Illinois is full of notoriety. Known for a of cool stuff, like: Abraham Lincoln, Route 66, Al Capone’s hideaway, the iconic Chicago Bears, and much more. However, last week, this Midwestern State was host to two live metal music tours that were like a symphony of thunderstorms within two different cities. The tours were a mere 24-hours apart from one another, both of which left fans across the miles of prairies and cornfields awestruck and drenched in the raw power of metal. Below is a full recap:
August 9, 2023 – “The Psychotherapy Sessions” Tour
Peoria, Illinois
(Peoria Civic Center)
Future Tour Dates: August 19 (Concord, CA); August 20 (Reno, NV); August 22 (Auburn, WA); August 23 (Ridgefield, WA); August 25 (West Valley City, UT); and August 26 (Greenwood Village, CO); .
MUDVAYNE (Peoria’s Own!)
Seeing Mudvayne live is an electrifying experience as it is, let alone when they return home to Peoria. The Civic Center likely vibrated off of its foundation at least an inch due to the excitement that could literally be felt just prior to them taking the stage. As the lights dimmed, the black curtain fell, and, the first chords reverberate through the venue, the anticipation in the air was tangible, setting the stage for an unforgettable set of an explosive blend of technical music mastery, and fierce energy.
From the moment they stepped onto the stage, Mudvayne’s members exude an aura of intense dedication to their craft. The synchronization of Ryan Martinie’s intricate bass lines with Matt McDonough’s thunderous drumming serves as the backbone of their sound, while guitarist Greg Tribbett and vocalist Chad Gray contribute their own fiery artistry to create this sonic powerhouse.
One of the standout elements of Mudvayne’s live show is their ability to transition seamlessly between their heavier, more aggressive tracks and their melodic, emotionally charged ballads. This versatility not only showcases their musical range but also keeps the audience engaged and invested in every moment of the performance.
Even with taking a few years apart from one another for separate endeavors, the connection between the band members remains solid and is a testament to their years prior of collaboration and shared musical vision.
Visually, the production of a Mudvayne live show complements their music’s intensity. Along with their signature face paint, the lighting effects and well-timed visuals add depth to their performance, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the show. Interaction with the crowd was another highlight, as Vocalist almost always immerses himself within first few rows of fans, allowing them to hold him up above them as he screams their anthems.
As the set list unfolded, featuring a mix of fan-favorite hits and deeper cuts, the band has alluded to the media that there is indeed new music that will be released very soon. Stay tuned for information on that info.
In the end, this Mudvayne live show was a cathartic journey that left everyone in attendance exhilarated and emotionally charged. Their masterful musicianship, high-octane energy, and genuine connection with the audience make each performance an unforgettable testament to their artistry
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GWAR
Gwar’s live show is a chaotic and exhilarating spectacle that defies conventional concert experiences and this specific performance was no different. From the moment the band members take the stage in their outlandish costumes and grotesque personas, it’s clear that this is not just a performance, but a journey into a realm of theatrical shock and awe.
The stage is transformed into a vivid and surreal battleground, complete with elaborate set designs that often involve otherworldly props, gory special effects, and an array of fantastical creatures. Gwar’s commitment to their visual storytelling adds an immersive layer to their music, effectively transporting the audience to an alternative universe of mayhem and madness.
The music itself is a fusion of heavy metal, punk, and thrash, providing the pounding soundtrack to the chaos unfolding on stage. Gwar’s unique brand of performance art blends seamlessly with the music, creating an atmosphere of controlled chaos that resonates with fans and newcomers alike.
While fans can expect to be sprayed with fake blood and other colorful substances, this photojournalist did not appreciate the interactive nature, simply due to camera equipment that was not quite ready for the intense adventure. However, their commitment to visual storytelling, combined with their unconventional stage presence and theatrics creates an experience that transcends traditional concerts and leaves a lasting impression on those who dare to witness it. It’s a testament to the band’s enduring legacy as pioneers of theatrical metal performance.
COAL CHAMBER
Keeping with the theme of immersive and intense, Coal Chamber certainly did not disappoint. Even after an eight year hiatus, they band didn’t skip a beat, yet were definitely missed and welcomed.
