By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review)
Spartanburg, South Carolina (May 12, 2018) – Tonight’s show at GroundZero in Spartanburg, SC, is yet another pairing of great local musicians and national touring bands. Teaming withThermal Entertainment, this evening’s lineup consists of local bands, Broken Testimony, Saving Darkness, and Anonymous Concept, supporting Messer, and Shallow Side.
First up for the evening was the group Broken Testimony, a band formed in 2016 that has seen much success already; opening for many national touring acts like Trapt and Devour The Day. Bringing their alternative rock style of music, with a touch of metal influence, the band set the bar high for the evening. Showcasing some songs from the group’s upcoming 06/19/18 release, Holding On To Nothing, the band played a six-song set, packed full of high energy! The set included tracks “The Used”
, “Blessing”, “One Day”, “Bodies” (cover), “Medusa”, and “Vitality”
For a group of young guys, Bryce Chism (drums, vocals), Judge Page (guitar, vocals), Nic Delvaux (rhythm guitar), and Justin King (bass), put on a fantastic show tonight! I am always impressed with the talent and professionalism in Broken Testimony’s presentation.
Next up was Christian rock group, Saving Darkness. “Strong faith, humble hearts, and open minds are just a few things that has brought the men of Saving Darkness together”. With the scripture, Psalm 33:3, on the bass drum head, that in part states “play skillfully with a loud noise“. These guys did just that!
With a progressive hard rock sound, they combined powerful lyrical messages in each song, Saving Darkness lit up the stage with “Asking Mercy”, “God Makes the Change”, “Forever in My Heart”, “WhiteFlag”, and “Live It”, from 2017’s Live It. Blending the vast talents of Frank Bull (vocals), Mike Ruppe(guitar), Anthony Elder (bass), and Anthony Irby (drums), you could hear the influences of other Christian rock groups like Skillet and Nine Lashes.
Saving Darkness lyrics contain “words of forgiveness to standing firm in your faith”. “The men of Saving Darkness hope that the word of God played through their music provides a beacon of light to everyone’s times of darkness. The Saving Darkness movement is coming, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5”, get on board!
Keeping the momentum going, the last local group for the evening, Anonymous Concept, took the stage with “Distant Past”, and “Broken By Love”. With an image and stage theme to match their style of rock music, the group showcased a setlist of songs from their debut album, Testify (2017). Rolling from one song to the next, keeping the crowd ramped up, the band played fan favorites, “Testify”, “Forever Strangers“, “Children of the Night”, and “One Shot”. The crowd also enjoyed the group’s take on the Chris Isaak classic, “Wicked Game“. Anonymous Concept held the crowd’s attention with driving rock beats and catchy song hooks, before leaving the stage with a fan following begging for one more song, “FYI“!
Hailing from Dallas, Texas the group Messer took the stage next. Throughout the night I overheard people asking about this group; if there was any doubt about these guys, it was quickly washed away from the start of their set. These guys intended to win over new fans, and prove a point – I think they accomplished both!
Playing their self-titled album, Messer, that was just released on 04/20/18, in its entirety, Messer took the crowd on a rollercoaster ride of musical emotion. With in-your-face rock songs like, “Throw It All Away“, and “Whiskey“, the crowd had was head-banging with fists in the air! They then took it down to a softer side with the track, “Lay Down Your Heart“. With driving rock riffs from guitarists, Donnie Deville, and Javier Contreras, backed by the rhythm section of Kenny Younger on drums, and Maddox Messer on bass, the group provided a solid foundation for lead singer Dereak Messer to showcase his powerhouse vocal abilities.
Having formed in 2010, the band may be out on tour in support of their debut studio album, Messer, but they are no strangers to success. Having ties to Alice In Chains, Pantera, and Slash’s Snakepit, and also has opened for other notable bands such asMetallica, Vince Neil, Dokken, and more, this group is sure to continue moving forward. Messer is a group of seasoned musicians, whose songs are captivating and their live show is something you should definitely make a point to go see.
Shallow Side was the last band to take the stage headlining the night. Based out of Cullman, Alabama, consisting of lead singer, Eric Boatright, Matt Daniels on bass, guitarist Seth Trimble, and Heath Fields on drums, the group has a style of rock music that touches on the black sheep edges of pop; just enough to get the hooky choruses stuck in your head for days.
Bursting out on to the stage, the band opened the show with “Try To Fight It“, and “Out of Reach“ from their 2012 release,Home Today; continuing the energy that was set by tonight’s openers. Fans instantly recognized the groups cover of Styx’s “Renegade“, that has gained praise from Tommy Shaw himself. Take a look at “Crazy“:
With long hair, sweat and guitars swinging around, Shallow Side put their heart and soul to an electrifying performance! A personal favorite of mine is the song “My Addiction“; I was happy to see they included in tonight’s set. Shallow Side entertained their fans by performing songs spanning from all three of the group’s releases, Home Today (2012), Stand Up(EP) (2014), and One (EP) (2016).
Closing out the show with their newest single, “Rebel“, the crowd was not ready to leave; drawing the band back out for one last song. The notes of “Footloose” started and everyone in the joint went crazy! This performance included some choreographed dancing from the guys themselves. It was a sight to see!
At each sets end, each band could be found throughout the venue taking time to speak with fans and take pictures, while signing merch. This was one great night of rock n roll music with all five bands proving why they deserve recognition. We at Splice consider ourselves very fortunate to have been able to catch all five of these amazing bands at one time. Do yourself a favor and seek them out – you will not be disappointed!
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
