Photos and Review by: Kyle Brown
Edited By: Erica McNatt
There may not be a more important band to the Nu metal genre than Sevendust, a band that single handedly helped pave the way for the genre for later bands like Linkin Park and Breaking Benjamin. What’s even more awe inspiring is that after 30 years, most, if not all, of the founding members are still together. Sevendust took the Kemba Live! Stage on February 21, for their tour stop in Columbus, Ohio, alongside Static – X, and it was a party from start to finish.
The band sang hit after hit, stringing from their newest album, Truth Killer, to some of their older works throughout the bands 30-year history. Truth Killer has also been regarded as one of the band’s best albums to date.
Sevendust brought a very contagious form of energy to their set. Spanning from the drummer and rest of the band all the way to the back of the venue, the energy radiated so much that it could be felt from outside and down the road. Sevendust made sure to use every inch of the stage and kept the crowd into it every moment of the way. Moshing pits formed at various times; hands were in the air while heads banged at the same time.
Singing one song after another, the band only made small pauses to pass out drum sticks, guitar picks, and to speak to the crowd for a moment. Lead vocalist, Lajon Witherspoon, sounded just as good as he does on the studio versions of the songs played. With booming drums and heavy guitar riffs, the crowd sang along to the aggressive, though thought provoking, lyrics that led to huge applauses.
If you have not seen this band yet, I strongly recommend it. Their energy makes for a fun time, no matter what age you may be.





Intermission came, and after a 45-minute change over, Rocky Horror’s “Time Warp” played as the lights dimmed, signaling it was go time for Static – X. Opening the set was an inflatable monster that had moving arms and eyes that turned from white to red all while snow fell from above. I had no idea what to expect with this group, and I have to say, that added element really went over well with the crowd. Looking back from the photo pit, everyone’s eyes were huge, and everyone was in awe.
Just like Sevendust, the band played song after song after song with barely any break. The one thing I picked up on was even though the band played with heavy beats and lots of distortion, the lyrics from lead vocalist Xer0 were easily heard.
While Static – X played, a few characters came onto the stage throughout the set and danced along with the band. It was fun watching those characters interact with the crowd and keep everyone’s eyes on them. The visuals to go along with the music were done to perfection.
The only time things were slowed down a bit was when the band dedicated the song “Cold” to the former frontman Wayne, who passed away in 2014.
In all, the night was a treat from start to finish. I was not able to cover the first two opening bands, but on tour with Sevendust and Static – X were Lines of Loyalty and Dope.




