For a band on the precipice of entering its 20th year, Thrice still sounds as vital as ever. While the group of kids who wrote the blistering post-hardcore anthems found on 2002's fantastic "The Illusion of Safety" and 2003's major label follow-up, "The Artist in the Ambulance," have done a lot of growing up over the past two decades, the sense of nuance and careful artistry found on Thrice's later records has always been there — you just had to pay close attention. Frontman Dustin Kensrue and company have been tactfully weaving existential drama and observant sociopolitical commentary into their records for long enough that they've made it look easy.

Thrice will play with Circa Survive, Chon, and Balance and Composure on Friday, December 1, at the Main Street Armory, 900 East Main Street. 6 p.m. $30. mainstreetarmory.com; thrice.net.