Sevendust, Atreyu Rock Destins World With One Tour

Photos and Article by Preston Hooks

Club LA in Destin, FL has become synonymous with high-energy club shows. A huge part of that reputation has to do with their regular booking of bands like Sevendust, who are currently running with Atreyu, Fire From the Gods, and American Adrenaline in support of their latest release, One. Atreyu also has a new release, The End Is Not the End, which I have to say has some seriously nasty tracks.

Sevendust laid out a litany of new material alongside tons of old favorites that had their sold-out crowd absolutely ferocious. I have seen Sevendust several times, and this was definitely one of the best. As many times as I have seen them, I am always surprised by the perfect combination of precision and brutality that Sevendust uses to make crowds come alive.

There are no weak links in the Sevendust chain. Morgan Rose is one of the world’s most captivating live drummers. LaJon Witherspoon is an A+ frontman. John Connolly and Mr. Clint Lowery have generated some of the catchiest and grooviest guitar lines in metal. Vince Hornsby never once fails to deliver a seething bass line that comes together with Rose’s drums to form the rapid, powerful heartbeat of a Sevendust live show.

The supporting acts did not fall short on this tour either. Atreyu gave fans a great dose of their new material. I played the new album the whole ride home as a result, and I could not find any skips. Ive seen Atreyu several times and this one i think will stick with me for awhile. They were hard hitting, had a great set list and worked the crowd like nobodys business.

Fire From the Gods was in good form; their hip-hop and metal fusion carries an almost Rage Against the Machine flavor in some places, but definitely with their own feel the whole way through. American Adrenaline was a great way to kick things off, with a solid rock vibe that got the crowd headed in the right direction in terms of movement and energy.

As for the new Sevendust material… they’ve done it again! Sevendust’s music has always found its place to shine best in the live setting, so I waited until this show to hear it for the first time in all its glory. The new riffs are solid, and Morgan Rose’s drums form a powerful foundation throughout. Most importantly, just like everything they have put out over the last 25+ years, it gets the crowd moving, and they do not stop!

I feel obligated to close this article with a nod to the dedicated fans who filled the room at Club LA Saturday night. It was a sold-out show, and y’all were packed in there like sardines. I know some of you came from all over the Southeast to attend. That kind of turnout is what keeps the community alive and what keeps bands like Sevendust on the road. It was incredible to share the experience with all of you!