SEVENDUST / 10 YEARS / HORIZON THEORY / RTD – HAMPTON BEACH
By Crystal Valerie
On Friday, September 13, greats of metal were established Sevendust and 10 Years joined forces with newcomers Horizon Theory and Return to Dust to deliver an impressive performance in the first of two sold-out shows at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. The night marked its beginning Sevendust'Seasons 21st Anniversary' tour, celebrating two decades since the release of their iconic fourth studio album, which spawned a Top 10 Rock hit 'Enemy'. All bands electrified the space with Sevendust playing their entire album, leaving the audience full of heavy riffs, infectious beats and nostalgia.
'The Seasons' tour is a full time for Sevendust and 10 Years. The bands played several shows together in 2004-2005—when Sevendust first tour supporting seasons. Now, fans who have been with the band since the beginning bring in a new generation of fans, keeping Sevendust at the forefront of the metal world. Sevendust also celebrated another milestone for Hatred in 2022. The album turned 21 with the same fanfare as seasons. With 10 YearsBack to Dust and Horizon Theory, Sevendust headlined a show long-time fans and new fans alike were looking forward to – and neither band disappointed.
Horizon Theory: A Promising Start to the Night
Natives of Michigan Horizon Theory opened the night, setting the tone with raw energy and a sound that belied their status as relative newcomers. Acting more like seasoned rockers, vocalist Josh Harrington, drummer Jeff Hafer, guitarist Chris Black and bassist Luen Murr commanded the stage, delivering a high-octane set that left a lasting impression. Starting with “Astronomer”, they transitioned seamlessly into “Darkness”, characterized by haunting bass lines and rapid fire drums, drawing the crowd into the powerful world of rock and metal.
Their emotionally charged 'Nowhere to Go', a heartfelt dedication to those battling addiction and mental health struggles, resonated deeply. Harington's genuine connection with the audience was palpable, offering a message of solidarity and hope, reminding audience members to reach out if they're struggling.
“When you've lost your soul and everyone you know
When you cry inside “no more”
Locked behind those chainless doors“
Closing with 'Past Life', Horizon Theory left the crowd hungry for more – ideally primed for the next act.
Back to the Dust: Grunge Nostalgia with a Modern Edge
based in Los Angeles Back to Dust They then took the stage, bringing back memories of 90s grunge with their distorted guitars and soulful vocals. Frontman Matty Bielawski's fun voice, reminiscent of Alice in Chains' Layne Staley, combined with Graham Stanush's deep bass, London Hudson's strong command of the drum kit and Sebastian Gonzalez's fiery guitar riffs, transported the crowd back to a shirt and batcom era. boots. Following the release of their self-titled debut album in May 2024, the band showcased their depth with tracks like 'Black Road' and their single 'Belly Up'.
“Maybe I have no place
It keeps me at war
Belly up and save yourself my child“
The quartet wowed the crowd before closing with “When You Look at Me,” leaving the crowd clamoring for more. Returning to Dust's set was a powerful reminder that they're a band on the rise—ready for a top spot in the near future.
10 Years: Tension and Emotion
The next one came 10 Yearstaking the stage amid dark purple lights to thunderous applause. Founded in Tennessee in 1999, 10 Years features singer Jessie Hasek, guitarist Brian Vodinh, guitarist Matt Wandland, bassist Chad Grennor and drummer Luke Narey. They have released 9 studio albums and two EPs, the newest coming in October. The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom show marked the official launch of the 'Seasons 21st Anniversary' tour, but 10 Years have toured with Sevendust in recent weeks covering various festivals. Joined by Core and Burden of the Sky, the two bands made the new year special as they prepared for the first of two sold-out shows on the East Coast.
Kicking things off with “Shoot It Out”, they immediately connected with the crowd, delivering a hard-hitting, high-energy performance. Hasek was fueled by hits like “Chasing the Rapture” and “Dancing with the Dead.” Each song builds on the intensity of the last. Their eerie rendition of Nirvana's “Heart-Shaped Box” slowed things down, allowing the crowd to catch their breath before launching into “Waking Up,” dedicated to fans who have been with the band since 2005, the year they released their third studio. album. Hasek's stage presence was electrifying, interacting with the crowd and even balancing precariously on the railing as fans held his hands and worried security guards watched nearby.
