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.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
The show got underway at 4:30! While I'm not familiar with most of those bands, save for the Deftones, the fans get to take in a lot of music in one day...probably too much for me, truth be told. The tour is coming to my neck of the woods, but I'm going to skip it. I do know some Deftones fans who will be going. I would be interested if Killswitch Engage was playing, but that was last year.
2 - Chris Beaumont
This is the most bands I had ever seen at one time, but its not the longest show. Last year I saw Gigantour with 7 bands, Symphony X, Nevermore, Life of Agony, Dillinger Escape Plan, Fear Factory, Dream Theater, and Megadeth. That was more my speed. That lasted for 7 hours from 5 to midnight, and I missed Bobaflex who went on at 4:30.
This was a fun show, but I can say I felt as invested in the bands. The live energy was undeniable.
3 - Sheri Veta
Chris, The Confession is a really talented group. Listen to their EP and you will hear how great they are. They will be recording their full length CD in Oct, hopefully you will feel differently about them after you listen to the EP.
Thank you,
Sheri