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Shinedown devours D.C.
SHINEDOWN
HALESTORM
SUNDAY’S ROULETTE
9:30 Club
Washington, D.C.
December 12, 2008
By GREG MAKI
I was disappointed to hear lead guitarist Nick Perri had left Shinedown. He was only with the band for about a year and did not get the opportunity to make any contributions in the studio, but he had helped them become one of the tightest live acts around. That much was evident earlier this year at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, Md., and again in 2008’s final month at Washington, D.C.’s world-famous 9:30 Club.
The set list in D.C. was almost identical to the one in Baltimore five months ago, but the change in both setting and season (Christmas lights decorated the inside of the club) made for a very different atmosphere.
Frontman Brent Smith probably has a career as a motivational speaker awaiting him if business for Shinedown ever runs dry, speaking as he does between songs about following your dreams and second chances. He also noted that the holiday season has taken on a new meaning for him, as his son will have his first birthday on Dec. 26.
I don’t know if Smith was having issues with his voice or not, but he often held back on the higher notes, saving himself for the songs from their newest album, The Sound of Madness. Fortunately, the set list featured eight songs from that superb disc and he wasn’t afraid to let his voice his soar on those numbers. It was refreshing to hear so much new material after the previous night, when I saw Mudvayne play a set with only one song from their new album. Highlights included the opener “Devour,” the title track from the new album, the enthusiastic crowd sing-along on “.45” and the current single, “Second Chance.”
Zach Myers, who has been with the band off and one for the last three years and joined full-time about a year ago, now takes over for Perri on lead guitar. He has big shoes to fill, but knowing Shinedown, I have a feeling they won’t miss a beat.
SHINEDOWN SET LIST: Devour, Heroes, Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide, I Dare You, Breaking Inside, Cry for Help, If You Only Knew, Left Out, Burning Bright, Sound of Madness, The Crow and the Butterfly, Save Me, .45, (Encore) Second Chance, Fly from the Inside
The first band of the night, Sunday’s Roulette, consisted of four teenagers (none of whom looked a day over 13, but apparently the oldest is 16). I can’t say I enjoyed their set, but I’m not going to bash them. They were competent on their instruments and received a kind response from a crowd that obviously included family and friends. I’m sure it was an incredible moment for them.
Shinedown’s good friends Halestorm, back from Los Angeles after recording their debut album for Atlantic Records, provided direct support and commanded the stage like few opening acts can. Led by Lzzy Hale’s powerhouse vocals, Halestorm is a band to watch in 2009.
HALESTORM SET LIST: It’s Not You, WWYE, Innocence, Poison, I Get Off, Drums, Dirty Work, Nothing to Do, Takes My Life
Links:
SHINEDOWN:
www.shinedown.com
myspace.com/shinedown
HALESTORM:
www.halestormrocks.com
www.myspace.com/halestorm
SUNDAY'S ROULETTE:
www.myspace.com/sundaysroulette
©2009 Live-Metal.Net
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