By Nate Follmer
Johnstown, PA was set ablaze on Sunday night as three monsters of rock – Mammoth WVH, Sevendust, and Alter Bridge – took the stage and shook the 1st Summit Arena to its core.
Kicking off the evening was Mammoth WVH, a rising force in the rock scene. Wolfgang Van Halen has assembled himself one hell of a band that plays his music with the same intensity and drive that he’s put into his recordings. With thunderous and gut punching drums, ripping guitar riffs, and a charismatic and humble frontman, Mammoth WVH’s set was a perfect blend of classic and modern rock influences that translates into a great live performance.
After Mammoth WVH warmed up the crowd, Sevendust took the stage, immediately launching into ”Face To Face”. Frontman Lajon Witherspoon’s powerful vocals commanded the audience’s full attention, as he effortlessly transitioned between melodic verses and guttural screams. The setlist was a perfect blend of fan-favorites like “Denial”, “Crucified” and “Angel’s Son” with a few new tracks from their recently released album “Truth Killer“. Sevendust has been a long time favorite of mine and it’s great to see they have no plans of slowing down.
The atmosphere in the 1st Summit arena reached its peak as Alter Bridge took the stage. The band’s ability to create a sonic landscape that is both heavy and hauntingly beautiful was showcased throughout their performance. Myles Kennedy’s vocals soared effortlessly through songs like “Silver Tongue”, “Broken Wings” and “Burn It Down”. Mark Tremonti unleashed his unmatched fretboard skills, delivering blistering solos that left the crowd in awe. Myles guitar work on “Cry of Achilles” was nothing short of phenomenal. Myles and Mark then played a short acoustic set of “Watch Over You” and “In Loving Memory” before amping up the crowd yet again with “Blackbird”, “Isolation”, “Metalingus” and “Open Your Eyes”. With a setlist that spanned their illustrious career, from anthemic hits to deep cuts, Alter Bridge proved why they are considered one of the most exceptional rock acts of our generation.
As the night drew to a close, it was evident that Mammoth WVH, Sevendust, and Alter Bridge had delivered a concert that the crowd wasn’t ready to let come to an end. Shortly after Alter Bridge left the stage the crowd started chanting “One more song!”. Alter Bridge returned to round out the evening with “Fable of the Silent Son” and “Rise Today”.
Alter Bridge will be rounding out this tour with a few stops left in August. Sevendust will be on the road until November with stops in the area on October 14 in Silver Spring, MD and October 15 in Lancaster, PA. Mammoth WVH show no signs of slowing down with tour dates running well into next year with a few stops near and in PA this November. If you have the chance to see any of these bands in the future I highly recommend doing so. Each band brings their own unique brand of energy that makes for an incredible live show.