I missed the inaugural Taste of Chaos tour last year, which was headlined by Killswitch Engage. This time around I made sure to get to it, despite the reservations I had. You see, on the surface, I am not an ideal candidate for reviewing this type of show. Granted, I am a music fan and enjoy a lot of different types of music and bands, but I have never been terribly attracted to this post-hardcore, emo, metal-core, screamo movement that has been making waves over the past couple of years. None of the bands have really grabbed me, although I am not averse to the possibility. On top of that, I haven't actively listened to this tour's headliner, the Deftones, since 2000's White Pony. Maybe I'm just getting too old for this. Still, I was intrigued by the huge assortment of bands being offered.

The real world did its best to keep me from getting a Taste. The show started at 4:30, my quitting time at work. Add in my commute home, time to change, grab something to eat, and drive to the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, and I didn't get in the doors until just after 6 p.m. Once inside, I was greeted by a long line of merchandise, as all the bands had their wares displayed. CDs, t-shirts, hoodies, DVDs, pins, stickers, and more adorned the walls and tables as the rabid fans clamored to get what they could. I moved by these tables only to be asked to sign a PETA petition against KFC's treatment of chickens. I quickly moved by. The next battle was getting past the insanely long beer line. Once through those lines, I was finally able to enter the concrete cavern of a concert hall.

I have never been a big fan of the venue; it's a tough place to mix as it is very much an echo chamber. I have heard great mixes and some some downright horrid ones. This show leaned towards the better, although it was a little drum- and bass-heavy. Anyway, I walked in on the tail end of one of the side-stage acts (not sure who they were), and they were just finishing up their last song. As they finished I took a look at yet more booths lining the walls. There were bartenders and Nintendo, The Alternative Press, and a few others. Before I could get a good read on all the signs, the show was off and running again. The above action all took place in the span of less than five minutes.

It was approximately 6:10 when As I Lay Dying began their set. This was one of the bands that I was interested in seeing, so I guess I got there just in time. Their 30-minute set was electric, the crowd was insane and the music was relentless. Okay, it may only be the first band I've seen, but I was ready to crown them best of the night. The guitars were heavy, bass solid, screaming voice working, and above all else, the drumming was crazy! Their brand of music was a lot heavier than I was expecting, in a good way. I may not know the songs, but I think I may be listening to more of them in the future; in fact, I know so. As their set came to a close, I prepared for what I hoped would be a brief wait. Turned out to be a lot more brief than I thought.