By Hattan Savage, Rock At Night Nashville
Live Review: Scarhaven and COILER – The END, Nashville – September 4, 2025
Riser House Rock showcase, featuring debut signees Scarhaven and COILER had the industry insiders and local music fans gathering at The End this past Thursday. I had arrived early and was introduced to the guys on the lineup — Scarhaven’s Michael Saint (vocals), Jared Edson (bass), Matt Kilroy (guitar), Michael “Shap” Shapira (drums), and COILER’s mastermind, Ike Davis. We all chatted in depth about the bands’ formations, creative processes, influences and more. If you’re interested in learning more about the bands, my article featuring those interviews are a great place to start.
COILER’s quick but memorable set kept the energy high from start to finish. As promised in his interview, Ike never stood still. He commanded the whole stage, getting so close to the edge, it felt like he was one step away from hanging ten. Towards the end of the set, Ike broke the invisible barrier, leaping into the audience as the crowd parted and then closed around him. Given the stripped-down lineup of just guitar/vocals and a drummer, one might expect a sonic gap where the bass should be. But seeing them live, Ike’s stage presence and mastery of his gear more than compensated.
You know how it goes: as the night grows darker, the music grows heavier. The D.C.-based powerhouse Scarhaven took over the stage next. Michael’s vocals were raw and commanding, carrying the spirit of grunge and filling the room with his baritone. His movement was slightly limited by a walking boot (soccer injury — temporary) but guitarist Matt and bassist Jared added plenty of movement to complement Michael’s intensity. Shap attacked the kit with precision and power, thundering beneath the band.
Now, I’m not saying that long hair is better for headbanging, but the guys of Scarhaven were not taking that risk as their hair swung with the rhythm of the music. Both Matt and Jared stuck with just one instrument each for the entire set, keeping the sound heavy and uniform. Matt shredded on a white Gibson Les Paul Jr. and made effective use of his wah pedal. Jared matched his all-black outfit with a black Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass. There were very few spoken words during this set, but the lyrics and energy were enough to give the audience what they needed — a true haven to heal through music. Scarhaven closed out the night with their August 22nd release “Changing.”
By the end of the night, both COILER and Scarhaven had delivered tight sets that showed exactly why they’re the first signees of Riser House Rock. Audience members left The End having seen two bands with clear direction, solid stage presence, and lots of momentum heading.
Check out Rock At Night’s interview with the bands HERE.
- Riser House Rock Showcase: COILER and Scarhaven Ignite Nashville - September 11, 2025
- Chatting with the bands Scarhaven and COILER - September 11, 2025
- “311 and Badflower Rock Nashville: A Night of Eclectic Vibes and Raw Energy - August 28, 2025
