ALBANY – For Sevendust fans, it was a night more than two decades in the making.
Although I’ve been a fan of veteran Atlanta alt metal outfit Sevendust since 1999’s Home, the first time I actually caught the band live was 18 years ago, on January 29, 2006, at the iconic and unforgettable Northern Lights in Clifton Park, along with Nonpoint. I have seen them several times since, and they never disappoint.
At that 2006 show, Sevendust’s 2003 album Seasons had already been out for nearly three years, and the only songs I can recall them playing from that album was “Enemy” and “Face to Face.” So, I’m guessing I wasn’t the only 518 area fan who was recently excited to hear the band perform the entire Seasons album this time, front to back, 21 years later, amid their Seasons 21st Anniversary Tour, which stopped here at Empire Live on September 15 for a SOLD OUT gig.
But first came the openers. Sevendust has a history of taking bands they like on tour; 10 Years and Sevendust, for example, have played many shows together in the past, so it was no surprise to see them supporting Sevendust again. Another of the openers selected for this tour was Michigan-based metal band Horizon Theory, who started the show off with a bang.
It’s evident that Horizon Theory is aiming to show the world what they have to offer with their music. Live, the rawness of frontman Josh Harrington’s voice cuts like a blade through the mix, while musically the band evokes a groove-driven hard rock and metal sound. It’s almost poetic how well all the elements of metal are balanced, all while delivering a live set with power and passion. The crowd was definitely feeling it, too, throughout.
The band performed songs from their upcoming album, Radio Silence, including their latest track “Can’t Save Me.” Harrington was ultra-solid, Luen Murr jumped around the stage while keeping the bass lines steady, guitarist Chris Black ripped through the tunes with poise and Jeff Hafer totally destroyed the drums. This was the first time I’ve seen Horizon Theory, and I’m willing to bet there’s a lot more to come from this group.
Next up was supporting act Return to Dust, whom I was personally excited to see live. Grunge Rock is not dead, folks; it’s alive and well with this L.A.-based quartet, who conjure a heavy Seattle sound that bears a modern hard rock twist and translates incredibly well live.
Matty Joseph (rhythm guitar) and Graham Stanush (bass) put in an astounding vocal collaboration, trading lead vocals and harmonizing masterfully. Within the first two songs of their set, “About the World,” and “Black Road,” the opening track to their self-titled album, you can easily hear the Alice in Chains inspiration. Drummer London Hudson’s playing was just thunderous, while 18-year-old lead guitarist Sebastian Gonzalez shredded every solo, which was simply awe-inspiring to see and hear. Return to Dust ripped through the remainder of their set, showcasing what an amazing up-and-coming talent they are.
For me, it’s great to see veteran bands like 10 Years and Sevendust bring younger bands like Horizon Theory and Return to Dust out on tour with them. Putting new artists in front of large crowds and into sold-out venues shows the respect these headliners have; a respect to keep rock and metal alive for today, and for tomorrow, keeping it moving forward and paying it forward to these new bands, who’ll hopefully also pass the torch when it’s their turn.
Knoxville, TN-based alt-metal band 10 Years then took the stage. Now some 25 years into their career and having survived numerous lineup changes, the band’s only remaining founding members—lead guitarist Brian Vodinh and rhythm guitarist Matt Wantland—set the Empire Live stage ablaze, as vocalist Jesse Hasek enthusiastically entertained the crowd. Bassist Chad Grennor and drummer Luke Narey built a tight and rhythmic foundation, utilizing each of their strengths to complement not only one another, but the rest of the band as well.
About halfway through the set, the group performed their rendition of Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box,” which was released as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of 10 Years’ 2017 (How to Live) as Ghosts album. The moody vibes of 10 Years’ version mesmerized me, and made me feel like I was drowning in my own emotions, as I watched Hasek deliver a powerful vocal performance of this grunge classic. It was a much different vibe hearing this performed live, rather than listening to it on the album.
The band followed up this epic performance with hits “Fix Me,” “Novacaine,” and “The Optimist,” finally ending their set with the 2005 smash hit “Wasteland,” from their album The Autumn Effect. The crowd was all in, singing along with Hasek from the beginning to the end of the track. It was a truly stunning performance.
The last time I believe Sevendust performed in Albany was again at Empire Live, almost exactly three years ago to the day: September 13, 2021, less than one month after the club officially opened. They were joined at that show by openers Mark Tremonti (of Creed and Alter Bridge) and Lydia Can’t Breathe.
Now they were back again three years later, but something was a little off this evening. There was a key piece of the puzzle missing from the band: guitarist Clint Lowery, who was unfortunately forced to step aside for the tour just days prior to the first show, due to a recent neck injury. Filling in was Mammoth WVH guitarist Jon Jourdan, who’s no stranger to Lowery, having served as a live touring guitarist for Lowery’s solo project.
Also filling in for Lowery on dates Jourdan cannot attend is longtime manager Tim Tournier, who has not only managed various acts related to Lowery, but has also been a guitar tech for artists like Mark Tremonti, Wolfgang Van Halen, Tom Morello, Zakk Wylde and more. So Lowery definitely has great support while he is healing.
Even with the altered lineup, Sevendust ripped through the Seasons setlist, not missing a beat. If nothing else, they are even better now, than when I first saw them. Vocalist Lajon Witherspoon sounded simply amazing, as always. Guitarists John Connolly and Jourdan were on point, even with Jourdan having limited time to learn the set. Bassist Vince Hornsby looked like a man who truly enjoyed being in his office, maneuvering the stage with a smile. And finally, Morgan Rose’s drumming has always been a favorite element of Sevendust for me, and his playing truly mesmerizes every time I see them.
The band capped off their set with “Face to Face,” and before they were even able to walk off the stage pre-encore, the crowd began chanting for their return. To everyone’s pleasure, Witherspoon and Co. came back out and ripped through “Pieces” from the 2005 album Next, as well as “Rumble Fish,” my personal favorite from 1999’s Home. Then they concluded the encores with a classic: “Bitch,” off their 1997 self-titled release. It was a truly great set-ending sing-a-long to please the crowd one more time.
Next year, Sevendust will mark the 20th anniversary of the 2005 album Next. Will they make another legendary stop in Albany to play that record, too?
Judging by the heart and intensity of their latest 518 appearance for Seasons, it’s a good bet that’s what’s Next.
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Sevendust – 9/15/24 at Empire Live, Albany, NY (Photos by Ron Loria)
10 Years – 9/15/24 at Empire Live, Albany, NY (Photos by Ron Loria)
Return to Dust – 9/15/24 at Empire Live, Albany, NY (Photos by Ron Loria)
Horizon Theory – 9/15/24 at Empire Live, Albany, NY (Photos by Ron Loria)
