Kicking off days 2 of “The Sound of Madness” Tour, Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, Skillet and Like A Storm gave us a superb night of Rock N’ Roll at The Washington Ave Armory in downtown Albany, NY.

First band to play was Like A Storm, who rushing onto the stage, whipped the crowd into a musical frenzy while setting the awesome tone and vibe for the night. With their unique sounds and great energy, it’s no wonder they have been generating a lot of buzz within the industry! Originally from New Zealand (they now live in Vancouver,Canada), they are new arrivals on the American music scence. Last year they created a stir while touring with other heavy hitters such as Staind, Hoobastank, Puddle of Mudd and Saliva. Now, it seems that all of their hard work paid off, as their debut album, “The End Of The Beginning,” entered the Billboard’s “New Artist” Charts at #61, generated from their tour sales alone. Watch for them to come through your town.

Next up was the Hardcore but surprisingly sweet Christian Rock Band, Skillet. They are known for putting on a brilliant stage show and tonight was no exception. They had a full stage set with great sound and style. They are currently out on tour in support of their latest album, “Awake” that features their hits “Hero” and current single “Monster.” They have a great blend of female and male vocals. From March to May, Skillet will be headlining their own tour before hopping on the Festival/Radio circuit this summer.

Following Skillet was Puddle Of Mudd who really know how to play to their crowd! They had the audience rocking out to some of the band’s best known and favorite tunes including their rendition of the Nirvana song “Hates Me.” The audience ate it up with a spoon as they sang along to the stark vocals of lead singer, Wes Scantlin. The overall feeling on the floor was one of excitement as the crowd danced the night away. Look for Puddle of Mudd’s fourth studio album, “Vol. 4: Songs in the Key of Love and Hate” in stores now. Puddle Of Mudd will continue on the tour, doing a few headlining show, then head out with Chevelle, Sick Puppies, Cavo and Janus in the end of February.

The final band was Shinedown who put on one of the best performances. The crowd went wild with kids screaming and jumping up and down to Shinedown’s great vocals and boundless energy as members of the band leapt all around the stage, playing their souls out to their audience. I would highly recommend getting out and seeing this tour because it is one you will kick your arse if you miss!

The tour will continue across the US and end February 13th in Peoria, IL. Shinedown will then head over to Australia for a few weeks, hit Hawaii on their way back to North America where they then jump on tour with Nickelback, Breaking Benjamin and Sick Puppies (early April). Next, they will team up with 3 Doors Down, Lifehouse, Carolina Liar for an other North American tour that will run from April to June.

PHOTO GALLERY:

For more information on Shinedown check out www.shinedown.com
— and also on: myspace, Facebook or Twitter

For more information on Puddle Of Mudd check out www.puddleofmudd.com
— and also on: Myspace, Facebook or Twitter pages

For more information on Skillet check out www.skillet.com
— and also on: Myspace, Facebook or Twitter pages

For more information on Like A Storm check out www.likeastorm.com
— and also on: Myspace, Facebook or Twitter pages