“I'm good on fire
I feed on friction
I'm exactly where I need to be
Don't try to fix me“
Following 'Fix Me', the band thrilled audiences with their latest release, 'The Optimist', which is part of an upcoming EP. Inner darknessand made it memorable before sliding into the lively 'Novacaine' and ending with 'Wasteland', the second song played from their 2005 album The autumn effect. By the time they closed their set, the energy in the room was at an all-time high—setting the stage for the evening's headliner.
Sevendust: A Legendary Performance
The moment everyone has been waiting for has finally arrived. As Sevendust took the stage, the crowd erupted, welcoming a band they've been following since the early days. Founded in 1994, Sevendust he was ready to deliver his signature hard rock, and willing to play. With Clint Lowery sidelined due to injury, Mammoth WVH guitarist Jon Jourdan stepped in to fill the void and the band didn't miss a beat. While Lowery focused on recovery at home, he was at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in spirit. As the venue lights went down, Lowery's favorite Nine Inch Nails' “Something I Can Never Have” played over the speakers.
From the first note of “Disease” to the crushing riffs of “Enemy”, the second song for their 21-year-old seasonsand also a Top 10 rock single, Sevendust proved why they are still one of metal's most enduring acts.
Early in the set, singer Lajon Witherspoon wished their friend a speedy recovery and reminded the crowd to be kind to each other. This was particularly aimed at the fans in the pit, encouraging them to relax a bit and look out for their neighbours. Sevendust The shows are usually intense, but the shows at the Casino Ballroom tend to turn up the energy even more. Longtime fans expect this and are ready to go hard, which made Witherspoon's reminder to prioritize a good, safe night all the more important.
Witherspoon's powerful vocals carried the emotional weight of songs like “Separate” and “Suffocate,” while the rest of the band—drummer Morgan Rose, bassist Vince Hornsby, and guitarist John Connolly—delivered a relentless barrage of powerful tracks. Their game seasons it was a masterclass in music and each member brought their best to the stage.
With seasonsyou hear more sides of the group and appreciate them on a new level. The album isn't just about standing up to the haters. it's about how things change with the ebbs and flows of life.
“The fear that haunts us all
the beginning (of the end)
The season is very cold
We'll make it (one more year)“
Their fourth studio album presented a unique challenge for the band, not only due to the absence of Clint Lowery but also because the band has released 10 studio albums since then seasons. This tour presented an additional obstacle, as Lowery's guitar playing on the album is particularly complex, requiring a level of skill and appreciation that only comes with experience.
Fortunately, Sevendust brought in Mammoth WVH's Jon Jourdan to cover several stops on the tour, including sold-out shows at the Casino Ballroom on Friday and Saturday. With Lowery's high-energy guitar riffs setting the bar high, Jourdan had big shoes to fill, but he proved more than capable of doing so, deftly weaving years of great skill into the band's beloved songs.
Their set of fan favorites concluded with the aggressive anthem 'Face to Face', a set list staple, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Despite its potentially controversial title and subject matter, the song is upbeat and infectious. The crowd enjoys every note, every beat and every swagger, until it culminates in a spontaneous and defiant, “Fuck you!”
After a short encore break, Sevendust returned to close out the night with “Rumble Fish”, “Alpha” and “Black”, sending fans into the night with ringing ears, sore throats and memories of an epic performance. Fans weaved through spilled drinks and scattered empty cups as they headed for the exits, reconnecting with old friends both inside and in the parking lot. The first of two sold-out shows at the Casino Ballroom was a resounding success, as expected. SevendustHis bond with their fans was on full display, especially with their heartfelt shout out to Lowery, reminding everyone that while the music can be intense, the sense of community is what makes their shows truly special.
The 'Seasons 2!st Anniversary' tour continues through September, closing in Salt Lake City, UT on October 8th with several festival appearances along the way. Don't miss your chance to experience these incredible bands live – get your tickets now.
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