There is nothing like a Friday night and live music, well movies make a good substitute but that is a story for another time. With the spring weather beginning to hit, it seems that more bands are hitting the road and making passes through my town. This particular night saw the latest incarnation of Drowning Pool bring their Full Circle tour through Poughkeepsie, NY with their stop at The Chance Theater, the best music club in the area. While I cannot say it was the best night of music, it was definitely high energy, which I needed considering how tired I was heading into a night that featured five bands.

The first act to take the stage was the local act Hyngd. I have seen these guys before, although it has been over a year. They hit the stage like a band with something to prove, playing tight hard rock and doing their part to get the small but growing crowd amped for the rest of the evening. They did a good job, however I have to admit to not being all that enamored with their music. It is not that it was bad, but it did fall a bit to the bland side, and the effects on the singer's voice gave his sound an odd tinge, I would rather have heard more of his voice without the effects. It was solid rock and roll in the Godsmack tradition, and it was played with power and conviction, just not a great amount of originality. However, the final song of their set did see them step up a bit and provide us with their best song of the night. Now, if they could play more with that sound.

Next was an up and coming act from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, called Another Black Day. They are on tour promoting the upcoming release of their debut album. Lead singer/vocalist Matthew Wilcof came to the stage announcing their band name and saying: "You may not know who we are, but you will!" Following their thirty minute set, I am convinced that Matthew spoke the truth. This metal act impressed with their technical skills, blended with some nice songwriting, and plenty of energy.

You know how you hear a band and you begin to think of other bands that they remind you of, I have noticed that the connections I make are sometimes more feel related than an actuality. To this end, Another Black Day came across as blend of Lamb of God and Black Label Society. They had a bit of that New Wave of American Metal sound, while also being deep into the heavy hard rock sound. However you want to listen to them, they have definite skills and will be a band to keep an eye on.