ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK’S MAYHEM FESTIVAL 2014

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DEREK TULL

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This years Mayhem Fest in Burgettstown, PA was host to amazing line up of bands old and new. I did get out to the show late and left early. But here are some quick reviews of the bands I did get to see.

Texas Hippie Coalition: This was my second time seeing these rowdy southerners, and once again they put on kick ass no holds barred set. Big Daddy Rich has a voice that screams “I will be heard” and the band always compliments this with kick ass drums, bass, and guitar. This time around though their performance was much more intense. I suppose playing in front of a much larger audience can only bring out the best in a band. Once again well done guys.

Veil of Maya: I first saw these guys in 2012 in Pittsburgh. It was the first time seeing or hearing them, and I was blown away by their energetic and engaging performance. It was nice to see them a little more up close and personal this time around. And although these guys all performed well, I must give credit to the bands guitarist Marc Okubo. This guy played his heart out and barely stood still for a second.

Mushroomhead: I must admit I never really listened to these guys much. As it’s said in the Hip hop/Rap industry “I slept on these guys”. And after their performance at this years Mayhem Fest I can say that my ass is awake and at full attention. Their set is in my top 5 best performances ever. I cannot say enough about it. From the hard hitting music, to the movement of each band member, the costumes, the water drums, and the complete overwhelming energy from both the band and crowd equaled a sight to be seen and heard. I cannot wait to see these guys in Pittsburgh. Seriously guys, kudos for such a jaw dropping performance.

Upon A Burning Body: Lets put the kidnap story aside for a moment and get down to it. These Texans know how to throw a party. After missing their performance at last years Warped Tour and hearing about how great it was, I was interested in seeing what all the hype was about. And as I came to find out all of the hype was no lie. This band is a tornado of hard hitting metalcore with anthem driven lyrics of perseverance and so on. Which translates perfectly into their live performance.

Miss May I: This band has been getting a lot of attention this year. So it was no surprise that they’ve earned on spot on this years Mayhem Fest. They keep it pretty true to metalcore roots. They remind of the early and great days of metalcore when bands like Atreyu and Darkest Hour were just gaining ground. All and all a pretty solid performance and lead singer Levi Benton proves as many before him have that white men can jump.

Emmure: Emmure is one of the most hated bands in recent years and I’ll never understand why. To each their own I suppose. But seeing these guys again on Mayhem was a pleasure. Again another great set this year. A band that defiantly that is a give and take of energy from their live performances.

Suicide Silence: The hard hitting deathcore band that is Suicide Silence has prevailed even after the tragic loss of singer Mitch Lucker. A loss that seems to have not slowed them down a bit, and rather has made them a stronger and more energetic band. A very hard hitting and intense performance from this band. Singer Eddie Hermida is a perfect replacement and complements Suicide Silence perfectly.

Body Count: Honestly the main reason I wanted to go to this show was to see these guys. This is a band I’ve been listening to for almost 15 years now. And their performance showed no disappointment or anything negative for that matter. For a band that has been around over 20 years and hasn’t performed in such a long time, one would think they would have lost their touch. Not the case at all with Body Count. Their hard hitting anthem driven street punk sound to this day is still a fist pumping, anger driven, and adrenaline rushing good time. Ice -T and company prove that only the strongest and best can stand the hands of time.

Cannibal Corpse: The OG’s of death and gore metal as I like to call them. This is the second time I’ve seen this band. The first being back in 2005 and the years have not slowed them down a bit. Still headbanging furiously, still pounding out double bass drum beats that rock the stage, still hammering away loud and furious riffs, and still putting out a sound that is a staple for what true death metal is.