (Ballast).” No matter how many times I hear it, that song still gives me chills. It’s a reminder of why I fell for this band in the first place: powerful, passionate, and totally unrelenting.

Bottom line—if you’re craving a rock show that hits you in the chest and stays with you long after the lights go up, Nothing More delivers. Every time.