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By giving the audience a “taste” of the 7 bands that performed on the 2007 line-up, the energy was not only maintained, but it actually got you more pumped for each band that followed. |
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| Sound: | 9 |
| Perfomance: | 9 |
| Impression: | 9 |
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| Overall rating: |
7.4 |
| Reviewer rating: |
9 |
| Users rating: |
5.7 |
| Votes: |
13 |
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USA (Long Beach), February 22, 2007
Featured review by:
UG Team, on february 26, 2007
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: Chiodos vocalist Craig Owens summed up the 2007 Rockstar Taste Of Chaos Tour perfectly when he said, Tonight is about the music. Just the music.
The event may often be dubbed The Winter Warped Tour because it is the brainchild of Warped mastermind Kevin Lyman, but Taste Of Chaos doesnt have it quite as easy as it's sibling. If you go to Warped Tour, you can roam free all over the concert grounds, checking out a seemingly endless number of stages. The possibilities are endless. At Taste Of Chaos, there is no looking for other stages -- the one stage features all 7 bands that performed on the 2007 line-up. Sure, there are some booths dedicated to retailers and charities outside of the arena, but the band lineup was actually enough to keep your interest throughout the evening. Plain and simple, if you came to Taste Of Chaos, you were there to give full attention to whatever bands might be on that single stage.
When the event rolled into Californias Long Beach Arena on Feb. 22, the tour stayed true to it's title. By giving the audience a taste of the 7 bands that performed on the 2007 line-up (anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes), the energy was not only maintained, but it actually got you more pumped for each band that followed. The 2007 line-up included The Used, 30 Seconds To Mars, Senses Fail, Saosin, Chiodos, Aiden, and Evaline, and they each brought a little something different to the stage. While there wasnt any huge jump to straight-out heavy metal, the bands still offered a fairly unique sound into the mix. The sound system was better than many concert venues that Ive heard these days, which is somewhat amazing given all the different bands that needed varying sound levels. In between the performances, things were kept moving along fairly nicely -- well, until the headliners came out. But I suppose headliners are entitled to a little bit of set decadence. // 9
Perfomance: While The Used put on a solid set as usual, it was it's co-headliner that stole the show. Considering vocalist Jared Leto is an actor on the side, a little flair for the dramatic is to be expected. While the audience awaited the bands arrival, a flurry of roadies transformed the stage into a Chinese Dynasty. It was a breathtaking setup, complete with Chinese lanterns and red-tinged motifs. When everything seemed to be ready, an unidentified man walked up to the microphone to announce that Leto was sick and wouldnt be able to perform. Before half of the boos even reached the stage, a woman whispered something in the mans ear -- which, of course, was that the show would go on! Leto was slowly rolled out in a wheelchair, proclaiming more or less that even death couldnt stop him from performing. The acting skills were sharp, and the set followed suit with a standout performance of The Story (complete with lighters being waved by the crowd). On top of that, Leto supplied some of the strongest vocals of the night as well.
Getting the wow award is one of the lesser-known bands on the bill, Evaline. The group took the stage after the Battle Of The Bands winner Victory Within, and the quintet was shockingly good. Not only did frontman Jonathan Perry have the look of legendary New York Dolls vocalist David Johansen and a powerful vocal delivery, but he also played keyboards and a viola during the course of the evening. The viola came out right around the time when the guitarist started channeling Jimmy Page by using a bow on his own guitar. It was completely unexpected from the opening band of the lineup, and Evaline definitely set the bar high for the rest of the night.
Musically the band that took TOC in a much-needed metal direction was Chiodos. While the Michigan band may not have been the big draw of the night, it made a huge impression with it's classic metal-tinged rock sound. Each song had a series of killer riffs supplied by guitarist Jason Hale that would make Maiden proud, with the song The Words 'Best Friend Become Redefined setting the standard. When the band started to synchronize it's headbanging, it was a beautiful sight to behold. // 9
Impression: The Used, Senses Fail, and Aiden (Who offered a fantastic sing-along for World By Storm) also all provided high-energy sets, which were in no way a letdown. Musicianship was very much present on the stage, and it was refreshing to see some unique musical compositions along the way. Long Beach Arena didnt ever sell out, but there was a dramatic increase in the number of people by the time 30 Seconds To Mars hit the stage. Taste Of Chaos may never have the same draw as Warped Tour for an obvious reason like 90-less bands performing, but it still is an entertaining diversion in the winter concert season. // 9
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