In This Moment teamed up with Sevendust, Light The Torch and Japan’s Hyde for a short run of shows across the US through May. The tour hit the tail end in Mankato, Minnesota at the Verizon Grand Hall.
Opening the show was a newer band from Japan called Hyde, they were entertaining and full of energy. The songs had some hooks and the singing was great, they drew a lot of fans for an opening act. Almost all were Japanese and went crazy for the band although many of them left after they were through which I found to be odd.
Third on the bill was Light The Torch. I have seen these guys before and thought they were ok. The musicianship is great, and they have a few really good songs like “The God I Deserve”. The singer, Howard Jones has a good voice but some of the songs still have the cookie monster vocals of which I am not a fan although the bass player was amazing with his background vocals and harmony which reminded me of what Michael Anthony did for Van Halen. The crowd continued to grow in size, and they had a good turnout but it was obvious the band was disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm. I am not sure there is enough there to really grow a fan base.
Second on the bill was Sevendust. What can I say other than they are amazing? The crowd went nuts and really got into in. That’s when the mosh pit started and all the pushing and shoving of a general admission concert which to me adds to the experience. All of them are such showmen and full of energy, they are very entertaining to watch and they have a lot of great songs. They played many of their most well known songs like “Black”, “Bitch” and “Rumble Fish” plus a few newer songs. This is another band you should go out of your way to see.
Headliners In This Moment could be one of my favorite bands and why I made the trip to Mankato. Unfortunately, this was an off night and a bit disappointing for me. I understand that they were having some issues with the equipment so that led to them starting 30 minutes late. That’s not an issue for me but the crowd was getting a bit restless which led to some fights and ejections early on.
If you look at their body of work, they have some truly amazing songs. For whatever reason they did three covers last night, I can’t stand any of them. I have seen them play “In The Air Tonight” a Phil Collins song but tonight they added “Don’t Stop Believing’” by Journey, a song if I never hear again will be too soon. And lastly “Fly Like An Eagle” by Steve Miller. I just don’t get it, who chooses these songs? I want to hear them play their songs, not shitty songs by other bands. They did perform “Blood”, “Roots” and “Whore” but missed many great songs like “Sick Like Me” or “Sex Metal Barbie”. All in all, it was a very downbeat set for a band that is usually full of energy.
The musicianship was stellar as always and Maria Brink sounded fantastic. And the new set, presentation and theatrics were top notch. I would still say you have to go see them; they are amazing. But last night something was missing.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Tommy Sommers Photography
In This Moment
Sevendust, Light The Torch, Hyde
