After all the time I've spent talking them up lately, I think I'm going to look like a permanent rider on the "Creed" bandwagon. In my opinion however, a Creed concert is an experience not to be missed. Keep in mind that "Creed" has only one album to their credit and, although their debut effort has enjoyed a ride into platinum territory, the band has not quite received enough air play to put them into the radio-ready category. Judging by the sell-out crowd that jammed into The Plaza to see them -- not to mention the zealous chanting that ushered the band onto the stage -- obscurity will soon be a distantly receding memory for "Creed."

When "Creed" arrived onstage, they were by a loud and enthusiastic crowd. The thunderous applause was answered with a wild, furious rendition of "Torn," the opening song on their debut album. Though none of the songs have been around long, every fan in the place knew all the words as they attempted to match lead singer Scott Stapp note for note. "Torn" was followed by "Ode," giving Mark Tremonti (guitar) and Brian Marshall (bass) a chance to shine as the song opened with fiery licks and a surprisingly tight sound.

Unlike most debut bands who shy away from introducing new material before the release of a follow-up album, "Creed" treated the audience to four new songs. The first of these new songs followed "Ode." The other three ("Wrong Way," "As I" and "Wide Open") were spaced throughout the rest of the show. "Wide Open" is a beautiful, high-octane ballad, written by Stapp. It's about his learning about his wife being with child. The live take on this one provided one of the most moving moments of the show.

The band really kicked it into overdrive with a blistering rendition of the song "Unforgiven." The live version was quite a bit heavier than the album version, and did a great job show casing the band's raw power and aggression. Tremonti's guitar blazed and Stapp really dug deep, churning out the vocals. He was assisted during this and other songs by smoke and backlighting that gave him an almost Messianic appearance. I've never seen a singer pour so much emotion into his craft; to watch him live is almost a spiritual experience.

In all, "Creed" played nine of the ten songs from their debut album, with "Little Sister" being the only track absent from their live set. "In America" came off powerful and confident. When they launched into a scorching version of "Illusion," Stapp exhorted the audience to sing along. "Pity for a Dime," slowed the momentum somewhat, but the bridge in that song gave Tremonti a chance to show just what a talented guitar player he is. His fingers appeared to have a mind of their own as he wowed the audience with his guitar mastery.

Once the audience had been whipped into a suitable frenzy, Stapp announced that "The time has come in this concert . . . where we play that song." It sounded like a challenge, like, "You ain't seen nothing yet." With the crowd on their feet, "Creed" launched into the title track of their album, "My Own Prison." For me, this was the absolute highlight of the concert. "My Own Prison" is a moving song to begin with, and the live version brought it to a new level. If the crowd wasn't won over before, this was the clincher. Everyone sang along wildly as the band looked on appreciatively. With the last chorus still echoing in the wings, the band thanked everyone for their support and left the stage.

The chants began again: "Creed......Creed......Creed," until the band took the stage again, to a deafening roar. The encore consisted of "One" and "What's Life For," another song that is transformed by "Creed's" obvious live talents. The performance turned "What's Life For" into something almost magical. Stapp and the rest of the band delighted in the audience's enthusiasm and they thanked the fans again for the experience before thundering to a close. The applause that followed "Creed" from the stage was some of the loudest I've heard -- and some of the most well-deserved.

To say that I enjoyed this concert immensely is an understatement. "Creed" gives 110% to their shows -- they're one of the best live bands I've seen. I certainly look forward to seeing them again when they come to town. If they come around where you live, you should make a point of seeing "Creed." You won't be disappointed.