Bullet For My Valentine, Chiodos, Airbourne and Arcanium at First Ave Concert Review

Late one night, I was doing my usual concert searches when I got an email and a text message saying that there was this tour coming my way. All I got in the email was the venue, First Ave. Then as I looked at the date on the site, my pulse went up and my eyes got huge. Who do I find on the calendar for this date? A defying list of noteworthy bands that are finally put together on one bill: Bullet For My Valentine, Chiodos, Airbourne and Arcanium. I instantly knew this was one of those shows that you would never want to miss out on. And I was completely right.

On stage first is a band from Colorado called Arcanium. In all honesty, no one had really heard of the band but knew that if they were on the same bill as BFMV they had to be good. And prove their worth they did. A little death metal or hardcore metal for some of you, Arcanium brought energy, charisma, talent and personality to the stage. Getting the crowds involvement is a hard thing to do when you’re the opening set. It didn’t phase this band at all. They drew the crowd in and delivered a great performance. Before they part the stage, the crowd yells their phrases and rush over to the merch table. They have a bright future ahead of them and Minneapolis will welcome them back anytime.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence

and entertainment-

8/10

Next to appear, is a band well known throughout Australia but has made a name for themselves here in the States: Airbourne. I spoke with Airbourne a few hours before the show doing an interview (check out the page for the interview!). What was to be expected: a hellva great time. Airbourne’s visited the Twin Cities before on different tours and have never let the crowd down for a show stopping adventure. Tonight, that’s no different. Killing the show with nonstop guitar rifts and vocals, every member of the band throws a little of themselves into each note made. The house is already banging their heads and fist pumps are everywhere. In the middle of one song Joel, lead signer, jumps off stage and climbs the stairs off to the side. Hanging over the railing on the landing, he grits out the most wicked guitar solo the crowd’s seen! Never one to not surprise the crowd, this is one of the signature moves Airbourne brings to the table. Or bar top, speakers, stairs, or anything else Joel can stand on.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence

and entertainment-

8.5/10

Next to hit the stage is a band best described as hardcore. That’s the only word that truly makes the most sense. The crowd is already pushing and chanting “Chiodos” to the point of moshing more than just bodies. As soon as the band appears, the crowd goes insane! Teenagers are actually beating past the other generations of people to get to the front. I nod my head in salute to their daring in all honesty. Lights go out then burst back on in a flourish dance of color and dominating presence. Then the band plays. I’ve been to more than my share of concerts and covered bands of various “measures.” The crowds vary with each show but this one…wow. Only after 2 songs, the entire house has lost it’s mind. As I get out of range of fire from everyone, I see how this band ensnares it’s fans so easily. What a power to have. As they continue ripping the stage, I realize this is how the band has made such a name for itself: they don’t hold back. Ever. Show stopping and jaw dropping, Chiodos has opened doors and eyes throughout the music world. Even after they play the last song, the crowd chants “One more song” for several minutes afterwards. If only the show could last forever, their wish would have been granted. My conclusion of Chiodos: hardcore.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence

and entertainment-

9/10

The heat turns up, there’s only inches from one person to the next and “Bullet! Bullet! Bullet!” is being called. The excitement builds until it explodes as they finally walk the stage. Instant stimulation of every sense a person has is being tested. Your eyes are given a feast: strobe lights, colors and your favorite band. Your ears are treated with your favorite songs. Your voice is lost among the rest. Your temperature rises and sweat drips off your face. All your other senses, well…they’re combined until you’re overloaded. It’s a blissful thing and the crowd is thriving on it. BFMV starts off with “Your Betrayal” then hits with other crowd favorites like “Fever,” “Waking the Demon,” “Tears Don’t Fall,’ “The Last Fight,” and “Scream, Aim, Fire.” The security in the pits has their hands full of crowd surfers coming from every direction while watching the moshers push their worries away. I walk up to the second level and what you see there is even more than what you think you see on the ground level. The entire place is moving like bees on a beehive. It’s a crazy mass of energy that intensifies with every song. The band exits the stage but only to return to favor the crowds outburst for more. BFMV graces us with “Begging For Mercy,” “Hand of Blood” and “Alone.” Nothing compares to seeing a band play for their crowd. Even as the concert ends, people are still smiling while recalling their favorite parts of the night. Some of them are even worse for wear but act as if that is exactly what they went there for. Bullet.

-My rating based on voice/instruments sound, stage presence and entertainment-

10/10

Make sure and check out each band along with this show stopping tour!

Bullet For My Valentine:

www.bulletformyvalentine.com

Chiodos:

www.myspace.com/chiodos

Airbourne:
www.airbournerock.com

Arcanium:
www.myspace.com/arcaniumband