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Band:Drowning Pool Album:Full Circle Record Company:Eleven Seven Music Writer: Mark Carras Media: MySpace Click Album Cover To Buy Now

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So I have thought that Seattle had a curfew for all ages weekday shows, but it seems that is in the past. So min second rate y mind was prepared to be done by 10:00 pm, but the show ended around 1:00 am (standard for a bar). The problem was that the promoter booked a shitload of opening acts to try and fill up a Thursday night. Most of them were pretty decent, but it made for a long wait for the headliner.

First up was Plaster. I know they were pretty decent, but I am sitting here trying to remember what they sounded like and can’t remember a thing. That is the problem with being on a bill with so many bands. Sorry guys, I do remember I liked what you did, but other then that my brain is drawing a blank. It could have been that I was fighting with my new camera trying to get it to work for most of their set. That’s my excuse I guess. My new Cannon Rebel is more camera then I could handle and I had to grab for the back up. It’s more simple and I felt pretty simple minded by this point.

Next up was a band called Witchburn. Now imagine for a second that you have a third rate Mallcore band that mixes second rate Rapcore. Now imagine the band has friends with most of the promoters and clubs in the local area. So they get the best opening spots and get ego’s way out of fucking control. Well that band was called Drop 6. Why do I mention some shitty Rapcore band when talking about Witchburn? Well, several members from Drop 6 are in Witchburn now. The difference is that Witchburn is more like Black Sabbath then Korn or Limp Bizkit. Not only that but the ego’s seem to be totally gone. So here I am watching what is honestly the best local band I have heard in a long fucking time. I think the Seattle scene fucking blows for the most part, but Witchburn blew me out of the water. I am pretty sure you will be hearing more about them on this site. The singer is a hot looker that has the passion of Janis Joplin, the eerie style of Robert Lowe (Solitude Aeturnus/Candlemass). Add to that an amazing stage presence and you have someone who can control a room with no problem. The female guitarist has this evil look in her eyes when she plays that makes you think she’s could be a demon from hell that is out to seduce men so she can eat their soul. The way she plays is about twice as evil, so it works. The drummer pounds his equipment like he saw them fucking his woman. Everyone in the band fits like a glove and this band was the highlight of the night. How this can be when their past band sucked so bad is beyond me.

Third up was the band Mediam. It was like watching an emo vocalist play with an old school punk band. Add to that that the band used a computer to keep themselves in time and I was not too impressed. The emo singer had a great stage presence, but the band doesn’t seem to know what style they play and it all comes across as unfocused. With some work they could be great, but the guy needs to loose the whiny tone.

Next up was Top Heavy Crush. This band totally reminded me of the band’s on the label Liquor And Poker. Kind of the European mix of old school rock and roll with a strong punk influence. They did what they did well but again, it was hard to stand out with so many other band’s on the bill. I think on a smaller bill with band’s that fit their style more, this band could really win some fans over. I predict big things for the band.

Oh yes, their was yet another band before the headliner. This was the band Point One. Now I know that a lot of locals seem to hate them for some reason, but they have always treated me cool and they always put on a great show. The singer has a good voice and a solid command of the crowd. The band overall has a nice mix of hard rocking tunes with more radio friendly numbers. Now I have never hid the fact that I am a sucker for a good pop rock tune and the fact that this band can mix that up with some heavier shit gets my attention. I have seen them two or three times and they always put on a great show. You might be reading more about this band soon on this site.

So is it time for the headliner yet? I have been to shows that were called festivals with less bands on the bill, but now it is time to talk about the headliners Drowning Pool. This is a band that gets a lot of shit because of “that one song”. Well to be honest I have always fucking hated “that one song”. For years I would not even give the band a chance because of “that one song”. I have now listened to several of their lesser known songs and some of it is damn good. Now I have seen the band live and I must say that they put on one hell of a show. Ryan is an amazing frontman and really knows how to whip a crowd into a frenzy. I always like it when band’s don’t have to insult the crowd to get a reaction. None of that “Your not fucking loud enough” crap here. They didn’t need to. Guitarist C.J. has one of the best attitudes and is having so much fun on stage that it really helps make it fun to watch the band play. Although I must say that his lead work on their cover of Pantera’s “Cowboy’s From Hell” could have been better. Bassist Stevie Benton seems to be the shy one in the band and I had to really chase him to get some decent photos. Drummer Mike Luce does a great job at backing Ryan up and helping him keep the crowd jumping. Overall the band fits like a glove and anyone who wondered if they could survive a third vocalist might just have to check them out. The band is stronger then ever, but the sad thing is that no one wants to give them a chance anymore.

The one thing I found shocking about this show was the fans. Other then this one drunk dude that doesn’t know how close he got to getting his head caved in for writing on my brand new sweatshirt with a sharpie (because he thought it was funny), everyone was awesome. Everyone knew I was there to take photos of the band and those fans wanted this show documented. So when I went in to get a shot, the crowed parted every time to let me in. I didn’t have to fight to get up front once. So for those fans that were so cool, I insist on staying up until these photos are posted. Sleep? I got plenty of Mountain Dew.

Band:Drowning Pool Album:Full Circle Record Company:Eleven Seven Music Writer: Mark Carras Media: MySpace Click Album Cover To Buy Now

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