The ROCKSTAR Energy Drink MAYHEM Festival has essentially replaced OZZFEST as the go-to Rock/Metal summer festival over the past few years. I have attended the past three summer festivals and, to be honest, was looking for a better bill than this.
I have seen Disturbed a couple of times, and although I really dig their new album, I expect the same sort of performance. Lots of fire, lots of jamming & solos, and lots of screaming along to the words by the fans. I have only seen Godsmack once, and it rocked. They put on one helluva show. I’d have to admit I am looking forward to seeing them again. I just caught Megadeth a few months back with Slayer. Not sure the summer festival will be able to top that arena show.
I am ALWAYS pumped to see Machine Head. I have probably seen them 8 or 9 times, the last being with Metallica in ’09. The dudes straight up DESTROY any venue they play in. Would much rather see them in a club, but being on the Main Stage should be pretty tight. I am hoping they will be bringing out some new material with them for this one.
I have seen In Flames once, and they were tight. They are just wrapping up a new album and should be jamming some of that… sweet. I have also seen Trivium a handful of times, and they don’t disappoint — at least they haven’t. They should also have some new material.
Main Stage
- Disturbed
- Godsmack
- Megadeth
- Machine Head
- In Flames
- Trivium
I have never seen Suicide Silence, but am intrigued by the opportunity. They are one of those bands that had to grow on me at first. Sorta like All Shall Perish. Once I gave their first album a listen a few times, I was mildly hooked. They are also finishing their next album and should have some juicy new jams for the ear drums! I have never seen Straight Line Stitch and have no clue what to expect from them. Not sure I have even heard any of their shit. :s
Extreme Stage
- Suicide Silence
- All Shall Perish
- Straight Line Stitch
I will definitely be checking out Unearth and Kingdom of Sorrow on the Jager stage.
Jagermeister Stage
- Unearth
- Kingdom of Sorrow
- Red Fang
All-in-all, the bill is not bad. There were more bands in years past, but I hope this means longer set lists, and possibly getting one of those stages in the gravel taken down. I would really enjoy seeing all of these bands play on a single stage, but I don’t think that will happen, at least not this time. Thankfully, there were ZERO rumors of Marilyn Manson headlining this one. YAY.
