As most of you know I am a big fan of hard rock and heavy metal music. Recently, I had the great fortune of seeing four great bands and one of them being one of the greatest metal bands of the 2000’s so far, Disturbed. Disturbed co-headlined the tour with Breaking Benjamin and support from Alter Bridge and Saint Asonia.
Opener- Sain Asonia
Saint Asonia? Who the heck is that? Well I’m glad you asked reader! Saint Asonia consists of former Staind guitarist, Mike Mushok, former Dark New Day and Eye Empire bassist Corey Lowery, former Finger Eleven drummer, Rich Beddoe and former lead singer of Three Days Grace, Adam Gontier. They bring an interesting mix of different styles to the table to generate an almost perfect sound when it comes to modern hard rock. Adam was not afraid to belt out the lyrics, headbang and get the crowd cheering. The band performed a song from Adam Gontier’s former band, Three Days Grace. I Hate Everything About You is a great love/hate song that Adam just won’t let go of. Overall, they put on a great show and would give them a 7.5/10.
Support- Alter Bridge
This one will be short, promise. Alter Bridge, one of the few bands out there with no lineup changes brought people to their feet in Saratoga Springs, New York. The rock band lead by lead vocalist and guitarist, Myles Kennedy who also has his own band, Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, who tend to do shows with the legendary Slash. Also, lead guitarist and backing vocalist, Mark Tremonti who also has his own band, Tremonti. Bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips all put on a good show, but they don’t really have any hits. They played one song I know and that is it. They were solid, not anything explosive or huge, but a solid performance. I’d give them a 6.5/10. Like I said, solid, just no X-Factor or big wow moments.
Co-Headliner Breaking Benjamin
After serious lineup changes, lawsuits and health battles Breaking Benjamin is back! Well, it’s the original lead singer with a whole different band but that’s besides the point. After having issues with the old band members, lead singer and guitarist, Benjamin Burnley had fought through health issues, found new band members and put out a phenomenal new album. They released their newest album, Dark Before Dawn back in 2014 and they have been touring ever since. With phenomenal lights, energy from the band, overall great sound and a spectacular covers medley Breaking Benjamin put on one heck of a show. Their covers medley starts with The Imperial March or as everyone else calls it, Darth Vader’s theme. Burnley is a huge Star Wars fan and is not afraid to show it. Then moving into Schism by Tool, Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana and closing out with Walk by Pantera. Playing their collection of hits that every rock fan knows made it a great show for hard rock fans alike. With great lights, sounding very close to the album despite health issues and appealing to the audience they deserve an 8.5/10.
Co-Headliner Disturbed
Ah yes, Disturbed! Reunited after being on a break like Ross and Rachel from Friends. Draiman formed a different band during the heidus but is back with Disturbed after putting out a phenomenal album titled, Immortalized. With Draiman’s signature vocals that was enough for me. With an abundance of energy flowing from guitarist Donegan and bassist John Moyer the special effects such as lights and even fire were almost not even necessary. Even when slowing down the pace to do slower songs such as, The Light and a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence the band was interactive with the audience Disturbed absolutely killed it. With a 9/10 from my perspective that’s almost as good as it can get for me. We’ll see if anyone can get to a 10/10.
