It seems that whenever Dope comes to town, they always have Mushroomhead in tow, not that that is a bad thing, far from it. These two acts each put on a unique show, and somehow they work well together, and the crowd responds, and this show was no different.
On Saturday 8/6, the tour came to town, and I was ready for it. Having experienced this duo twice before, both times in 2004, I had an idea of what to expect. Despite having that idea, I knew I was still in for an insane night of metal.
I arrived at the club at just about 7 PM, the doors were not yet open, but the line was already growing around the block. The doors opened at 10 after or so, and the line started to slowly file in. By the time I entered, the first band was already onstage. I made my way towards the railing barrier by the pit area, it gave me a good view of the stage without being in the line of fire of the pit swirling in front of me.
The band onstage was called Stemm, a five piece from Buffalo, NY. I wish I had been able to see their entire set, I think I missed about 10-15 minutes of their performance. They were very good, heavy riffs combined with the dual vocals, alternating screaming with singing. Their sound is reminiscent of other recent acts, but for some reason I can't put my finger on it. The energy was high, and the crowd seemed to be picking up on it, or they were just restless for what was coming up later in the evening. Whatever the case may be, I thought they were good and would definitely be into seeing them again if and when they pass through again.
Next was gothic industrial act Nocturne. This is a band I had heard of but never heard, as seems to be the case with a loot of music recently. Guitarist Chris Telkes, bassist Rotten Rotny, and their drummer took the stage, kicking up the first track prior to the arrival of singer Lacey Conner. This is a band I think I could really get into, the industrial gloom they delivered was sort of like a cross between Nine Inch Nails and The Cure, with perhaps a touch of Lacuna Coil tossed in. Lacey's presence onstage was magnetic, great voice and, uh, eye catching attire, she was hard to turn away from. Melodic singing, electronic samples, chugging guitars, all backed with a steady rhythm on the drums captivated the crowd. I don't think I've ever seen so many camera phones being held up as there were during Nocturne's set. They have won over a new fan in me.
Article comments
1 - FilteringCraig
I am from Cleveland and have seen Mushroomhead many times. They put on great shows, but they really haven't grown in the last 10 years. Kind of frustrating for a group of musicians who are so talented and have been doing it so long.
Also, I think the rapper/screamer JMann was kicked out and has since been replaced by someone else. That is what I heard and it is totally unsubstantiated.
Do with it what you will.
2 - Chris Beaumont
I love the sound, the lack of change hasn't bothered me, maybe someday.
Jmann left last year and was replaced by Waylon, who is pretty dang good himself.
3 - Matt Wardlaw
hey man - good review.
Stemm are managed by Chimaira guitarist Rob Arnold, btw.
4 - Boom Presto Bitch
JMann left the band on his own terms, they didn't kick him out.
5 - lucio
Yeah, i went to two mushroomhead concerts and I wanted toi get a shirt for their Tour of Freedom shows and everytime I wanted toi egt one they were sold out. Do u know where i can get one?
6 - matt
yes jmann left on his own termsn in sept of 04 and waylon has replaced him- waylon sounds similar to j but he also has a very good singing voice---mushroomhead is still insane live as ever - i went to opening night show(7/25) for the tour and i was blown away one of the best concerts id had ever but shroom always plays harder when there in cleveland---the pit was huge-by the end i was in the middle of the pit--then afterwards half the band signed my dvd and i almost passed out waiting in line to get it signed--cant wait until sept 17 the last day of the tour-that is if i can scrounge 35 bucks..amazing show-period
7 - dirt
HEAVYFEST NLQP.com THIS SHOW IS F*#%ING INSAINE!! come camp out for the night NLQP kickin Ass!!!
8 - Jake Mann
Mushroomhead is still sweet ass. Waylon may be much better than Jason (J Mann) But we will all still remember him! m/ Rock On!
9 - Dyno
Waylon may rock but there is no way hes better then Jason...Popson was the complete package...didnt wanna see him go but none the less,waylon is a beast
10 - james
waylon is not better than jmann, jmann is the all time best
11 - Sean
Check out our concert on Saturday July 22nd with Silence of a Silhoutte at The Pit!!!!!!
12 - JW
hey i dont know whos all gunna read this but i wish mushroomhead would do another concert near the flint area theres alot of people that cant get in to the machine shop i know alot of people that ive influenced with your music that wanna see them unlike some other bands these guys are more down to earth and actually let fans close to them not roped of a thousand feet from the stage