SEVENDUST / BURDEN OF THE SKY LIVE AT STREATOR FEST
By Kerri Nelson
When you think of a traditional Fourth of July festival in a small Illinois town surrounded by cornfields, you might imagine rides, cotton candy, and carnival games—not bands like Sevendust and Weight of Heaven. But this year, Streator Fest in Streator, Illinois, defied those expectations. As one of the largest festivals in North Central Illinois, Streator Fest featured a heart-pounding lineup.
The festival started with Ramblinga rock powerhouse from Springfield, Missouri. Led by Cassandra Carson on vocals and guitar, along with her father, Paul Carson, also on guitar, the band has been making waves since 2013. Their journey began modestly, writing music for a local 4th of July celebration. The response was so positive that they recorded and released a home CD, Get upwhich became a local sensation, selling over 1,000 copies at their shows.
Paralandra's set at Streator Fest showcased why they've garnered attention. Cassandra's powerful vocals, combined with Paul's electrifying guitar, created a dynamic atmosphere that captivated the crowd from the first note. The chemistry between the father-daughter duo was palpable, their shared passion for music evident in every riff and melody. As they went through their set, the audience was swept away by the intensity of their performance, proving that Paralandra are more than just a local favorite – they're a band with the potential to reach far beyond their Missouri roots.
It was next Burden of the Sky (BOTS)a name that is sure to become more prominent in the alternative metal scene. Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, BOT was a track from their debut album, Cinis Ad Cinisin 2017. Their journey, however, has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies, deeply influencing their music and identity as a band.
The loss of founding member Bradford Shaw in 2021 was a pivotal moment for the band. Shaw, who was a co-founder BOT with Josh Appel in 2012, he was not only a talented musician but also a major driving force behind the band. His death left a void that was deeply felt by the band and their devoted fan base. This emotional impact permeated their music, leading to a period of introspection and growth.
In the wake of Shaw's death, BOT channeled their grief into their music, creating songs that resonate with raw, emotional depth. Their 2022 EP Burn stands as a testament to their resilience, with pieces that reflect their journey of loss and healing. A standout track, 'The Flood', with its intense, building energy, serves as a cathartic outlet for their pain. This song is a masterpiece that rises in volume like a flood and features powerful contributions from Sevendust's Morgan Rose and Blake Bedsaul. The band's lineup has evolved since New Year's Eve in the Midwest with Sevendust.
Scotty James (vocals), Josh Appel (guitar) and TJ Duckwiler (guitar) are joined by two new members: Ian Sheridan on drums and Vince Clem on bass.
BOTThe Streator Fest performance was a powerful reminder of their strength and evolution. Opening with “One With the Wolves” from their 2019 release Sine TimorBOTS immediately sets an intense and emotionally charged tone. As the set progressed, it became clear that the band had not only survived their hardships, but emerged stronger and more united.
A particularly touching moment came when they performed “Above Me” from the Burn ER. Lead singer Scotty James reached out to the crowd, breaking down the barrier between the band and the audience, creating a shared experience of connection and boosting the energy in the crowd.
In addition to their well-known tracks, BOT featured four new songs: “Rapture”, “Reunited”, “Firefly” and “Vow”. These tracks showcase the band's continued evolution, combining their signature alternative metal sound with new influences and emotional depth. “Rapture” and “Vow” highlight Scotty James' vocal range, moving from melodic tones to a visceral intensity I've dubbed “the demon that lives within,” while “Reunited” and “Firefly” offer a more reflective side . capturing emotions that many of us can relate to on a deeper level.
Released in May 2024, “Reunited” has been steadily climbing the streaming charts and recently reached a major milestone. James describes “Reunited” as a song that reflects the growing disconnect in our society, questioning whether we can ever truly come together as one. Can we put aside our differences and overcome the mistakes of the past, or are we too far gone? It's a sentiment that resonates with many listeners.
“Firefly,” according to James, is about “acknowledging the people in your life who have stuck by your side, even when you might not deserve it. I tend to push most people away, especially if they're trying to get close, and I distance myself from any real relationships, so I'm very grateful for those who overcome those barriers and hang in there.” Produced by Ricky Armellino, the track reveals a softer side of him BOT never heard before, demonstrating their ability to explore new emotional depths while maintaining their core sound.
As BOT ended their set with “Vow,” it was obvious they had left a lasting impression on the Streator Fest crowd. Their performance was more than just a display of technical prowess. it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a band that faced adversity and emerged stronger. BOTThe ability to transform their personal experiences into music that deeply connects with their fans is what sets them apart in the alternative metal scene, making them a band to watch for years to come.
Fans can expect to hear lots of new music from BOT within the next year or two. The band plans to play as many concerts as possible to promote their new songs. Whether you're a new fan or have been there since the beginning, keep an eye out for a chance to see BOT live — their plan is to showcase the new music.
Sevendust took the stage to end the night, a band I've followed for over 20 years. With over 50 live shows under my belt, I can confidently say that they remain one of the hardest working and best live shows. Their fan base now spans generations, a testament to their enduring appeal.
I particularly enjoyed their recent album tours, especially the Animosity tour, which included Weight of Heaven as an opener. Listening to the album from start to finish, especially in a venue like the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, was a unique experience. If you haven't seen Sevendust at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, I highly recommend adding it to your must-see list Sevendust venues. Their upcoming Seasons tour will bring them back there for a two-night show in September—Saturday is already sold out, but tickets are still available for Friday. You can thank me later.
After the Animosity tour, Sevendust kick off the Machine Killers tour with Dope and Static-X, following the release of their latest album Truth Killer last summer. It was a refreshing change to the setlist, with the band showcasing some of the heaviest tracks in their catalogue.
Streator Fest followed that trend by offering one Sevendust performance that captured the essence of what makes them one of the most enduring and respected bands in rock and metal. The setlist was a perfect mix of heavy classics and deep cuts that took fans back to the beginning Sevendust days when their raw energy and non-stop touring made them a household name in the metal scene.
Opening with “Pieces” from their 2005 album Nextthe band immediately set the tone for an intense, high-energy show. As they went through tracks like “Alpha”, “Till Death”, “Praise” and “Denial”, it became clear that Sevendust they haven't lost an ounce of their power or passion. Each song boosted the crowd's energy more and more.
Usually, there's a moment in the show where things slow down with “Angel's Son,” giving the audience a chance to catch their breath. Lajon Witherspoon usually takes this time to reflect and connect with fans on a deeper level. While there was no slowing down this time, LJ still took moments to stop and enjoy the crowd's energy. A notable moment was when LJ, from the stage, spotted a gyro and mentioned how much he wanted one before they closed. Of course, the gyro chamber delivered, much to the delight of LJ and the crowd.
SevendustThe Streator Fest set was more than just a trip down memory lane. it was a celebration of the band's ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. The crowd, made up of longtime fans and younger fans alike, fed off the band's energy, creating a charged atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated their spirit Sevendust. By the final notes of their set, it was clear that Streator Fest had managed to deliver a festival experience that was as nostalgic as it was exciting, anchored by one of the most formidable live bands in the business.
Don't miss out Sevendustthe upcoming Seasons tour, which kicks off in September; They'll be hitting the road with Horizon Theory and 10 Years, performing the entire Seasons album from start to finish. Having experienced their run at Seasons NYE, I can confidently say that this is a show you won't want to miss!
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