Article by Wendy Podmenik Darugar

Photos by Glenn Woodell and Wendy Podmenik Darugar

From Anthrax’s pentagram imagery last week, to Skillet‘s cross tattoos…a rock journey. Having never seen a Christian rock band before, I didn’t know what to expect. Would there be a sermon in the middle of the set? A group prayer beforehand?

Not the case, as this evening would be very much about the music.

Both opening bands were allotted a 30 minute set. Devour the Day opened up on our Saturday night show to a nearly sold out audience. Hard edged rock music with a touch of thrash metal drumwork and a dark, intense punk rock atmosphere, lead singer Blake Allison didn’t hold back as he jumped into the crowd by the second song, and surfed the waves of supporting hands at the NorVa. They debuted their newest single “Bottom”, from recent album “S.O.A.R.”, and ended with “Respect”.

Australia’s 3 piece Sick Puppies had new vocalist Bryan Scott exclaiming, “ You guys are crazy! We are having the time of our lives, you have no idea how much that means to us!” They also debuted the single ‘Where Do I Begin” from “Fury”. Bassist and original member Emma Anzai is a definite must-see. I swear she had extra fingers on her hands, and she never stopped moving like a whirlwind on the stage. My opinion is that she will eventually become known as one of rock’s greatest bass players.

Grammy nominated Skillet headlined with an elaborate set up, featuring laser lights, upwardly shooting plumes of fog, risers and mechanical lifts for the guitarists. Their album “Unleashed”, released this past August, debuted at #3 on Billboard’s top 200 Album chart and their single “Feel Invincible” is currently receiving generous airplay on radio. Formed in Tennessee in 1996, husband and wife John and Korey Cooper are joined by Seth Morrison on guitar and Jen Ledger on drums. Skillet has the biggest digital single in the history of Christian music, “Monster”, with 2.6 million sold. With lyrical allusions to Christian principles and empowering messages, Skillet speaks to the masses about spirituality without alienating those who may not want a sermon. This is the Christianity for the modern age, packaged in a familiar accessible format that can be played on your iPod or watched in a music video, marketed to a younger set not interested in a dusty church, but seeking enlightenment with plenty of flash. Sunday mornings are now more like Saturday nights. Overall, a strong show and a strong band worth seeing. Check out upcoming tour dates at http://www.skillet.com/