After catching a somewhat condensed set by Disturbed at last year's Rockstar Mayhem Festival, I realized a few things about the band. First of all, they are all incredibly talented musicians and about as tight a band you will ever see live. On top of that, singer Dave Dramian is not only one of the most charismatic frontmen around, but he can also work a crowd like few others can. So after realizing all this I told myself that the next time Disturbed hit the Bay Area I would without a doubt catch their show, which is why I made a trek down to San Jose on a Tuesday night.
Due to some pretty hellacious rush-hour traffic I walked into the San Jose State Event Center just as South Wales’ Skindred was wrapping up their set. I only caught about thirty seconds of the band so I can't really comment on them, but what I can say is they had the entire floor bouncing up and down to their Reggae-infused metal. Looks like they were a pretty good choice for the opening slot of this tour.
Up next this evening was Sevendust, a band who I have admittedly not paid much attention to over the years. On this night however, I couldn't help but notice the band, and as they busted out with "Inside," "Denial" and "Rumble Fish,” I quickly became impressed with them and their brand of heavy yet melodic style of metal. Singer Lajon "LJ" Witherspoon was sporting a pretty impressive set of pipes, and when he took a moment to show the band’s support for the men and women fighting for their country, the place just totally erupted. Guitarists John Connolly and Clint Lowery were fueling the set with their riffs, but as good as the they were, it was the rhythm section of Vincent Hornsby on bass and Morgan Rose on drums that really impressed me. As Sevendust wrapped up their set with "Face to Face,” I was glad I finally had a chance to check them out, and will have to start paying more attention to them in the future.
When the lights dimmed, the crowd roared and Disturbed frontman Dave Draiman was wheeled out onto the stage strapped to a dolly while wearing a straightjacket and Hannibal Lector type mask. From that moment I knew it was going to be a good show, and Draiman and his band didn't disappoint. The packed venue was putty in his hands right from the word go, and as Draiman asked the crowd, "Are you breathing?" and "Are you feeling Indestructible tonight?" they responded by pumping their fists high into the air. Draiman is an extremely enigmatic singer, and seems to know exactly just what to say to get a reaction from the audience. The band was also feeding off their singer's energy, with guitarist Don Donegan and bassist John Moyer constantly running from side to side of the stage, while occasionally meeting up in the middle to exchange some riffage. After a their version of Phil Collins' "Land of Confusion,” the four members locked into a groove and delivered “Deify,” "Stupified” and "Divide,” among others, with the precision of a well-oiled machine. And although they walked off stage after a smokin' rendition of "The Game,” the entire crowd knew there was more to come, and Disturbed returned and gave the crowd "Inside The Fire,” and of course, "Down With the Sickness.” I think it's safe to say that everyone in the venue was indeed down.
Artists:
www.disturbed1.com
www.sevendust.com
www.skindred.com
