Review and Photos by Greg Hamil for MPM
Staind brought the angst and anthems to Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum on May 3rd, headlining the 102.9 The HOG’s annual HOG Fest. The energy crackled through the arena even before Staind took the stage, with the crowd pumped after solid sets from openers like I Prevail, Asking Alexandria, and Dayseeker!
Dayseeker kicked off the night with their signature brand of emotional metalcore. While festival setting can sometimes be a challenge for smaller bands, Dayseeker proved they could hold their own.
The band, featuring Rory Rodriguez on vocals, Justin McKinney on lead guitar, Alex Polk on rhythm guitar, Keegan Hickman on bass, and Beau Hart on drums, delivered a dynamic set that showcased their ability to weave between crushing breakdowns and soaring melodies. The impassioned vocals, mixed with aggressive and technically sound guitar work and a rock-solid rhythm section resonated with the crowd.
Despite a limited playing time, Dayseeker created a strong connection with the audience. They focused on some of their best songs like “Dreamstate”, “Homesick”, “Crying While You’re Dancing”, and “Neon Grave”. Rodriquez’s heartfelt between-song banter resonated, creating a sense of intimacy even in the vast arena.
Their performance at HOG Fest was a resounding success. They proved their ability to command a stage and deliver a captivating live experience. Dayseeker is a band on the rise and their passionate performance at HOG Fest is sure to leave a lasting impression on the Milwaukee metal fans.
DAYSEEKER Setlist: Dreamstate – Burial Plot – Homesick – Without Me – Crying While You’re Dancing – Sleeptalk – Neon Grave
Asking Alexandria was next to bring their blend of modern metal muscle with electronic flourishes. The British act, feature Danny Worsnop on vocals, Cameron Liddell on guitar, Sam Bettley on bass, and James Cassells on drums, proved they are a foce to be reckoned with live.
From the opening riff of “Closure,” the energy was electric. Worsnop, sporting a black baseball hat, commanded the stage with a captivating presence, pacing back-and-forth as though he were giving a speech.
Asking Alexandria struck a perfect balance between fan favorites and newer material. Classic tracks like “Down to Hell” and “The Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel)” had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs, while newer songs like “Moving On” and “Dark Void” showcased the band’s evolution and experimentation with electronic elements.
A standout moment was “Dark Void.” The song’s blend of aggressive metal riffs and pulsating electronic beats created a darkly atmospheric experience that captivated the audience. Worsnop’s impassioned vocals added another layer of intensity, making it a clear highlight of the night.
Asking Alexandria’s performance was a masterclass in high-octane rock. With a tight setlist, a charismatic frontman, and a skilled band, they delivered a show that was both thrilling and memorable.
Asking Alexandria Setlist: Closure – Alone Again – Down to Hell – Into the Fire – Where Did It Go? – Dark Void – Moving On – The Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel) – Alone in a Room
The final opener of the night was I Prevail. Despite missing Bryan Burkheiser due to a medical procedure; Eric Buchman on vocals, Steve Menoian on guitar, Taylor Larson on guitar and Gabe Helguera on drums delivered a performance that was both raw and electrifying, proving their place as a force in modern rock.
The absence of Burkheirser’s clean vocals and stage presence was noticeable, but the remaining members rose to the occasion. Buchman handled both the clean and screamed vocals, showcasing his impressive range and raw energy. Menoian and Larson combined technical prowess, unleashing a barrage of scorching riffs and intricate harmonies that kept the crowd headbanging. Helguera held down the fort with a relentless drumming style that drove the music forward with relentless power.
The setlist was a blend of I Prevail’s signature metalcore anthems and surprising genre-bending covers. “Bow Down” and “Body Bag” were fan favorites that had the mosh pit churning and fists pumping. A cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” reimagined as a heavy metal masterpiece left the crowd speechless. The unexpected cover showcased the band’s versatility in being able to inject their own unique energy into any genre.
Despite their missing bandmate, I Prevail delivered a performance that was nothing short of phenomenal. Their raw energy, genre-bending spirit, and musicianship solidified their position as one of the top bands of their genre.
I Prevail Setlist: There’s Fear in Letting Go – Body Bag – Self-Destruction – Bad Things – Blank Space (Taylor Swift cover) – Visceral – Head Like a Hole (Nine Inch Nails cover) – FWYTYK – Judgement Day – Choke – Hurricane – Bow Down – Gasoline
The Fiserv Forum vibrated with a potent mix of nostalgia and raw energy as Staind finally took the stage. Headlining HOG Fest on their “The Tailgate Tour”, the band featured Aaron Lewis on vocals, Mike Mushok on guitar, Johnny April on bass, and Sal Giancarelli on drums.
Festival setting can be a bit impersonal, but Staind wasted not time establishing a powerful connection with the crowd. The opening riff of “Lowest in Me” sent the crowd into a frenzy as the lights danced across the stage and images flashed on the video screens behind the band. Lewis’ vocals soared with a timeless quality, his raw emotion resonating deeply with all in attendance. Mushok’s guitar work created a wall of sound that enveloped the crowd as he swayed back and forth, hair swaying everywhere. April and Giancarelli provided a rock-sold foundation, their tight rhythm section driving the music forward with relentless power.
The setlist took the crowd on a journey through Staind’s extensive catalogue, catering to both longtime fans and newer listeners. Heavy hitters like “For You” and “Outside” ignited the mosh pits, while introspective ballads like “Fade” and “Something to Remind You” offered a moment of emotional respite.
Beyond the music itself, Staind’s stage presence was a force to be reckoned with. While not moving around a while lot, Lewis still commanded the stage with a captivating intensity, with every movement and vocal inflection radiating raw emotion. Mushok’s focused demeanor and powerful guitar work made him a mesmerizing focal point, while April and Giancarelle’s solid foundation and stoic stage presence provided an unwavering rhythm section.
Staind’s performance at HOG Fest was a nostalgic journey through the band’s long history. Their ability to connect with fans on an emotional level and their tight musicianship solidified their position as one of alternative metal’s most enduring acts.
Staind Setlist: Lowest in Me – Eyes Wide Open – Fade – Right Here – Not Again – Here and Now – Something to Remind You – Raw – Outside – Wannabe – Better Days – So Far Away – For You – It’s Been Awhile – Mudshovel
