Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
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This concert was set to unfold as a dynamic showcase, with Static X and Sevendust as co-headliners, supported by the energetic performances of Lines of Loyalty and Dope! Originally slated for Tuesday, February 13th, the event faced a setback due to snow. Thankfully, the tour swiftly rebounded, rescheduling the show just two days later on Thursday, February 15th, maintaining the same venue.
Having navigated the venue’s check-in routine before, I smoothly acquired my credentials and made my way to the pit, anticipating the excitement that awaited.
Lines of Loyalty, a group previously unfamiliar to me, sparked my curiosity upon approval for the show. Turning to YouTube, I discovered their latest video, “Hurts to be Human,” emanating from the trio based in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It became evident that they were poised to deliver an unforgettable performance, and they didn’t disappoint. The live set commenced with the title track from their debut album, “Hurts to be Human,” featuring soaring vocals, emotive lyrics, gripping riffs, and an exceptional rhythm section.
As the performance unfolded, they seamlessly transitioned through various tracks from “Hurts to be Human,” including “Blackout,” “My Addiction,” “With or Without You,” “Winless War,” “Because of You,” and “I’m Not the One.” This eclectic mix encapsulated moments of hard-hitting riffs, melodic bliss, and rap flows, drawing comparisons to the multifaceted style reminiscent of Linkin Park.
Lines of Loyalty ignited a powerful connection with the crowd, seamlessly engaging and energizing them throughout the set. The crowd, fully immersed, responded fervently to every beat and lyric, transforming Lines of Loyalty from a mere opening act into an unforgettable highlight of the night.
What stood out was that Lines of Loyalty didn’t merely serve as an opening act; they elevated the energy of the entire show and set a formidable standard for opening bands on future tours. The confidence they showed was that of seasoned pros that have been at it for many years. Their ability to blend diverse elements into a cohesive and electrifying performance left a lasting impression, proving that they were more than capable of holding their own on a stage shared with seasoned headliners.
Storming the stage next with an air of seasoned confidence, the legendary Nu metal ensemble Dope, originating in NYC in 1997, made a thunderous entrance to an already thunderous crowd. Kicking off their set with the title track from their 2016 release “Blood Money,” the onslaught of reverberating riffs and intense drums, coupled with Edsel’s distinctive vocals, immediately elicited a fervent sing-along and sparked a lively mosh pit. The crowd’s energy soared with each successive track, reaching new heights during fan favorites like “Bring It On” and “Bitch,” with Dope reciprocating the escalating enthusiasm.
A standout moment came with the performance of the perennial classic “Debonair” from their debut album “Felons and Revolutionaries,” as well as the Fast and Furious Soundtrack, a track so potent it prompted even the most reserved concertgoers to join the spirited chaos of the pit. Abrasive cuts like “Die MF Die” from “Life,” “I’m Back” from “American Apathy,” and “Die, Boom, Bang, Burn” from “No Regrets” further intensified the crowd’s fervor, driven by the band’s remarkable quarter-century legacy.
In the midst of an unforgettable set, Jaidyn, a dedicated metal enthusiast, held up a sign requesting a Dope setlist. Serendipitously, Daniel Fox, handling the bass, caught sight of it. In a heartwarming gesture, after a song in the middle of the set, he tore a setlist from the stage floor, passed it to security, and ensured it reached her hands. Cheers erupted from the pit as she secured the setlist!
As they concluded their set, Dope took an unexpected turn with their cover of Dead or Alive’s euro-pop hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Their unique interpretation, infused with signature riffing and deep bass lines reminiscent of Rob Zombie’s aesthetic, breathed new life into the familiar track.
Dope’s performance underscored not only their enduring prowess but also their ability to evolve. With the release of their latest full-length album, “Blood Money Part Xer0,” the much-anticipated prequel to “Blood Money Part One,” Dope once again demonstrated their aptitude for staying relevant and delivering live shows that resonate with the raw, unbridled energy fans have come to expect over the years.
