Live Gig Review and Photos: DJ – Screaming Digital Productions
On an evening at Huntsville’s Mars Music Hall, an impressive triple bill unfolded. The night began with Kamenar, where twin brothers Sean and John commanded the stage with natural presence. Their rhythms and grooves, particularly the masterful drumwork, suggested a bright future for these promising artists.
Keith Wallen, known for his work with Breaking Benjamin, followed with his solo ensemble. His strong vocals shone through songs like “Blackout,” “Crush Me,” and “The Wolf,” revealing the depth of his artistry beyond his guitar work.
Headliners 10 Years, who formed in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1999, have built an impressive legacy in modern rock. Their journey from independent act to major success began with 2005’s gold-selling “The Autumn Effect,” which launched them into the spotlight with “Wasteland” topping both Active Rock Radio and Billboard Alternative Songs charts. The band went on to chart three consecutive albums in Billboard’s Top 30 with “Division” (2008), “Feeding the Wolves” (2010), and “Minus the Machine” (2012), proving their staying power in the rock scene.
Opening with “The Optimist” (which has garnered over 16.5 million streams), Jesse Hasek’s commanding vocals led the audience through a powerful set that showcased their signature blend of post-grunge, hard rock, and alternative metal, infused with an authentic Southern essence. Their performance balanced delicate moments with heavy arrangements, including a fresh take on Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box.” Fan favorites like “Fix Me” and “So Long, Good-Bye” resonated deeply with the crowd, demonstrating why the band has surpassed a quarter billion cumulative streams across platforms.
The 2017 reunion of Jesse, Brian, and Matt for “(how to live) As Ghosts” marked another high point in their career, reaching the Top 5 of US Top Hard Rock Albums Chart, while “Novacaine” climbed to the Top 5 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs Chart with over 45 million streams.
The night closed with an energetic performance of “Shoot It Out,” proving why 10 Years has successfully toured with acts like Korn, Deftones, Chris Cornell, and Linkin Park throughout their career. Their recent collaboration with Conquer Divide’s Kia Taylor on “The Optimist” shows they’re still pushing creative boundaries.
As my first concert of 2025, this evening proved exceptional, kicking off what promises to be an unexpectedly busy year for live music. The vibrant start to January suggests we’re in for an extraordinary year of concerts ahead.
https://www.10yearsmusic.com/pages/tour-dates
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