Dragon Force
Photo by Steve Trager
|
For
each of the last 10 years, OZZFEST'S founder and namesake has headlined
the main stage of the summer's premiere touring concert festival
as both a solo artist and or with the legendary original lineup
with Black Sabbath performing in the spotlight. This makes any normal
OZZFEST truly complete but, this year seemed to be quite fresh and
exciting for those having a lucky ticket.
OZZFEST only had a mere three dozen dates slotted, which could very
well be the shortest run for OZZFEST. This year OZZFEST performed
within selected cities and venues, some of which "The Prince
Of Darkness" closed out the second stage in various venues.
It becomes to a tradition after a long sun-drenched day at the ever
popular metal festival that OZZY headlines in certain markets and
I myself and 25,000 fist-raising concert-goers had the most extreme
opportunity to witness his performance at the Tweeter Center in
Camden, N.J.
OZZFEST
itself wouldn't be all that it has to offer without both a second
stage showcasing newer faces in the metal genre' to the slightly
more popular names that have become a staple in today's musical
interlude. OZZFEST is wrapped around the center of the music which
is primarily the number one reason why this metal festival outshines
year after year.
We
sometimes forget how lucky we are to have this be the one of the
longest running music festivals of any kind, despite the fact that
without OZZY himself there would never actually be an OZZFEST. I
myself along with other fanatics wouldn't have something to look
forward to time and time again. I always looked forward to attending
the yearly OZZFEST due to the fact that certain key bands have gone
from the second stage to the main stage, which has blended a nice
well-rounded musical experience overall.
Dragon Force
Photo by Steve Trager
|
Does
the music ever stop at OZZFEST? Of course not. It is basically seven
straight hours at the second stage that gets everyone all fired
up even before the OZZ Man himself makes his closing appearance
at the end of the day on the main stage. This year’s lineup
is no exception to the well-rounded talent featured at the recent
Tweeter Center show. As they say, nothing stops the music, including
the extremely hot weather, to which fans found themselves wondering
under the fire hoses to gain relief from heat exhaustion. I certainly
appreciate all that the yearly OZZFEST has to offer just as a music
fan. I particularly enjoyed every brutal set done by every second
stage artist, including Walls Of Jericho, who is fronted by a feisty
chick that looks like she could kick your ass with one hand tied
behind her back.
I have
become accustomed to bands like Unearth, Atreyu, and Norma Jean
who I have seen last year all on one tour together and each band
by themselves sounded amazing. I admire bands that not only have
the extreme guitar work, but have frontmen that work the stage and
get the pits stirred up, like Full Blown Chaos , A life Once Lost,
and All That Remains. Besides all the great bands that performed
this year, nothing makes the second stage totally complete without
Black Label Society performing a monstrous set. If you’re
into guitar heroes of any kind you would just want to watch Zakk
strap on the various Gibson Les Paul's and watch him shred like
a mad man.
Certain OZZFEST alumni artists returned for yet another go 'round
at the main stage while some even graduated from the second stage
to the main this year. I as a music fan, I truly have a passion
for Power Metal Bands. I captured DragonForce as a headliner earlier
this year on their own, they opened the main stage with strength,
power, diversity and speed even with a 25-minute set that included
tracks off of In Human Rampage, which is one of the greatest works
to date by this six piece from the UK.
Lacuna
Coil
Photo by Steve Trager
|
Next
to perform on the main stage, Italy's own Lacuna Coil, who have
graced the second stage last year with one of the most attractive
female head bangers topping out this outfit that has become one
of the most successful bands rostered under the Century Media Records
Family. To best describe their music, you have to generally think
of melodic rock, filled with great guitar work, pounding bass lines,
and supreme vocals. Their quick set included: "Heaven's a Lie",
"Our Truth" and a great version of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy
The Silence." Just to watch this band headbang in synchronization
and all in tune with the music is amazing if you like the aggressive
side of any metal band.
Hatebreed
Photo by Steve Trager
|
Ahhh
yes … the time had come in Camden to get a true can of ass
whooping from Jamie Jasta and Hatebreed. Perhaps this band has reinforced
the words of True Brutality when it comes to a live shocking performance
at any given moment. There is nothing quite like watching this band
just rip into their songs and let out the driven brutality to which
this band alone can create once they hit the stage in full force.
Their set included new material from their next release as well
as old favorites like "Live for This" and "This Is
Now."
Where does the time actually go when you at an OZZFEST anymore?
With just a few hours away for OZZY to close the show, we were entertained
by Avenged Sevenfold, who were the surprised addition on to the
prior announced lineup this year. I defiantly enjoy soaring vocals
and nice guitar work, especially with solos. I can't actually say
much of this band since I haven't followed much of them, yet they
sounded great where they featured songs off of City of Evil and
sliced through "Bat Country" among other tasty works of
theirs.
Current
Page 1 2 3
4 5
Next Page
