Concert Recap: Heartbent's "Bloodlust" Tour in Greenville, NC (2/19/2026)

Those that are familiar with my interviews likely recognize the band Heartbent — I’ve become a big fan of this band over the last couple years, and have had the pleasure of interviewing them on two different occasions, with the most recent taking place last summer with vocalist Alex “Folmzz” Folmer after the band’s run with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and release of their single “At First Sight.” Since then, the band has released their second full-length album, ‘Bloodlust: Heartbreak or Death,’ and have embarked on a headlining tour in support of the record. A full review of the album is coming soon, but just know that it’s an incredible musical step in the right direction for the band, and it’s clear that the band is excited about the release as well. Every band says their most recent work is their best, but Heartbent is so proud of this album that they’ve been playing it in its entirety on this tour.

At the midpoint of the tour, Heartbent made a stop at Alley Cat Records in Greenville, NC, with local support from Mortem Reverie and Escape Velocity, making for an eclectic yet fitting lineup. Greenville’s a short drive from my hometown in Jacksonville, only an hour and a half away, and with how much I’ve grown to love Heartbent’s music and wanted to see them live over the last couple years, making the trek to Alley Cat Records for this show was a no-brainer for me. The band has had some online success during this album cycle too, with the results quickly packing out this small Greenville venue for the show. Many people showed up early during their soundcheck, and some even stayed late after their set for a live Q&A with the band.

Kicking off the show was Mortem Reverie, a Greenville-based hardcore band that had all the intense energy needed to kick off a show like this. They were undoubtedly the heaviest band on the lineup, with short yet brutal songs, and they got the job done of getting the night started. This was my first time seeing them live, and given their sound and overall vibe, I feel like they would fit in well in the Wilmington scene because of all the heavy bands that thrive in that area. It would be awesome to see them in one of the venues down there soon. Speaking of Wilmington, Escape Velocity provided direct support, and having seen this band more times than I can remember, I always get excited when they’re on a lineup. Having seen them at the beginning of the month in Wilmington, NC, it felt like no time had passed and it was business as usual. These guys always put on a great show, and no matter where they play, the crowd always loves them. The stage setup was a little bit tight, which had vocalist Mark “Ralz” Cessna performing on the ground with the audience, but it was still a great set and added to the overall experience for those who may have been seeing them live for the first time. I was wondering what local bands would end up opening for Heartbent at this show, and I’m so glad Escape Velocity was one of them — they’re such a great fit together, and I hope they get to share the stage again in the future.

First things first, for an independent band playing in a small venue, Heartbent goes the extra mile to make their shows more than just performing a few songs on stage — they dress up the stage as much as they can, with some props on the mic stands and flowers on the drumset, and the band puts everything they have into replicating the musical impact of these songs in a live setting. Folmzz admitted that he was feeling under the weather and his voice was a little rough, but it was hard to tell while he was singing that he was having any trouble vocally. Drummer Austin Collins is in the zone behind the kit, and I have no idea how he’s able to nail his parts so well while headbanging and having his hair in front of his face, but clearly he didn’t have any problems. Additionally, the backing vocal chops of Ize and Ben, respectively on bass and guitar, enhance the live show so much because of their impressive ranges — not to mention their talented abilities on their actual instruments.

As far as the setlist goes, the whole “Bloodlust” record was performed from front to back, and there was a quick encore in the form of the single “Take Control,” from their self-titled debut album that was released in 2024. “Bloodlust” takes inspiration from all sorts of musical styles, from the classic emo and alternative rock that Heartbent has crafted their sound after, to shoegaze and pop, to full-blown metalcore, and the audience was receptive to every single switchup throughout the set. No matter what was played before, the crowd was fully prepared to mosh, jump, and dance at the snap of Folmzz’s fingers. The band did an amazing job bringing this record to life, and it makes me even more excited for another show and to see what they do in the future.

Heartbent Setlist:

1. At First Sight
2. Die By My Hand
3. Desire of Flesh
4. I Want You (Body & Soul)
5. My Escape
6. Bloodlust
7. Edge of Oblivion
8. Dead & Buried
9. Does it Make You Feel Alone?
10. Take Control

Having worked with the band in various capacities over the last couple years, it was great to finally meet everybody in-person and to watch them perform live for the first time. I loved seeing how excited the rest of the crowd was during their set, and just how many people showed up for them in Greenville, NC on a Thursday night. Here’s to hoping they come back soon, because they definitely proved that they have an established fanbase here that’s ready to see them again.

Support Heartbent here.