A Rocker's Paradise

Story and photo by Elena Nieman

As far as opening acts go, Dommin, far exceeded my expectations. The band hit The Orbit Room's stage with its dark new wave/semi-emo/post hardcore style. Intense vocals coupled with a five-string bass guitarist (who has Vic Victor looks), heavy guitar and keys set this band apart from other up-and-coming acts. I especially enjoyed its cover of Depeche Mode’s “People are People.” If you haven’t heard Dommin yet, I highly suggest you check it out.

Next to hit the stage was We Are the Fallen. Former Evanescence band members back up Carly Smithson, who is former American Idol finalist.

Then, finally the moment I’d been waiting months for. HIM took the stage in a flurry of screaming fans. The set list was a crowd pleaser, including songs “Wings of a Butterfly,” “Join Me,” “Killing Loneliness,” “Poison Girl,” and my personal favorite, “Wicked Game,” a Chris Isaak cover song gone dark metal. As far as stage presence goes – aside from Ville Valo’s incredible singing voice – Valo was almost immobile, only moving slightly and stomping out beats while never leaving desired place on stage. He also made a point to do a lot of conversation with the crowd between songs, but his strong Finnish accent made it hard to understand what he was saying. Musically, my months of waiting paid off big. The songs sounded a lot like they do on the albums, but with much more feeling.

A little prog rock and rockabilly before the holidays

The Pac-Sun tour hit Grand Rapids’ Orbit Room stage on Nov. 20. Kalamazoo’s own locals, Their Teeth will be of Lions, hit the stage first after winning a battle of the bands for the spot. Following up the local act was Eye Alaska. Innerpartysystem then took the stage with its rave-like feel and cut deep lyrics. The surprise of the night was P.O.S., a rapper no one was expecting. He came down into the crowd, stood on a chair and spat his heart out. After the riot P.O.S. caused, Saosin took the stage with its post hardcore rock songs. The crowd of kids sung to every song and Cove Reber, vocalist, connected with the audience in such a way that even my by the wayside attitude felt it.

A few days later was the Hank III show. Those Poor Bastards took the stage first with its creepy “country doom." After listening to songs about the devil, heartlessness and death, I decided that I like this band very much. The addition of a tall menacing skeleton who sung/screamed on some tracks left me feeling like I’d better pray before bed on this cold November night.

Enter Hank III and the entire Intersection sang in unison to his blend of old tyme country and lyrics about reckless drinking and drug use. Acoustic guitar, fiddle, stand up bass, and stand up steel guitar give Hank III’s brood more respect than “pop/country” acts. Be sure to visit reinstatehank.org and sign the petition reinstating Hank Williams Sr. into the Grand Ole Opry.