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Masters of Horror
Story and photos by Jamie Griffin
Clive Barker, John Carpenter, Wes Craven. All of them are masters of the horror genre of film. Now we can add the rock bands Mudvayne, Sevendust, Ten Years and Bobaflex to the list of those responsible for good horror. You may be asking yourself what these four rock bands have in common with the biggest names in horror films. Besides lots of scary costumes and fake blood, the answer is simple. Masters of Horror. The cable channel Showtime teamed up with numerous film directors to bring to life a series that allows some of the biggest names in horror to make shorts similar to the Tales From the Crypt series from years ago. With the show came an all-star soundtrack and tour. While the soundtrack to the series focuses on numerous up and coming rock bands the tour featured two acts of seasoned veterans and a couple up and comers. Stopping at Mt. Clemens Emerald Theater on November 27th the tour featured many great live shows and a few surprises as well. Headliners Mudvayne proved that they are masters of their domain with singer Chad Gray coming in a gorilla suit and blood covering his face. While there were some highlights of their set such as the singles Forget to Remember and Happy, I found the majority of the show to be your typical profane laden no frills rock show. While this was great for true fans of the band to a first time spectator the show lacked something. Perhaps it was a big stage show that one would expect from a tour called Masters of Horror. Maybe it was the lack of masks or dancers or even a big drum solo. I can't quite put my finger on it but the show left somewhat of a void in me. While I was familiar with most of the set list the show just seemed a bit drab. After the sixth or so song the show picked up quite a bit with the songs Not Falling and Determined. The best part was the ending song when Gray asked the crowd, Can you dig it? The answer being the chorus of the song Dig, off of 2000’s L.D. 50. Which I must admit I did dig.
Also on the bill were Atlanta natives
Sevendust who never disappoint. Out supporting their new album Next on
new label Winedark Records the band sustained a line-up and label change
within the past year. Despite the changes their live show is
unscathed. While they also offer a no frills rock show there is
something fulfilling about it. Perhaps it’s singer Lajon Whitherspoons
melodic vocals or drummer Morgan Rose’s gut wrenching growls. Maybe it
was the antics of bass player Vinnie Hornsby or even newcomer Sonny Mayo
( Snot, Amen, Hed P.E.). Whatever it is Sevendusts stage show always
leaves an impact that few bands I’ve seen can rival. Pure Energy is all
that’s left in Sevendusts wake.
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