Chicago is no stranger to unpredictable weather, but the evening of Mayday Parade’s Three Cheers for 20 Years tour brought a rare twist—a full-blown dust storm sweeping through the city. As fans filed into The Salt Shed, my all-time favorite venue in Chicago, the wind whipped up grit and golden haze outside. But inside, the air was thick with anticipation and something even more electric: Grayscale was about to take the stage.

Opening for one of the most iconic bands in modern emo is no small feat, but Philadelphia-based Grayscale proved they were more than up for the challenge. Their performance was a tightly packed, high-energy showcase of their latest album “The Hart”—a clear reminder of why they’re one of the most exciting acts in the scene right now. It wasn’t about stealing the spotlight; it was about setting the tone.

Grayscale took the stage shortly after “The Hart,” the fully instrumental title track from their latest album. The track seamlessly transitions into “Kept Me Alive,” which the band launched into without missing a beat, keeping the momentum flowing. They followed it up with “Through The Landslide,” another emotionally charged standout that showcases their growth while staying rooted in the heartfelt, melodic rock that defines their sound.

It wasn’t long before frontman Collin Walsh made it known just how special this night was. “Chicago is one of my favorite places to play,” he shouted—and judging by the reaction, the feeling was mutual. From the first song to the last, the crowd (especially packed in the center and up front) sang, clapped, and moved with the band.

A glowing light-up clover, a direct visual reference to The Hart’s album art, illuminated the stage behind them. That kind of attention to detail defined their entire set. The lighting was perfectly dialed in to match the emotion and tempo of each track, from soft washes during slower moments to pulsing beats during high-energy hooks. It’s clear Grayscale cares deeply about the entire live experience, not just the music.

Their set, though brief, was a masterclass in pacing and presence. Every song landed. Every transition felt intentional. And perhaps most importantly, they knew how to keep the crowd engaged—no filler, just fire.

One of the biggest highlights of the night, for me personally, was hearing “Dance With Your Ghost” make the setlist. It’s one of my favorite tracks from “The Hart,” and the energy it brought live was unmatched. Collin rallied the crowd: “Let me see those hands, get them up! All the way to the back—get them up!” And sure enough, a sea of hands rose, clapping in unison to the beat.

Though most of the set leaned into new material, longtime fans were rewarded with older favorites too—Grayscale knows how to honor where they’ve been while showcasing where they’re headed. It’s a delicate balance that they pull off with ease, keeping both new listeners and day-one fans aligned.

The energy in the room hit a peak during the bridge of “Fever Dream,” when Collin turned to the crowd: “Chicago, are we having a fun time together tonight? I wanna hear you sing nice and loud with Dallas!” Instantly, the entire venue joined in a powerful singalong led by guitarist Dallas Molster. Then, with one final push, Collin yelled, “Chicago, let me fucking hear you!” The crowd roared back, screaming the last lyrics in perfect unison with him.

Grayscale closed their set for the night with “Not Afraid to Die,” a gut-punch of a closer. “We’re Grayscale from Philadelphia,” Collin said. “Have a fun night and be safe.” Most bands would’ve ended there, but the night had one last surprise in store.

Later in the night, during Mayday Parade’s set, Collin returned to the stage for a stirring performance of “Three Cheers for Five Years.” The duet was a powerful moment that brought together two generations of the scene, celebrating the past while looking ahead to what’s next.

Opening acts often go under-appreciated, but Grayscale made it impossible to ignore them. Their set was passionate, precise, and packed with enough energy to charge the entire room. At a venue as special as The Salt Shed, on a night already marked by a dust storm and nostalgia, they delivered a performance that felt iconic in its own right.