Review and Photos by Micah Gummel
Bands Photographed:
Devour the Day: PHOTOS
Supermachine: PHOTOS
Black Stone Cherry: PHOTOS
Trivium: PHOTOS
Hellyeah: PHOTOS
Seether: PHOTOS
Avenged Sevenfold: PHOTOS
“Call your name every day, when I feel so helpless I’m fallen down, but I’ll rise above this, rise above this.” – “Rise Above This”, Seether
In 2008, Shaun Morgan and Seether penned the song ‘Rise Above This,’ an opus largely dedicated to Morgan’s brother Eugene, and the depression he battled throughout his life ultimately leading to his suicide. While the experience was a life-changing one for the band, they realized the widespread impact of suicide is a worldwide epidemic and they wanted to do something about it, resulting in the creation of their Rise Above Fest (RAF) – aiming to spread awareness for suicide and raise funds for groups like Save.org, who help those impacted.
In 2012 I was the photographer for the first RAF (See more HERE). At this event the goal was to support the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) with the same specific goal as with 2014 RAF all of the proceeds to go to Suicide Prevention in children and teenagers. The same as in the 2012 RAF as 2014’s event the entire day was filled with community outreach, educational information and shout outs from every band, local DJ’s, newscasters and producers. The message was clear: Through music, community and caring for each other, when facing life’s problems, no matter how extreme, together we can RISE ABOVE IT!
The 2014 Rise Above Fest took up shop at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor, Maine. For me it was a 4hr drive not too bad but dismal as it was raining the whole way. You know what they say in Maine about the weather “If you don’t like the weather just wait 15 min” in this case it was about 2 hours then the sun came out brining the perfect New England setting and soundscape for the festival. With more than ten bands spread out over two stages, the all-day affair proved to be an amazing day for music fans and the cause alike.
While local favorites like Portland, Maine’s own Uncle Jack lead the charge on the side stage, up and coming acts like Devour the Day really made a mark too, sharing their music with the voracious crowd. The second stage also hosted sets from Leaving Eden, Dead Season, and Kyng.
The local action spilled on to the main stage too, allowing Supermachine and Muckler’s Circle a chance to wow the massive crowd of six thousand plus. That was just the beginning off the main stage action that would run late into the night. The eclectic mix of mainstage acts added to the overall appeal of the show from Southern rockers Black Stone Cherry tearing up the stage to metal masters Trivium’s shredding guitar riffs, there was a little something for everyone.
Hellyeah With Vinny Paul, Pantera, on drums, and Chad Gray, Mudvayne, on vocals was heavy on theatrics and stirred the crowd up into a veritable frenzy before the more demure style of Seether took over the stage. The festival’s hosts are seasoned vets and powered through a masterfully crafted set list of songs, spanning their career and covering all of the bases.
Avenged Sevenfold closed out the night with a bang – a literal bang powered by the massive amounts of pyrotechnics that accompanied them.
The message of the day was carried throughout the event from band’s talking about how their lives have been impacted by suicide to fundraising events like auctioning off a custom crafted Seether poker table – a one of a kind grab for one lucky fan ( see more Auction info HERE. Muckler’s Circle and Luxury Gaming, Inc., designed and donated the poker table, valued at more than $60K, that was raffled off the day of the event. That is some poker table!
Thanks to Seether for keeping ‘Rise Above’ in New England and here’s to next year. a special thanks goes out the Seether and the management team I have worked with numerous bands and management I must say the guys and gals of Seether and team truly love there work and the fans being back stage working the media side of events like this you rely get to see the true spirit of the bands Seether truly emulates the true spirit of giving back to the fans.
In closing if you or someone you know has been impacted by suicide or could use some help contact Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, www.SAVE.org. to raise funds and spread information to those contemplating suicide as well as their friends and family members. With so many individuals personally connected to the issue of suicide, the message here is simple – reach out to one another. If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
Devour the Day: PHOTOS
Supermachine: PHOTOS
Black Stone Cherry: PHOTOS
Trivium: PHOTOS
Hellyeah: PHOTOS
Seether: PHOTOS