Sevendust Is a Tidal Wave At the Rapids Theatre

Who: Sevendust

Where: Rapids Theatre

When: 11/5/13

Photos by Keith Pelkey

While at first it seemed that Sevendust was an odd fit as direct support on a tour that featured the bands Asking Alexandria, Emmure and For Today, it didn’t too long into their set to realize that this is a band that can not only play with just about any band in the industry, but blow those same bands off the stage on any given night.

From the destructive opening of “Splinter” and classic hit “Denial,” the mosh pit never ceased churning as Sevendust whipped the pro metalcore crowd into a literal frenzy with a heavy leaning set didn’t stop to give the pit a reason to slow down (“Till Death,” “Decay,” “Face to Face”). Hell, the band had this crowd amped all the way through the final chords of “Pieces.” The band was forceful on stage, with frontman Lajon Witherspoon leading the charge, and though I didn’t really need this particular performance for proof, Clint Lowery and John Connolly are among the best guitar tandems in heavy music. And not much needs to be said of the sheer talent of drummer Morgan Rose, one of the best ever to step behind a drum kit.  

During the performance, Lajon continuously asked the crowd, “Will you have us back again?” Lajon, the simple answer is yes, and I believe I speak for all of us.