Sevendust Tour Review

Sevendust Tour

SEVENDUST
Skindred
Bobaflex
Soundevice
4/21/05
HOB
Photos: Erika Kristen Watt
Review: Sharita Lumpkin

Supposedly, tonight was just another Sevendust show, but instead the near-sellout crowd was treated to more than that. Melodic metalers Sevendust, brought ragga-metal Welshmen, Skindred, newly signed Bobaflex, and their good pals in Soundevice to join the party. All bands were particularly hyped for this Chicago show, which is always high-profile, with many local celebrities in attendance.

Virginia has produced such heavy hitters like Lamb of God and GWAR. Apparently, lightening doesn’t strike more than twice in the same state. Bobaflex are by far the least talented on this tour and many fans in attendance couldn’t understand why Sevendust had brought them along not once, but twice.

During their set, the guys from Bobaflex clowned around and played the same style of funny and catchy metal that System Of A Down has made famous, however, SOAD do it much better.

From where I was standing, I heard booing and people were asking what is this shit on stage? All I could do is shake my head and say “They’re supposed to be a band called Bobaflex.” Unfortunately, even though they’re bad, you can’t help but tap your feet to some of their tunes. All I know, Karma started laughing on the first few bars of their opening set. Mind you, no joke was told. Maybe the cheers we heard were from friends or relatives.

Towards the end, they announced they were just signed by TVT, Sevendust former label; they also said that they’re proud that all their dreams are finally being realized. It’s amazing that they aren’t aware of TVTs torrid history. Obviously the label doesn’t have a clue since they let a powerhouse like Sevendust go for this band. Before listening to them, I kept calling them Bowflex, as in the exercise equipment. I’m sure I’d rather listen to that than the horrific music that this band puts out.

At past Skindred shows, Benji has always asked the crowd to get into it. This show, all he had to do was play the tunes that the crowd came to see. Fans wore the red, yellow and black wristbands showing unity as our favorite British band, banged out tunes like "Pressure", "Selector", and their buzz bin hit "Nobody".

Skindred has been rather busy as of late, coming off tour with Papa Roach earlier then joining Sevendust for this small stint. After this, they’ll play a small headlining tour, only to prepare for Warped Tour during the summer. Benji remarked, “The band will tour till someone kicks us out!” But why would we? Skindred is something new and fresh that the often stale music world deserves!

Sevendust has been in the business over ten years, but they still tour like they were a new band. They’ve always been known as road warriors, but this year, the band is enjoying a little time off the bus; preparing to release a new album, as well as getting accustomed to new guitarist Sonny Mayo, ex-Snot fame.

Tonight, the boys performed with a new found reserve and showed the fans that even though they aren't signed, they aren’t out of business. The familiar setlist included a couple of new tunes like "Hero and "Desertion" as well as old favorites like "Black", 'Trust", and "Crucified."

This quintet, nor fans seem to miss former guitarist Clint Lowery, in fact, maybe they felt they had something to prove. If you thought they'd fall apart because of recent happenings, you're wrong, Sevendust is poised to still kick your ass, whether you like it or not!