NASHVILLE, ARE YOU READY FOR SEVENDUST?


 

  Ok Nashville, I'm going to warn you now!  When the deity that is Sevendust hits your stage on Sunday night, your asses better be ready for one of the best damn performances you'll see all year. I don’t want to give too much away here, just be prepared for a show that even the heavy hitters would not miss.   Legendary guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, was in the house as Hollywood rock fans of all leagues filled up The House of Blues in Los Angeles and were treated to a sixteen song set with a stage set that included a ramp that went up and around the back of the drum kit so large that it encompassed the side of the entire stage left and right.

  Lajon Witherspoon and his Legion of Doom lineup of original members John Connolly (guitars), Vince Hornsby (bass), Morgan Rose (drums), and the one new addition in the bands history, former SNOT guitarist, Sonny Mayo, literally set the House of Blues on fire when they came out on stage opening with the two new hits off the brand new EP,  Next.   "Ugly" and "Hero" were the perfect combination to get the already hyped crowd ready for the show they obviously were ready to unleash.  This latest and most emotional album yet makes number five for them.

  Thousands of  fans,  including this Angel,  were anxiously waiting to see what Sevendust had in store for us.  Fueled after a 2004 split with the record label TVT Records  as well as the exit of original guitarist Clint Lowery to join the DARK NEW DAY lineup,  and replacement of their management in the prime of their careers, Sevendust decided to do this without outside interference and held out on a label decision. Self produced and evident of their true life feelings and emotions throughout this rollercoaster ride, SEVENDUST once again delivers without disappointment; aggressive,  heavy,  and filled with enough spirit to show the world that they were not going anywhere let alone adhering to the punches that life can deliver.

  If your girlfriend/boyfriend is into Maroon Five then you’d be better off leaving them at home, as not one single composition rang out any of the softer side of the Atlanta based madmen.  Metal riffs, fiercely pounding drum explosions, and fronted with the vocals of an artist of whom few can even come close to, Sevendust owned the night.  Knowing by the energy and smiles captured at moments in time, Sevendust knew they had the audience in the palm of their hands.  If Lajon would have told us all to bow down and kiss the floor, I bet not one person in the room would have defied his wish.  I have seen some great shows these last two years with captivated fans and venues so emotionally connected to their idols on the stage, but I have never felt one like this.  I am not allowed to "Rock Out" anymore due to massive neck pain experienced and developed over the years of head banging shows that I have attended. But this night, I had no control and my head is still having a hard time forgiving my unleashed desire that overwhelmed my tolerance to pain.  Songs such as, "Black," "Pieces, "Wired," "Bitch," "Enemy," and "Praise" were all slammed out in their full and raw form. Even though Sevendust's performance lasted three times as long (ninety minutes plus) as the average act that comes through, especially with four opening acts, the crowd was not ready to go home. The House of Blues never grew silent after Sevendust walked off the stage.  Relentless and determined for more, the diehard fans of tonight’s headlining band were given what Sevendust promises; a band that is loyal to its fans. Their creation of expression and finally, the desire to fuel the masses with what is this Angel's idea of today's top music. Sevendust; a fan of theirs, I was…a part of them, I am now.  Thank you, Sevendust, for your incredible and necessary music.  Thank you Amanda, from ABC P.R., for your generosity and trust. And final thank you to Chris Czynszak at NashvilleRock.Net for your assistance in getting me into the show.  You are all what this Angel believes to be a part of heaven.

Next to visit the Angel's Den will be Sonata Arctica, Finland's finest form of music and a band that I was more impressed with than expected.  For this review, I decided to have two of Sonata Arctica's biggest fans at the show that night write for me.  This Angel is new to a world of so many different types of Metal and how they are labeled.  Many of the biggest hitters are coming from Finland, Poland, and Sweden, so it is overwhelming and exciting for me to discover a whole new world of Rock/Metal bands.  I figured, "Who better to teach me, then the fans I get to meet and learn from at the shows." Also, stay tuned for an interview with Kenny Kweens of  BEAUTIFUL CREATURES as I sit down and chat with him about the sophomore album just released, the tour, and his massive and unique collection of bass guitars.
Seether and Shinedown SnoCore Tour review and photos as well as many, many more waiting to enter my den.

Bren Alesch

Angelwing Photography

Feel free to email me for any comments, complaints or requests.  I'd love to hear from each and every one of you!

bren@angelwingphotography.com


"You must do, that in which you think you cannot do."
Eleanor Roosevelt