Word and Live Photos: DJ
Myglobalmind and Screaming Digital Productions
Remember when Staind’s “Mudshovel” first emerged on commercial rock radio and dominated what remained of MTV’s music programming? That era feels distant now, dating back to my junior year of high school. While immersed in the rock scene of that period, I found myself gravitating toward mainstream acts, with Staind ranking alongside contemporaries like Godsmack and Creed. It’s remarkable to reflect on the passage of time since then.
I must admit, it has been quite some time since I’ve witnessed Staind perform live, and this marks our publication’s first coverage of their tour. The Awaken the Fallen tour, featuring Breaking Benjamin, Wage War, and emerging act Lakeview, made its Huntsville stop at the VBC arena, prompting me to attend despite an already concert-filled week—my fourth show since last Sunday. May consistently presents a wealth of touring opportunities.
Lakeview was unfamiliar to me prior to this event, so I researched them on various social media platforms. Though they’ve been established for some time, it appears they’re currently experiencing their breakthrough moment, particularly on this tour. Their sound could best be characterized as “countrycore”—metalcore elements infused with mainstream country sensibilities. While not necessarily aligned with my personal preferences, I do appreciate certain Hardy tracks that incorporate metal-inspired riffs, which translate effectively in live settings. This genre enjoys substantial popularity stateside, and these performers deliver an engaging show. Their enthusiasm on stage is evident and infectious. Tracks such as “Money Where Your Mouth Is” and “Home Team” appear to be resonating particularly well with their audience.
Following them, Wage War took the stage—a group The Great Hex previously covered at London’s OVO Arena earlier this year during their European tour supporting Papa Roach, quite an impressive booking. Their performance was thoroughly enjoyable. Categorizing them simply as “Metalcore” would understate their capabilities. Their guitar work demonstrates remarkable intensity, while rhythm guitarist Cody Quistad possesses an impressive vocal range that complements frontman Briton Bond’s more aggressive delivery—creating an effective dynamic. Standout performances included “Low” and a personal favorite, “Circle the Drain.” They concluded their set with “Magnetic” and “Manic,” exhibiting tremendous energy and potential. Judging by the audience’s enthusiastic response, they’ve cultivated substantial support. I’m intrigued to observe their trajectory and artistic development moving forward.
Breaking Benjamin has maintained rock prominence since 2002’s “Saturate,” amassing an impressive ten #1 hits, multiple platinum certifications, 8.5 billion global streams, and 6.5 million social media followers—testament to their enduring influence and dedicated fanbase. Their most recent release, “AURORA,” gave the band their 10th #1 song at rock radio with “Far Away ft. Scooter Ward,” while their last studio album, “EMBER,” debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200. They’ve sustained relevance in an often oversaturated genre, which speaks volumes about their artistry. Anticipation surrounds their forthcoming album release this year, with fans speculating about potential sonic directions. During this performance, they debuted their new composition “Awaken,” while naturally delivering fan favorites including “I Will Not Bow” and “The Diary of Jane.” The visual elements accompanying “Dance with the Devil” created a compelling atmospheric effect. Their sound projection was powerful and consistent with their established quality.
We previously covered the band in 2023 during their performance with Bush at Firstbank Amphitheater, which was equally well-received.
Following notably extended intermissions, Staind finally appeared on stage, with frontman Aaron Lewis immediately assuming his characteristic stance and delivering a powerful rendition of “Lowest in Me.” Comprised of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist and backing vocalist Johnny April, and drummer Sal Giancarelli, the band has sold over 15 million albums worldwide since forming in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Their 2001 release, “Break the Cycle,” achieved 5x platinum certification and featured the iconic single “It’s Been Awhile“—one of modern rock radio’s most played songs in history, dominating the #1 position for 20 weeks.
The band exhibited remarkable cohesion, with particularly resonant guitar distortion. They seamlessly transitioned into “Fade,” later performing “Epiphany” and the audience favorite “Outside.” In 2023, Staind released “Confessions of the Fallen,” their first studio album in twelve years, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Rock Album chart and produced two #1 singles at rock radio.
Regarding the accompanying photographs in this article, you’ll notice Lewis’ guitar featured a distinctive decal directed at California’s governor—provoking vocal responses from certain audience members, which I found somewhat amusing. The remainder of the evening was dedicated to musical excellence, with Lewis occasionally stepping back to enjoy a cigarette between his consistently powerful vocal performances. By the time they performed “It’s Been a While” and “Mudshovel,” marking the conclusion of their set, another successful tour performance was complete. For a Sunday evening, the event delivered exceptional value—offering diverse musical styles across the featured acts and providing audiences with beloved tracks that ensured their satisfaction as they departed. The Awaken The Fallen tour continues its journey across the country—check out the schedule below for upcoming dates!
STAIND & BREAKING BENJAMIN ‘AWAKEN THE FALLEN’ TOUR DATES:
Sat Apr 26 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
Sun Apr 27 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Tue Apr 29 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
Wed Apr 30 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
Sat May 03 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Tue May 06 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena
Wed May 07 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Sat May 10 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
Sun May 11 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center Propst Arena
Tue May 13 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre – RESCHEDULED DATE
Wed May 14 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre – RESCHEDULED DATE
Sat May 17 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Mon May 19 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Wed May 21 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Fri May 23 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
Sun May 25 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Tue May 27 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
Wed May 28 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Sat May 31 – Council Bluffs, IA – Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Stir Cove Event & Concert Venue*
Sun June 1 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
*Not A Live Nation Date
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