Going to a concert solely populated by local bands can be a questionable affair. Honestly, how many times have you gone to a local show only to be confronted with some of the most awful "music" you've ever heard?
I have had moments like this, never a complete show, mind you, but there are a lot of bad bands out there. However, you have to realize that your favorite bands have to come from somewhere, and that is the local scene, your local scene. So you have to go out and find the good ones. Believe me, there are good ones out there, and when you hear them, you will wonder why they are local. They can be that good.
What does that have to do with this show? Well, this was one of those shows where the stars aligned, a local show that was stacked with talent determined to put on the best show they could. You could see the determination in the face of everyone that took that stage. Were they all successful? No. The show was not perfect, but few are. Still, this was a local show to restore faith in the local scene.
As I walked into The Chance Theater, I was greeted by the music of Within Another whose set had just begun. I had seen them once before, in a much smaller venue. I remember remarking that their sound needed a bigger venue for the large progressive rock they played. I am happy to report that I was right, the larger theater gave them the room they needed to spread out. They have a sound that is reminiscent of Queensryche, particularly in Jerry Scharsu's voice. He has a powerfully clean voice that can let out a bloodcurdling scream when called for.
The rest of the band is no slouch either, excellent leads from both guitarists, particularly from Paul Mallory. Solid drumming and virtuoso bass round the band out. I cannot claim to be a big fan. Despite likeing a lot of what they were doing, there were chunks that just did not grab me. They put on a good show and are definitely a band to keep an eye on. Nice way to open the show.
Next up was Hyngd, a band I believe that I have seen before, but cannot quite remember when. Anyway, they took the momentum that Within Another had built up and kept the night rolling along. I was very impressed with their performance, and considering that lead singer, Shane, was a little under the weather, he really put it all out on the stage.
Their sound has some overtones of Tool and Staind, yet steps in a different direction. The music was solid, full of energy, and just great to listen to. Most impressive was drummer, Gregg, he wasn't flashy, but he was incredibly crisp and tight, with perfect timing, very impressive. This is definitely an act to revisit, I see a good future ahead of them.
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