It was a kick ass night of metal when Lamb Of God, Inflames, Hellyeah and Sylosis pulled into Niagara Falls.

Kicking off the night was Reading, England’s very own metalheads, Sylosis. Mixing in elements of Metal, Thrash and Progressive, Sylosis brought to the table an energetic set that grabbed the crowd’s attention from the start. They released their second album, “Monolith” this fall on Nuclear Blast Records. Monolith is a concept album based on the Greek Mythology, more precisely: tales of Orpheus and Eurydice. On the surface, this band hold together a really strong sound live and I am looking forward to diving more into what this band is about.

Second to take the stage was HellYeah! Just seeing these guys a few weeks ago in Watertown, (where they headlined the show), they once again were spot on.

These guys always can raise a sea of fist in the crowd and this time was no different. With a shorter set time, this show’s set list showcased a more aggressive side of the band. Kicking off the set with “War In Me” off their current self-titled debut, it set the mood that kept the energy tight as a “Stampede”. I was glad that I had the opportunity to catch their headlining show not too long before, cause I knew this set would be way too short and leave me wanting more. I’m sure the touring schedules have just begun for this band. Rumors are circulating around the internet that they will be on the Mayhem festival this coming summer, due to the band’s post on facebook “Sup Hellions!! What do you think? Should we play Mayhem next year?”… No matter if the rumors are true or they will be on another big festival tour or even their own headlining tour – be sure to keep you ears and eyes peeled for this band to come to your town. You’ll kick yourself if you miss them.

Third on the bill was Sweden’s Inflames. As one of the pioneers of the whole Gothenburg metal movement, Inflames has had a career that has taken their melodic death metal to many different levels. Granted, everyone knows that their early sound that started that movement in the early ’90’s is not the same as the current sound, but they never seem to forget those roots of the professionalism and musicianship that they always bring to the stage. As people continue to grow, so has this band, who I can’t say enough good things about. With selling over 2 million albums worldwide, I’d say I’m not alone. Out in support of their latest album, “Sounds of A Playground Fading,” there will be no slowing down for this band. They are booked to play the 7,000 Tons of Metal cruise, that launches from Florida January 28, 2013, hitting the Caribbean Sea before returning to Florida on Feb 1st. (http://www.70000tons.com/). They are also booked for the 2013 European summer festivals.

Headlining the night was Lamb Of God. As the crowd was high with anticipation, they began chanted “Lamb Of God.” It wasn’t long before the lights went down, and black and white footage of building being destroyed were played on the video screens on each side of the stage. With the last display of demolition, the band entered the stage playing “Desolation” (off their latest album, “Resolution”).  It’s been a few years since I have seen these guys and the biggest thing I noticed before they even took the stage was the size and production of their show! They have definitely kicked their shows up several notches since I’ve been; It was great to see how much their shows have grown. They sounded more full and grand than what I remember, plus the stage show enhanced their set, making it just that much more engaging for the crowd.Let’s hope that Lamb Of God will be allowed to continue to rock venues like this for years to come.

Since the show, there was breaking news as Lamb of God’s vocalist Randy Blythe has been indicted on manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic in connection with the death of a fan at a 2010 concert. While it’s horrible for the family that lost their child, there is always a danger when stage diving, crowd searching, or a fan rushing the stage. It’s an unfortunate incidence all the way around. Let’s hope for a quick closure for the family and for Randy not to have to serve any more time.

The tour only has a few more dates left (SEE BELLOW). If your in any of those areas this tour is headed, you should get out for an awesome night of metal.

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.PHOTO GALLERIES :

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LAMB OF GOD :: PHOTO GALLERY :: NIAGARA NY

INFLAMES :: PHOTO GALLERY :: NIAGARA NY

HELLYEAH :: PHOTO GALLERY :: NIAGARA NY

SYLOSIS :: PHOTO GALLERY :: NIAGARA  NY

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TOUR DATES :

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LAMB OF GOD, INFLAMES, HELLYEAH  & SYLOSIS:

12/04 – Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
12/06 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
12/07 – Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
12/08 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
12/10 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore
12/11 – Farmington, NM @ McGhee Park
12/13 – San Francisco, CA @ Warfield

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LINKS:
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LAMB OF GOD : lamb-of-god.com

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IN FLAMES : inflames.com

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HELLYEAH : hellyeahband.com

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SYLOSIS : sylosis.com

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