April 1, 1998

When I was in high school, the theme to a concert was ripped-up jeans, a Metallica shirt and a moshpit attitude. Well, today's youth are the visual antithesis, with the identical attitude. With little or no hair, the big pants go flying around the same mosh pit. So when I heard the lineup of Sevendust, Clutch, and Limp Bizkit, I said to myself - "self, let's go see the angst youth of today tear up the House of Blues."

First off, let me say I was very proud of House of Blues (HOB) for even tackling such a core agro' show such as this. It was good to see HOB out with full force security (metal detectors and all) desperately trying to provide a dominant presence. For the 'Core-funk-metal' lover this was truly a pinnacle show to have seen, with each band bringing an individual flavor, sound and visual disposition.

Sevendust is made up of Clint Lowery - guitar/vocals, Lajon - vocals, John Connelly - guitar/vocals, Vinnie Hornsby - bass, and Morgan Rose -- drums, and vocals. Sevendust brought the floor flying with their neo-metal, deep-end grit. Let me say from the get-go, the HOB was blowin' up hard! The kids were waiting, and when Lajon would flare up with his roar that was nothing short of explosive, the crowd responded with a chaotic frenzy of body movement. Let's see; if you heard a song entitled 'Born To Die', do you think you could stand still? My rent money says you can't! I really enjoyed the pit (the slam-dance area, although of course if you don't know what a pit is, it's far more than likely you won't know what slam-dancing is either). It was the most eclectic pit I'd seen in years: hippies, metal heads, Korn freaks, tattooed chicks, and I think somebody's dad.

Quite possibly the main reason I wanted to come to the show was for one of the most progressive-minded bands I've heard in years - CLUTCH!!!! Clutch is made up of Neil Fallon - vocals, Tim Sult - guitars, Dan Maines - bass, Jean and Paul Gaster - drums. If you know their sound, skip this paragraph. However, if you fall into the large category of music fans that have never heard this band, read on. With CD's like, Transnational Speedway League: Anthems, Anecdotes, And Undeniable Truths and songs like, 'Walking In The Great Shining Path Of Monster Trucks'. Oh, you gotta' love that! Clutch is an experience unto themselves, but did a fine job complimenting their cohorts perfectly.

After much water was served to the mainly underage crowd, all the big pants were rustling with eagerness to bust out for the funk-core heroes, Limp Bizkit. The band is comprised of Wes Borland - guitar, DJ Lethal - mix, Fred Durst - vocals, John Otto - drums, and Sam Rivers - on bass. I must say this band showed an impressive ability to stay very tight, even with a singer that feels the need to jump from eight feet of stacked amplifiers to do a little body surfing. Needless to say, the big ole' Bizkit kept the crowd looking like the 'spin' cycle on my Kenmore.

I seem to say it every time now, 'You had to be there'! I realize this show was not for everyone, but those who listen to and love these guys were not disappointed. I even left the show with a new appreciation of the younger hardcore music fan. They were there to have fun, body surf, and take out some aggression that they feel that society has placed on them. I guess I'm not as old as I thought.

Justice Mitchell Loves: Art & Photography, Mom & Dad, Eileen, Friends, Music, and Film. Hates: Dan Leeds and his army of satanic, homophobic, undead girl scouts. Other Articles I've Written