The Carnival of Madness pulled in to downtown Albany NY to take over the Times Union Center. This is year two of the annual tour; and the line-up was: Theory of a Deadman, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way and Emphatic.

Emphatic was first to take the stage and get the crowd going. Hailing from Omaha, NE, Emphatic was a fresh face to this Capital District music scene. Hooking up with the renown producer Howard Benson (Three Days Grace, Daughtry, 10Yearhs, Theory Of A Deadman, Halestorm, Skillet) back in April to record their debut album, Emphatic released their debut album “Damage” on July 12, 2011, via Atlantic Records. You can check out and download their first single, “Bounce” from their facebook page. They had the crowd bouncing from the get go; look out for these guys to continue to tour after Carnival Of Madness this fall/winter.

Next up was those Las Vegas bad boys, Adelitas Way. Hot on the radio circuit as their first single “Sick” off  their current album “Home School Valedictorian” and has been holding strong on the hard rock charts. They were originally embraced by the mainstream back in 2009 as their songs “Invincible” became the official theme song of “WWE Superstars” and “A New Day” was the theme song for the defunct WWE Tag Team The Legacy. But that was just a taste of what this band has to offer. They took the stage with their band new single “The Offering.” Musician Photo Journal caught up with Vocalist Rick DeJesus before the show, where Rick shares with us some stories of the road as well as the story behind “Sick” and “The Offering” You can watch the nine minute chat here. Watch for Adelitas Way to continue to tour this fall on a North American headlining tour.

Third to take the stage was the Southern Rockers, Black Stone Cherry with a set list packed with their hits including their current single, “Blame It on the Boom Boom,” “White Trash Millionaire” “Blind Man” and “Lonely Train”. Celebrating hitting their 10year mark as a band with all of it’s original members, Black Stone Cherry releases their third studio album, “Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea.” It never cease to amaze me how young these guys are, yet they have such an vast knowledge and understanding of the roots of rock music. Granted, many attribute the whole Rock-N-Roll movement to take place in the South (naming Memphis and the center point) with the old greats of the 50’s including Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, The Big Bobber, and Ritchie Valens. But many of those musicians were inspired from the southern blues, gospel and music of the south. Maybe being born and raised in Kentucky, helps contribute to Black Stone Cherry’s early influences; no matter what it is, it works brilliantly. Lead vocalist/guitarist, Chris Robertson and Drummer/backing vocalist John Fred Young  share with us a little glimpse into what helped shape them as a musician as young boys growing up in Kentucky when Musician Photo Journal sat down with the boys after their soundcheck at the Carnival Of Madness Tour in Albany, NY. You can watch the chat here.

Fourth on the bill was no other than co-headliner Alter Bridge. Some of these guys may look familiar to you, as they should. Lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips are also members in a little rock band called Creed. Rounding out this all-star line-up is lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy who is formerly of The Mayfield Four and the touring frontman of Slash’s current solo project.  Formed back in 2004, Alter Bridge released their third studio album “AB III” in the fall of 2010, which includes “Isolation” one of the band’s most successful single.  Alter Bridge will be looking to bring their show across the pond for a European tour in October/November. Look for their current single “Ghost of Days Gone By” on your local radio.

In the Headlining slot of the night was the one and only, Theory Of A Deadman. It seems like The United States has been flooded with these great Canadian rock band of late, but I say keep the movement coming. From Delta, British Columbia, Theory of A Deadman gives a tight performance every time I have seem them. Playing the favorites like “Lowlife”,  “Bitch Came Back” and “Not Meant To Be”, Theory of A Deadman was spot on. They are currently out in support of their fourth studio album, “The Truth Is…” Look for Theory Of A Deadman to be on the road with 3 Doors Down and Pop Evil in The United States (Sept – Nov) before heading over to The United Kingdom from Nov 22 – 29, 2011. Stay tuned to their website for more tour dates to be added.

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.Theor

PHOTO GALLERIES:

* THEORY OF A DEADMAN :: PHOTO GALLERY

* ALTER BRIDGE :: PHOTO GALLERY

* BLACK STONE CHERRY :: PHOTO GALLERY

* ADELITAS WAY :: PHOTO GALLERY

* EMPHATIC :: PHOTO GALLERY

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For more information on:

THEORY OF A DEADMAN : theoryofadeadman.com

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ALTER BRIDGE : alterbridge.com

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BLACK STONE CHERRY : blackstonecherry.com

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ADELITAS WAY : adelitaswaymusic.net

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EMPHATIC : emphaticrock.com

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