Skyway Theater in Minneapolis, MN
3/22/22
Photos by Brett Zisler
Review by Nick
There's something special about seeing SEVENDUST live. They are one of the best long running bands out there. The magic between those 5 guys on stage is something that can't be replicated and the energy between the band and the crowd is unlike any other out there. The idea that we’re celebrating 21 years of the album “Animosity” is big in itself, let alone realizing how many solid songs there are on that album.
SEVENDUST came out swinging with "T.O.A.B.", "Praise" and "Trust" to start the show before Lajon Witherspoon took one of many moments out to tell stories from the Animosity album cycle. Plenty of laughs were had throughout the 90 min set with Lajon's stories going from the making of the album to playing The Gathering of the Juggalos. There's not many singers out there that sound just as good 21 years later in concert as Lajon does.
Guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connelly sounded better than ever even taking turns at the front on different songs. Nothing better than seeing bassist Vince Hornsby running around the stage with a big smile on his face. Then there's drummer extraordinare Morgan Rose. An influential drummer who's style is still like no other drummer out there 25 years later. Morgan still does tricks throwing drumsticks out and grabbing a new one without missing a beat. You can't help but smile and be in a good mood with these 5 on stage.
"Dead Set" sounded fantastic live as well as "Shine" in which Lajon got teared up. Showing that the songs from Animosity meaning just the same, if not more to Sevendust as well as the crowd. I didn't miss hearing new songs or favorites in the set as "Live Again" and "Beautiful" sounded just as amazing live as it would've been to hear "Denial", "Enemy" or "Blood From a Stone". Who knows when the next time slower songs like "Xmas Day" or "Follow" will show up in the set again - showing a different side to Sevendust that's not normally seen live. Lajon said it best during the set, "This isn't a concert, this is a family reunion. You are not fans, you are family."
Instead of ending the main set with the powerful "Angel's Son", they moved "Cruicifed" from track 4 to track 13 to end the show on a rowdy note. SEVENDUST returned victoriously coming back out for an encore of arguably two of their biggest songs "Bitch" and "Face to Face." There's nothing more cathartic than screaming along to "Face to Face" at a Sevendust show. Everyone left a satistified Sevendust fan hearing some songs for the first time that may never be played again live, the real joy of this Animosity 21st Anniversary Tour. Does that mean we'll see a 25th Anniversary Tour from Sevendust this fall? Only time will tell.
TETRARCH wins the Most Improved Band Award. You can tell they spent the downtime of the pandemic making sure they came back swinging harder than ever before. I haven’t seen them since they opened for Devildriver and 36 Crazyfists and they have solidified their live sound since then. When TETRARCH say that they have invested in themselves as a band, that’s 100% true.
Starting off their set with "Stitch Me Up" and running right in to the heavy "Negative Noise", TETRARCH were not messing around. There's probably not many drummers who punish their drums as hard as Ruben Limas. At one point during "Negative Noise", I thought he was gonna smash his snare thru the stand. Absolute power behind the kit.
Vocalist and guitarist Josh Fore commanded the crowd like a seasoned frontman. Guitarist Diamond Rowe showing exactly why she's a badass, slaying the guitar. Bassist Ryan Lerner running all over the stage like a madman while handling the low end. TETRARCH was able to have a great light show on this tour really setting them apart from other bands in the direct support slot.
With their singles "I'm Not Right" and "You Never Listen" getting great crowd reaction, TETRARCH let it all out and left it all on the stage in their 40 minute set. This band will continue to claw their way to the top of the metal mountain and the future of metal will be in good hands with TETRARCH leading the way.
Kicking off the night was DEAD POET SOCIETY. If you are a fan of Muse, you will definitely like Dead Poet Society. A good solid rock band and a nice opener for the night. A little different than the other two bands and that was appreciated. “.SALT.” was a great track letting the band jam out a little. Keep an eye on them.
SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PHOTOS FROM SEVENDUST and TETRARCH HERE!
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