It was the final stop for The Shepherd of Fire Tour featuring Avenged Sevenfold, Hellyeah and Adrenaline Mob in Syracuse NY.

Opening Act, Adrenaline Mob unfortunately had to cancel due to a vehicle accident in Maine a few nights prior. According to their Facebook page, there were no series injuries, but their equipment was damaged, forcing them to cancel the show. Best to them as they get everything straighten out and their equipment fix/replaced.

Without Adreanline Mob, Hellyeah had an earlier start and was first to take the stage. With a new album coming out on June 10th, the band recently announced a line-up change of Kyle Sanders (Bloodsimple) on bass and Christain Brady would be their touring second guitarist. As a big fan of Hellyeah, I had mix emotions about not see Bob Zilla and Greg Tribbett on the HY stage. How could you be a fan and not feel something as 2/5th of the band would be missing? I went into the show, keeping an open mind and tried to just experience what this new incarnation of the band would be like.

Any reservations I had went out the window when they stepped out on stage. I’m a fan of Kyle Sander’s since I first saw him play, back in the 90’s with the industrial metal band Skrew, as well as his heavier side in Bloodsimple. Kyle is just a beast of a bass player live, very animated and crazy fun to watch! Maybe it’s all those years of playing live under Kyle’s belt, but honestly, it felt very natural to see him on the stage with Hellyeah. His energy matches that of Chad, Vinnie and Tom. Christian Brady is a very skilled guitarist and he does complete the live Hellyeah circle. The change of members has seemed to breathe new life into the bands live performance. That is not to put down Bob and Greg – they definitely were a huge part of Hellyeah for many years, doing a superb job live – but the new guys bring a different side to the band, that’s new and exciting. If you loved the “old” Hellyeah, you will definitely love this new version of Hellyeah as well. The energy is high, the music is tight, sound and lighting were spot on – what more could you ask for in a live show?

MPJ had the opportunity to sit down with Hellyeah’s guitarist, Tom Maxwell before the show. We discussed the undergoing of HellYeah’s line-up change, the new more focus and heavier direction the band has taken on the new album and the two new videos the band recently shot (“Sangre Por Sangre” and “Moth”). Plus we talked about what’s on the horizon for HellYeah Tours. MPJ was allowed to listen to the new album and let me tell you – they really have taken Hellyeah to a new level that you will undeniably love! It’s back to the old metal roots – with deep meanings and thoughts mixed in with heavy and catchy riffs. Watch for the new album to drop on June 10th via Eleven Seven Music.

MPJ INTERVIEW :

WITH TOM MAXWELL
[** COMING SOON **]

Headlining the night was Avenged Sevenfold. This was the first time for me seeing this band since they let Mike Portnoy go. They still put on a big production, large arena show, that is unquestionably entertaining and a great time. Musically, they sounded excellent. They kicked off the night with “Shepherd of Fire” (off their current album, “Hail to the King” ) which is what they titled this tour. A7F played several songs from the new album which was refreshing to hear. Watch for Avenged Sevenfold on tour as they will be heading to Europe in June, and back around North America is July and August with the Mayhem Festival.

PHOTO GALLERIES :

AVENGED SEVENFOLD :: PHOTO GALLERY :: Syracuse NY

HELLYEAH:: PHOTO GALLERY :: Syracuse NY

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LINKS:

AVENGED SEVENFOLD : www.avengedsevenfold.com

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HELLYEAH : hellyeahband.com

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ADRENALINE MOB : adrenalinemob.com

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MUSICIAN PHOTO JOURNAL :

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