DFB7 – VOLBEAT, 10 Years, Big Wreck, Wayland, Surrender The Fall, Eye Empire

It’s that time of the year again, when KROCK brings us a low-doe show to kick off the summer concert season with their annual Dysfunctional Family BBQ. Every year they seem to bring us a packed show with some amazing bands. This year, they brought us the one, the only… the mighty Volbeat!

The Danish rockers have been blowing up stages around the world, including the mark they have been leaving around the United States. They only started touring in the States for a few years now; it’s great to see how their US fans have been grown like wild fire!!! This was one of those bands that you definitely take notice of, for me it was when they first played in those early club tours. Now they are starting to pack major shows here in the US, not to mention back home they fill the huge arenas, selling out in mere minutes!!! From “The Warriors Call” to their version of Johnny Cash’s “Sad Man Tongue” there is no way you can’t rock out at a Volbeat show!!! It’s been said that VOLBEAT is the Greatest Rock-n-Roll band out there – once you experience a Volbeat show, you will know why! They are currently on tour with their latest release, “Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies.” Watch for them in the US this late summer as they headline the Monster Energy’s Rock Allegiance Tour featuring VOLBEAT, HIM, All That Remains and Airbourne!

Preceding them on the stage was 10 Years. They took the stage, with several members “dressed for the occasion.” They found their “best” outfits to wear to the Dysfunctional occasion. The costumes were a surprise, and it was great to see the band having fun; yet when it comes to their music, they were 100% serious and right on!! They really know how to engage a crowd, as vocalist Jesse Hasek took his performance off the stage and down into the crowd several times through out their set.

You know them from their hits “Wasteland” or perhaps, “Beautiful,” but make no mistake, that is just a hint of what this band is about! Producing and touring for over a decade now, 10 Years released their sixth studio album, “Minus The Machine” last summer on their own Independant label, Palehorse Records. Watch for 10 Years at a town near you as they will be touring North America with Seether later this summer. Visit their website for more details.

Big Wreck was fourth on the bill. They truly had a great sound that made you take notice. Lead by Canadian vocalist, Ian Thornley, Big Wreck formed by Berklee College of Music class mates, which might explain the tight sound and why they seemed to have a different guitars for each song (probably tuned special for each song). No matter the driving passion for their instruments, it was fun to see thing being changed up.

Big Wreck graced the KROCK, KRockathon3 stages back in 1998 when they were first on the scene; it was great to see where they have evolved. Although the band had disbanded in 2002, Ian Thornley went on with his solo career, simply called Thornley. In 2010, Ian Thornley and guitarist Brian Doherty reunited and tour across Canada, playing both Big Wreck and Thornley songs. That led to Big Wreck releasing their third studio album, “Albatross” is 2012. For a limited time, you can get a free MP3 download from “Albatross” here.

Watch for Big Wreck will continue to tour this summer across Canada. You can get the latest dates on Big Wreck’s website.

Wayland was third to take the stage. These guys really know how to put on a good ol’ southern rock show. My friends at the show nominated them to be “the sexiest band on the stage” because of their dance moves on stage.

Wayland has been creating a buzz since they released their debut EP, “Welcome to My Head” in December of 2011. The EP includes their first single “Welcome to My Head,” the second single “Nobody’s Perfect” and their tribute to a MI great, Bob Seger’s “Fire Down Below.” Managed by Jesse DuPree (vocalist of Jackyl), you could see where some of his influences came into their music. They had that familiar sound of the 90’s hair bands, yet with a modern rock touch. These guys are one to watch in the future.

Wayland will continue to tour across North America. Visit their website for more info.

Second on the stage was Surrender The Fall. Touring with bands like Nonpoint, My Darkest Days and The Red Jumpsuit

Apparatus to name a few, Surrender the Fall has been spreading their word. Live they light up a crowd and give off a vibe that reminds me of Papa Roach. Unfortunately, their set ended early as a fight broke out in the mosh pit. Their vocalist, Jared Cole, tried to break it up from the stage, as he called them out, yet noses were busted. The band refused to go on in, claiming in discuss “not happening in their house.” It only takes one (or two) in a crowd to ruin a good thing.

Surrender the Fall will be taken part in Rockapalooza with Candlebox, Taproot, and Saliva in Jackson, Michigan.

Kicking off the day was Eye Empire. I can’t say enough good things about this band. They really bring a amazing energy to the stage that flows over into the crowd! It was odd to see this band so early in the day, a rough job to open so early (12 noon) but they brought it all – strong and left their mark. Too bad for the crowd that was still filing in from the parking lot, they missed a killer band!

You can catch them this summer on tour with Drowning Pool. More info on Eye Empire’s website. Eye Empire is on tour in support of their debut album, “Moment of Impact” and rumor has it that they are working on album #2. Meanwhile, their current single, “More Than Fate” continues to climb charts as it gains more air play.

Overall, the DFB was an awesome way to kick off the summer outdoor concert series. Once again, kudo’s to KROCK for bringing another great show to Central NY area.