Concert Reviews

Seether Live Review Pittsburgh, PA

Published

3 months ago

September 30, 2024

With Skillet, Tim Montana, and Royale Lynne

The sun dipped behind the silhouette of Pittsburgh’s legendary Mount Washington, leaving Stage AE, PNC Park, and Acirsure Stadium (forever known as Heinz Field) in the long shadows of the first full day of fall. The line of fans waiting to enter Stage AE wrapped around the building and down the entire block as the anticipation rose.

The powerhouse rock band Seether plowed through Pittsburgh tonight, fresh off the release of their ninth studio album, The Surface Seems So Far, which dropped on September 20. The album’s electrifying opening track, “Judas Mind,” has already climbed to No. 5 on the rock radio charts, showcasing the band’s ability to consistently deliver hard-hitting anthems.

Originally hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, Seether has forged a legacy in the world of rock radio with hits like “Broken,” “Fake It,” and “Words as Weapons.” Over their more than 20-year career, the band has earned five gold and platinum albums while dominating the Billboard Rock Airplay charts with over two dozen Top 10 hits, including an astounding 20 No. 1 singles on U.S. radio. Their influence extends beyond music, as the rock quartet founded the annual Rise Above Fest, which ran for nearly a decade, raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.

Also sharing the stage tonight was the fiery Christian rockband Skillet, hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, known for their high-energy performances, pyrotechnics, and stage show. Support acts for the evening included Tim Montana and Royale Lynne rounding out the evening of unforgettable music and raw passionate performances.

SKILLET:

With their upcoming November 1st, 2024 release date for the new album “Revolution” on the horizon Skillet commanded the attention of their fans. The crowd were given a captivating light show and frontman/bassist John Cooper’s use of some Cryo Cannons made sure the audience were “Awake and Alive.” Delivering hit songs such as opener “Invincible” and “Monster” the band showcased favorites of their catalog. Never ones to shy away from their faith the band delivered a sometimes “Unpopular” opinion of their “Hero” with a message of unity and hope between songs and focused on how music brings us all together. Korey Cooper (guitar), Jen Ledger (drums) and Seth Morrison (guitar) each delivered a high energy performance that the band has become known for. With 11 albums under their belt that have garnered Grammy nominations, multi platinum sales and numerous awards there is no doubt the upcoming new album will provide another solid track list.

SEETHER:
As Seether took the stage it was bathed in shadow, only to erupt into a blaze of backlights and video screens as the opening riff of “Gasoline” ignited the night. The audience, clad in a sea of band tees, and raised fists, swayed and shouted in sync with Shaun Morgan’s raw vocals. The grinding guitars pierced the venue, setting the tone for what would be an electrifying performance.

As the final note of “Gasoline” rang out, Morgan the acoustic strumming of “Fine Again” floated over the crowd. The song, an anthem of resilience, from the bands 2000 album Fragile hit harder than ever, with the crowd belting out every lyric, their voices merging with Morgan’s in a powerful chorus of survival and hope.

Next, the lights dimmed even further as Seether transitioned into their haunting ballad “Broken,” a track that still tugs at the heartstrings nearly two decades after its release. Phones lit up the crowd like stars as fans swayed, as they relived memories tied to this timeless hit.

Without missing a beat, Seether cranked the energy back up with “Country Song,” its infectious groove sending the audience into a frenzy. As the band seamlessly moved into “Wasteland,” the crowd’s energy never wavered, the gritty, distorted chords and pounding drums driving the momentum forward.

Midway through the set, Morgan took a moment to share a few words about the personal meaning behind “Rise Above This.” The song, dedicated to his late brother, has long served as a beacon of hope for fans struggling with mental health, and the crowd’s reverence during the performance was palpable. The collective voices lifted the chorus like a battle cry, giving the song even more emotional weight.

As the band unleashed “Nobody Praying for Me,” its dark, brooding tones echoed throughout the venue, setting a somber mood, but it was quickly shattered by the adrenaline-pumping “Dangerous.” The new hit from Seether’s latest album The Surface Seems So Far.

Then the band unleashed the heavy-hitting single from their newest album “Judas Mind,” which has already rocketed up the charts. The relentless riff reverberated through the crowd who chanted along to the chorus, as if reclaiming their own inner battles.

