Word and Live Photos: DJ
Myglobalmind and Screaming Digital Productions
March 25, 2025 – Huntsville, Alabama
For a Tuesday night, Mars Music Hall boasted a surprisingly solid turnout. From the moment Sevendust hit their first chord, the entire crowd locked in, collectively riding the band’s sonic waves from start to finish. The energy even sparked several ambitious crowd surfers, unexpected for a weeknight show.
Horizon Theory opened with striking efficiency. Their standout “December” showcased a thunderous kick drum pattern and chorus that hooked even casual listeners. The crowd’s early enthusiasm signaled this was no ordinary opening act. Their singer delivered an impressively dynamic performance, effortlessly handling both melodic passages and heavier sections with equal conviction. You’ve made a new fan right here!!!
What’s truly remarkable about Sevendust is their sustained intensity. For a group of musicians now in their 50s, their visceral performance demands respect. Witherspoon‘s vocal commitment remains extraordinary—after decades of touring, his voice retains its powerful clarity and emotional range. The audience visibly responded to his authenticity throughout the carefully constructed setlist.
The show kicked off with “Pieces” before Sevendust launched into “Denial,” instantly spiking the room’s energy. Lajon Witherspoon‘s voice—shifting seamlessly between melody and aggression—commanded the space through early bruisers “Bitch” and “Crucified,” cutting through the instrumental density with surgical precision.
“Disgrace” showcased the raw power that’s been their signature since the late ’90s, while “Suffocate” highlighted the connection between drummer Morgan Rose and bassist Vince Hornsby. Their intricate rhythms had many in the crowd stopping just to watch. Rose’s unique approach—part technical showcase, part controlled chaos—gave each song fresh life.
“Enemy” and “Shine” featured guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connolly trading synchronized riffs under perfectly timed lighting that enhanced every musical shift. Their chemistry, developed across decades, remains unmatched in modern metal.
The mood shifted dramatically for “Angel’s Son.” Witherspoon delivered each line with eyes closed, elevating the Lynn Strait tribute into something universal. The crowd, rowdy moments before, stood in reverent stillness—a testament to the band’s emotional range.
It’s worth noting that guitarist Clint Lowery‘s last appearance at this venue came in early 2020 when his solo project opened for Alter Bridge during a completely sold-out performance—one of the most memorable shows in Mars Music Hall’s short history since its inception. His return with Sevendust brought his journey full circle, demonstrating his versatility as both a frontman and as a critical component of the Sevendust machine.
“Black” hit like a lightning strike, followed by the pummeling “Separate” and spiritually-charged “Praise.” The primal energy of their classic material surged through the venue as Witherspoon locked eyes with longtime fans. The connection between band and audience was electric.
The band closed with “Face to Face,” delivering it with an intensity that felt essential rather than obligatory. As feedback faded, one truth was clear: while many acts from the late-90s metal scene have vanished, Sevendust—lineup mostly intact—continues to evolve rather than simply exist.
In an age of fleeting musical moments, Sevendust delivered something genuine. The crowd left with ringing ears and the certainty that this band still performs with the urgency of newcomers rather than the routine of veterans.
https://sevendust.com/pages/tour