Was the headache, heat, and $37 less in your pocket for a 6 hour concert of hardcore and heavy metal worth it???? The answer, my friend... Yes. Sounds of the Underground is a first-year tour, picking up where Ozzfest is lacking-- smaller venue, re-admittance allowed, appreciative musicians, adoring fans, and something absolutely phenomenal, tables set up where kids can actually buy bands' merchandise for a reasonable price! Sounds of the Underground is filled with both newbies and geezers that know how to rock out. Take 'Gwar' for example: one of the most worthless musicians, but get them onstage, all geared up, and you're in for one of the best novelty acts of all times. They perform with larger than life penises and machines, spraying 'blood' across the audience countless times. As the debauchery reins on, the pit is a sea of red. What other tour this summer will do that for you?
I'll be honest with you, at some points I found myself in a deja vu state, repetition of the usual, "f*ck you! Justice justice! f*ck you!" But with acts like 'Everytime I Die,' 'Norma Jean,' and 'Opeth' changing up the pace, I couldn't help but be satisfied. My personal favorite, Jeffrey of 'Poison the Well,' not only screams, but can ACTUALLY sing!!! Melody was a wonderful treat during this very loud day of chants. At the end of the night, 'Chimaira' stole the 216 spirit-- Cleveland band, Cleveland kids, Cleveland charm.