Seether wasn’t done yet. The mega-hit “Fake It” exploded through the speakers next, its rebellious energy and unforgettable chorus igniting the crowd into a frenzied sing-along. As the band shredded through the final notes, the fans roared for more, and Seether delivered one last knockout punch with their iconic closer, “Remedy.” The air was thick with adrenaline as the crowd gave their all, headbanging and shouting the lyrics at the top of their lungs, feeding off the sheer intensity of the band’s performance.

By the end of the set, the night felt electric and alive with the lingering energy of a band that had poured their heart and soul into every note. Seether had returned to Pittsburgh, not just to play a show, but to remind the crowd why their music continues to resonate so deeply, leaving a lasting impression that would be felt long after the last chord faded into the night.

About Author

Josh Drespling

Josh is the Publisher and creator of Empire Extreme and it’s sister publication Kingdom Extreme Magazine. He is an accomplished writer, photographer and graphic designer. He is always conjuring up new ideas and has a amazing passion for the music industry and all the things that surround it.

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Concert Reviews

A REUNION OF EPIC PROPORTIONS

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2024

Ron

A Killers’s Confession is on tour right now and doing a huge setlist of songs including a MushroomHead set with JMANN himself together with Waylon. The tour stopped into Baltimore at the Zen West Roadside Cantina.

Aaron from Gemini Syndrome gave us a great solo acoustic set. It was amazing to hear the songs stripped down to just keyboards or an acoustic guitar. You get to hear the raw emotions that came along with the lyrics.

A Killer’s Confession came on stage and got the crowd pumped up for some great metal and music. If you enjoyed the MushroomHead Waylon era you’re gonna dig AKC even more. Waylon’s vocals are amazing and the words and meanings to his lyrics just hit even harder. Waylon blends melodic melodies with an aggressive punch to the gut. The band is just as much fun and amazing as well. I love this version of AKC with the unified outfits and masks.

Songs like “Voices With”, “Greed”, “Kill or be Killed” and “Angel on the Outside” AKC is such a great band to watch play live.

On this tour called “A horrifying trip back to 2000s” not only did we get 11 songs of AKC but also get 9 songs of MushroomHead as well. Waylon came out and did “Simple Survival” and “Qwerty” then the OG man himself JMann came out and they did songs like “Bwomp”, “Becoming Cold” “Sun doesn’t rise” and “Solitaire/Unraveling”

It was great to see JMann and Waylon together again and to have them both enjoying songs that helped define them.

If you get a chance to check out this tour I urge to go and do it not only do you get those amazing AKC songs but you get those bonus MushroomHead songs as well with JMann and even Stitch and Lil Dan joining the tour as well.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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Concert Reviews

WHO KNEW PANTHERS AND HORSES GO SO WELL TOGETHER

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

Ron

Steel Panther is on tour now with the 15th anniversary of Feel The Steel album bringing along Marylands own Stone Horses.

Stone Horses opened up and kicked out the night the right way… by playing some fun and energetic rock and roll. I have been a fan of singer John Allen for many years with all his projects. Stone Horses is just a good ole rock and roll band that have fun songs and just put that great music right in your ear hole. They are a great band to check out and if you’re going to the Panther tour make sure to get there a little early to check them out.

Everyone was excited to see Steel Panther, it’s been since New Years Eve a few years back since they have played at the Filmore in Silver Spring and they brought with them a new bassist Spider.

I love that they are touring on the anniversary of Feel The Steel because we get to hear some of the OG classics that we might not hear usually. We got to hear “The Shocker” and Eating ain’t Cheatin” which I haven’t heard in a while along with all the other classics from that album like “Asian Hooker” which they brought an Asian female onstage and “Death to all but Metal”.

Of course we got some great comedy and fun banter from the boys which you know you’re always gonna get at a Panther show. My friend Megan got invited up for “Oklahoma Girl” and the stage was packed with the ladies for “17 girls in a row”.

I can’t wait for another 2 years to get that anniversary for “Balls Out” but in the meantime go out and see Steel Panther and support fun un-adulterated nonsense. In a world of Cancel Culture we need more bands like Steel Panther who push the envelope.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

Live Review: W.A.S.P. at Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA

Published

4 weeks ago

November 25, 2024

Josh Drespling

A Night of Nostalgia and Power

Heavy metal titans W.A.S.P. unleashed a night to remember at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE, delivering a performance that was equal parts nostalgic and incendiary. The evening featured the band’s iconic 1984 self-titled debut album performed in full, followed by a fiery encore of fan favorites, cementing their legendary status in the metal world. Joined by Armored Saint as the opening act, the night became a powerhouse celebration of classic heavy metal.

