Photos by Micah Gummel
Review by Madman Justin
Sevendust Photos HERE
Carolina Burn Photos HERE
Supermachine Photos HERE
All That Remains Photos HERE
When Sevendust made their way onto a blacked-out stage, the roof was nearly blown off of The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. The Sevendust show being the next to lad show closing out the 2013 concerts at the Ballroom. Frontman Lajon Witherspoon opened the set with Decay from the album Black Out the Sun. Sevendust has never lacked any luster and even with a short set they still can crank out some of the crowds favorites like Praise, Denial, and Waffle. The ultimate songs seemed to be Bitch and Black, both from their 1997 debut album. Sending many surfing across the crowd.
This band is all about fan interaction, which is easy to see in their live shows – especially bassist Vinnie Hornsby, well known for his humorous demeanor and facial expressions as he works his way around the stage. The foundation for their trademark sound lies equally amongst the entire band. Guitarist Clint Lowery wore a thin black hoodie and shredded lead breaks upon John Conolly’s heavy riffs. Morgan Rose is a blur behind the drum kit, his play is a force and he mixing relentless pounding with complex drum signatures. Vince Hornsby constantly bounced around the stage, slapping his bass while weaving a rhythm around Rose’s heavy beat.
Lajon’s vocals were strong, matching the intensity of those around him. The opening notes of “Bitch” induced the crowd to sing the first verse well enough that Lajon paused to to admire the crowd. Thanking the crowd, Lajon said, “New Hampshire is like a second home to us”.” I don’t care how cold it gets, you always give us love, warmth and happiness.” They took it up another level with the energetic “Waffle” and “Strong Arm Broken.”
Since their first inception in 1994, Sevendust has not only built a fortress of fans, but they have matured as songwriters, musicians and performers. Tonight in NH, there was no need for the band to black out the sun they lit up the stage!
Sevendust
Carolina Burn
Supermachine
All That Remains