Imagine this: The stage goes black and a bit of fog appears as The Chordettes song, “Mr. Sandman,” pours out of the enormous PA system. The fans wait patiently (and cautiously) and then there it is…that very first bass note that makes you feel as though you’ve been hit with a wall of sound that combines elements of nu-metal, industrial, and alternative metal. The band’s signature blend of heavy riffs, pounding drums, and visceral vocals immediately takes hold, pulling you into their world of intensity and raw emotion.
Fronted by Dez Fafara’s and with the ever-present Nadja Peulen on bass, the entire band has commanding presence and their live performance exudes a mix of power and vulnerability. Dez’s distinctive voice alternates between guttural growls and melodic harmonies, each delivery resonating with the audience’s emotions. His interactions with the crowd create a sense of camaraderie, as he encourages participation that draws you deeper into the world they have create.
NONPOINT
Attending a Nonpoint show is like stepping into a zone of unadulterated energy and camaraderie. From the moment the band takes the stage, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, and the crowd’s excitement is palpable.
Nonpoint’s music, a fusion of alternative metal and hard rock, hits like a sonic wave, immediately grabbing your attention. The heavy riffs, pulsating basslines, and dynamic drumming create a sound that’s both powerful and infectious. Elias Soriano’s vocals, ranging from raw aggression to soulful melodies, guide you through a journey of emotions, seamlessly connecting with the audience’s own feelings.
Elias Soriano himself is a charismatic frontman who knows how to engage a crowd. His interactions with the audience are genuine and down-to-earth, making you feel like you’re part of a united musical experience. He often encourages sing-alongs, crowd participation, and even shares personal anecdotes, creating a sense of intimacy that resonates well in larger venues.
The band’s chemistry on stage is evident as they feed off each other’s energy, seamlessly transitioning between songs and keeping the momentum going. Nonpoint’s live show isn’t just about the music—it’s a collective experience where the band and the audience become intertwined in a shared passion for the music.
August 10, 2023 – Godsmack and Staind Co-Headling Tour
Tinley Park, Illinois
(Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre)
Future Tour Dates: August 24 (Irvine, CA); August 26 (Las Vegas); August 27 (San Diego, CA); and, August 31 (Austin, TX).
GODSMACK
Although the Godsmack and Staind co-headling tour was met with a bit of difficulty (due to original opening band, Nothing More vocalist’s legal troubles), the show went on in all of its glory as legend Mix Master Mike stepped up to take their place.
Sully Erna, the band’s charismatic frontman, commanded the stage with an air of authority and passion. His distinctive vocals, ranging from gritty growls to soaring melodies, carried the weight of emotion that defines Godsmack’s music. Sully’s interactions with the audience were genuine and engaging, creating a sense of unity as the crowd joined in chorus after chorus.
The band’s musicianship is second to none, with tight instrumentals that hit with precision and force. The intertwining of Tony Rombola’s powerful guitar work, Robbie Merrill’s driving bass lines, and Shannon Larkin’s dynamic drumming forms the backbone of Godsmack’s sound. Their chemistry on stage was evident, each member contributing their unique energy to the performance.
Oh, and did I mention…FIRE! There was tons of FIRE!
STAIND
Back together for only a handful of years, after frontman Aaron Lewis has reinvented himself as a solo country artist in the last decade, Staind took second chair to open for Godsmack in Tinley Park.
Their set consisted of a majority of their melodic hits so may not have been an optimal choice while attempting to “warm up” the already hyped up crowed, thanks to the Mix Master Mike step-in.
The band started with their new song, “Lowest in Me,” which was received well. However, the guitar picks that were tossed into the crowd, displaying an image of former and disgraced President, Donald Trump, may have proven lower, as the expressions on the faces of those who caught them were not all appreciative.
Regardless, the set was good and thankfully ended with their heavy hitting single, “Mudshovel,” just prior to Godsmack taking the stage.
In the end, this 24-hour journey back into the 90’s was an unrelenting storm of sonic intensity and bass lines that were felt in your chest and was a spectacle that will soon not be forgotten. So, as the final chords faded into the night, the echoes of the performances lingered as murmurs of future plans among fans were already being planned.
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