Armored Saint: A Thunderous Opening Act

Setting the stage for an unforgettable night, Armored Saint delivered a blistering performance that electrified the crowd and set the perfect tone for the chaos to come. John Bush, the charismatic vocalist, commanded the stage with his powerful voice, a seamless blend of raw grit and soaring melody. Tracks like “March of the Saint” and “Can U Deliver” pulsed with intensity, each riff and drumbeat reverberating through the venue, igniting the crowd’s energy.

With their signature blend of melodic yet muscular metal, Armored Saint proved why they remain a revered force in the heavy metal world. Their performance was a thunderous reminder of their enduring legacy and a testament to their ability to shake the rafters, priming the audience for the monumental act to follow.

W.A.S.P.: Reliving the Birth of a Legend

When W.A.S.P. stormed the stage, the room exploded with electrifying energy. Frontman Blackie Lawless, an enduring icon of heavy metal, led the charge as the band launched into their groundbreaking self-titled debut album, performing it in its entirety. Joining him were longtime bassist Mike Duda, guitarist Doug Blair, and the drumming powerhouse Aquiles Priester. Together, this seasoned lineup forged a connection with the crowd that bridged decades of metal history.

The show opened with the explosive anthem “I Wanna Be Somebody”, sending the audience into a frenzy as they belted out every word. This 1984 hit encapsulated everything that made W.A.S.P. legendary: searing guitar riffs, thunderous rhythm, and Lawless’s magnetic stage presence. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with Blair’s razor-sharp guitar licks, Duda’s commanding basslines, and Priester’s thunderous precision propelling the performance.

Tracks like “L.O.V.E. Machine” drew roars of recognition, its seductive groove and infectious riff a nostalgic throwback to the band’s early MTV appearances. The haunting “Sleeping (In the Fire)” highlighted Lawless’s raw vocal power, complemented by Blair’s emotive guitar solo that sent chills through the crowd. Slower yet equally powerful, the song underscored the band’s ability to balance intensity with emotional depth.

The rebellious spirit of “School Daze” brought youthful anarchy to life, while “Hellion” surged with primal energy, its relentless tempo whipping the crowd into a frenzy. “Tormentor,” famously featured in the cult 1984 horror film The Dungeonmaster, captivated the audience with its sinister edge and theatrical flair. By the time they reached “The Torture Never Stops,” steeped in heavy riffs and ominous overtones, the band had cemented their command over the audience.

This extraordinary set proved that their early material remains as potent and relevant as ever. Each note, riff, and lyric was delivered with precision and passion, celebrating the raw energy that first defined the band while reigniting the flames of their legacy. It was a performance that honored their roots, thrilled longtime fans, and reminded everyone why W.A.S.P. remains a towering force in heavy metal history.

Encore: A Theatrical Spectacle of Defiance and Nostalgia

After a brief pause, W.A.S.P. returned to the stage, igniting the crowd with an encore steeped in theatricality and a celebration of their expansive catalog. Kicking off with “The Big Welcome,” the dramatic prelude gave way to a medley of metal exuberance, blending “Inside the Electric Circus” (from their 1986 album), the raucous “I Don’t Need No Doctor” (a 1987 single), and the cinematic anthem “Scream Until You Like It” (featured in the Ghoulies II soundtrack). The medley was a whirlwind of 80s-era high-octane theatrics, and unrelenting energy.

One of the encore’s most captivating moments was their cover of The Who’s “The Real Me,” from their 1989 The Headless Children album. Doug Blair’s blistering guitar work added a sharp edge to the classic track, while Blackie Lawless’s powerful vocals roared with intensity, paying homage to the rock legends who inspired them.

The mood shifted with “Forever Free,” a poignant ballad that showcased the band’s introspective side. This reflective moment seamlessly transitioned into the epic title track of The Headless Children, an apocalyptic anthem with complex arrangements and evocative imagery, illustrating W.A.S.P.’s evolution beyond their glam metal origins.

The night reached its fiery climax with “Wild Child,” from their 1985 album The Last Command. Its sultry swagger and rebellious energy had the crowd singing along in unison. Finally, they launched into the quintessential party anthem, “Blind in Texas,” bringing the performance to an electrifying conclusion.

SET LIST:
I Wanna Be Somebody

L.O.V.E. Machine

The Flame

B.A.D.

School Daze

Hellion

Sleeping (in the Fire)

On Your Knees

Tormentor

The Torture Never Stops

Encore:

The Big Welcome