Shinedown Nails Opening Set

Shinedown has the formidable task of opening for one of the most iconic bands in rock history on the KISS Monster Tour. This hard rock quartet from Jacksonville, Florida delivered what could easily be a headlining show complete with great songs from their 10 year, 5 album career and strong performances that were massively high energy and spot on musically.

Vocalist Brent Smith has a great voice for rock music; in fact, it would be a great voice for any genre. He at times showed tremendous power and at others great dynamics and nuance. He also moved with purpose and confidence across the Prospera Place stage. Everything a rock frontman needs to be, he was in spades.

Drummer Barry Kerch provided a rock solid foundation, but one with enough variety that the groove never felt stale or even predictable. Bassist/keyboardist/second guitarist Eric Bass certianly threw hinself into the show. Regardless of what role he was filling on which instrument he was in the moment so completely in every moment that time must have stood still for him last night.

Guitarist Zach Myers really danced around musically, rhythmically, and sonically. There were lead chops when he wanted or needed them, but there was also an uncany sense of where the groove needs to be and how to cement it on top of what Kerch and Bass were laying down.

Although I didn't get to stick around to see what KISS was bringing to town, Shinedown provided me with an ample dose of really good music on this night. Perhaps one of the best opening acts I've seen in quite a while.