In a crescendo of anticipation, Sevendust seized the stage, stirring the crowd into a frenzy. Commencing with the powerful “I Might Let the Devil Win,” the opening track from their latest release “Truth Killer,” the band’s emergence from the stage wings marked the beginning of an electrifying performance. Seamlessly transitioning into the title track “Truth Killer,” Sevendust was meeting the crowd know to buckle up and hang on!
The setlist, carefully curated for this run, featured intense tracks and a captivating mix that catered to both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. From the anthemic title track of “Alpha” to the visceral impact of “Till Death” from 2013, and the emotional resonance of “Hero” and “Pieces,” drawn from various albums, Sevendust captivated the entire crowd. Deafening screams and a chorus of collective singing resonated throughout the venue, creating an atmosphere filled with pulsating energy. Lajon and the band reciprocated this fervor with expressions of gratitude, escalating the intensity of the performance.
In a heartfelt moment between songs, LJ addressed the crowd, urging them to consider the night not merely as a concert but as a family reunion. The sentiment underscored the deep connection Sevendust forges with their fans, turning the concert experience into a communal celebration.
The band continued to captivate with classics like “Denial” from 1999, the enduring force of “Black” from 1997, and the anthemic “Enemy” from 2003. A heartwarming highlight came as Sevendust invited four kids onto the stage during “Enemy,” creating an unforgettable moment of shared joy and excitement.
Transitioning into “Splinter” and “Everything,” Sevendust invoked a spectrum of emotions, from nostalgic reflections with the former to the soaring vocals and infectious melody of the latter. As they approached the grand finale, the crowd was treated to the seismic impact of “Bitch” and the resounding closure of “Face,” solidifying Sevendust’s indelible mark among the music elite. The performance transcended the stage, etching an unforgettable chapter in the collective memory of both the band and their devoted fanbase.
Having been a fan of Sevendust since their 2001 release “Animosity,” I had actually never had the chance to see them live, so getting to cover them on my first time seeing them was a great opportunity.
As the climactic moment approached, the venue plunged into darkness for the final time, and a spectacular transformation unfolded. Strobes burst into pulsating rhythms, casting an otherworldly glow, while ethereal soapy snowflakes descended from the stage, turning the setting into an eerie winter wonderland. From the shadows emerged a colossal creature adorned with massive claws and a disco pumpkin-head, an imposing figure standing at an impressive 10 feet tall.
As the anticipation reached its zenith, Static-X materialized on stage, with Xer0 making a gradual entrance on an elevated platform just as the introductory notes faded away. Deafening screams erupted from the crowd, marking the onset of the unmistakable opening riffs of “Hollow.” On-stage pyrotechnics burst into life, crafting a colossal X in front of Ken Jay, amplifying the visual and sonic spectacle.
Following Wayne Static’s tragic passing in 2014, the band made the poignant decision to carry forward his enduring legacy. The enigmatic figure known as Xer0, the newly appointed frontman, donned an astonishing mask. Adorned with a captivating black and white pattern and a prominent X across the forehead, the mask’s eyes radiated a piercing laser red. This transformative visual tribute seamlessly etched Wayne’s indelible presence within the fabric of the band, ensuring his spirit endured.
The audience was treated to a sonic journey through Static-X’s extensive catalog. The setlist resonated with classics such as “Terminator Oscillator,” the pulsating energy of “Love Dump,” the raw intensity of “Sweat of the Bud,” and the visceral impact of “Wisconsin Death Trip.”
Tracks like “Fix,” “Bled for Days,” and “Black and White” continued to amplify the sonic intensity. The audience clearly reveled in the nostalgia of “This Is Not,” the infectious energy of “Z0mbie,” and the relentless drive of “Get to the Gone.”
Static-X delved even deeper into their catalog with hits like “I Am,” “Destroy All,” and “Cold,” offering a comprehensive journey through their evolution.
The undeniable crowd-pleasers “I’m With Stupid” and “Push It” marked a triumphant conclusion to the set, leaving the audience immersed in the echoes of an unforgettable night that paid homage to the past while embracing the band’s vibrant future.
Ethereal Metal 
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