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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