Nonpoint::San Antonio TX

Being the concert addict I am, on October 28, 2008, I attended the What Doesn’t Kill You Tour, with headliner Nonpoint and featuring 12 Stones, A New Revolution, and Royal Bliss.  I’d already seen 12 Stones in concert and was anticipating what Nonpoint had to bring to the table, being only somewhat familiar with their music already.

Opening the show was Royal Bliss, a rock band from Salt Lake City, Utah. I didn’t know what to expect.  The lead singer summed up my concerns himself saying it's not often you find a rock band from Utah who knows how to play. This five piece band, composed of Neal Middleton (vocals), Taylor Richards (guitars), Jake Smith (drums), Chris Harding (guitar), and Tommy Gunn (bass) delivered an awesome performance. One of the songs they played is from their latest album, Life in Between, called “We Did Nothing Wrong.”  This was one of my favorites of the evening.  Another great one was “Here We Come.”  In between their act, Paul McCoy from 12 Stones came out to congratulate the band with a few beers, for all their hard work on the tour. He announced this would be the last stop for Royal Bliss as Middleton was suffering from vocal damage and was under Doctor’s orders to not sing, play or drink at all. McCoy asked for a round of applause for the rebellion against orders. I screamed, I shouted, I was all for the rebellion. The last song of the act was my favorite of the entire set. It was Rock with a twist of Country twang. I don’t like country all that much, but I do acknowledge the talent in that side of the business.  The song is called “I Was Drunk” and if I were 21, I’d have been drinking during that song, simply because it’s a drinking song that makes you think.  It was the highlight of Royal Bliss' set. They brought down the mood and still rocked it. I loved the way Middleton as well as the other members of the band orchestrated a nostalgic feeling, even when I haven’t had that much experience yet. I could however, sense his voice was shaky at times, but he still delivered.  I couldn’t have asked for a better song to end with. I guess bands from Utah can make it in the business if they stick it out for as long and painful journey.

Next up was a band from Austin, Texas, which some say is today's music capitol of the world. I’ll agree with that for the time being until San Antonio gets on the map for music too. Anyway, the band is called A New Revolution. When they came on stage you could feel the crowd amping up. A New Revolution had a presence to them that was strong. Before I get to their music, I have to comment on the appearance of the members of the band. Made up of Joey Duenas (vocals), Frank Salvaggio (bass), Shaun Stockton (guitar), and Robert Urbani (drums), A New Revolution has some nice music, and some nice looks reminiscent of other artists. For instance, when I saw Stockton come onto stage, I had to comment on who he looked like. I turned to my brother and immediately told him my thoughts. Stockton looks like hip-hop artist Common. Every time I looked his way, the image of Common popped into my head. Duenas, decked out in all black, looked like front man Adam Gontier from Three Days Grace. Salvaggio reminded me of Barry Stock also from Three Days Grace. And as for Urbani, I couldn’t place him with any other artist, and to me that’s a good thing because, if and when I see this band again, I know I’ll be able to tell that it’s him, and not mistake him or his playing for anyone else’s.

But back to the music...  I will say A New Revolution had more power in their music and presence.  Their performance caught me off guard. Some people say that a band is good when their music goes well live. Having never seen or heard of A New Revolution before, I thought their live music rocked. When I got home after the concert, I added them to MySpace, and I must say, the music posted, is good, but seeing and hearing them live, is 10 times better. Some bands are meant for live performances, while others should stick to the studio. A New Revolution is definitely made for the stage. Their energy, presence, and awesome vocals, drums (my favorite in their set), bass and guitar meshed together to create the right mix for a good act. One song, however, did get on my nerves. A song called “Done” though good, reminded me too much of Dallas natives, Drowning Pool. The chorus and the tune reminded me of the song “Bodies.” I commented on it to my brother, who agreed after the second chorus. My favorite song and the last song of the set was “Rise.” All the power and presence came through on this song. This was definitely A New Revolution song I couldn't compare to another band's style... but then now I have a song I can associate with the band for future reference. Overall, their talent will take them far, especially around Texas, a state known for its rock and roll.

Next band up was none other than 12 Stones. My brother has seen this band at least five times. I guess you could tell they’re his favorite and have become one of my top ten bands too. Having seen them a few months previously with Shinedown, I felt ecstatic to see them again. My heart was pumping, my hair was everywhere, my brother was screaming as loud as he could, and some guy on the side of me was screaming louder than the entire room. 12 Stones came out on stage and my body immediately started jumping for the music and for joy. The first song, “Adrenaline” from their 2007 release “Anthem of an Underdog” got the crowd hyped.  The guy on the side of me, myself and my brother were yelling/singing all the songs. The energy was amazing. I’m a bit glad 12 Stones didn’t get into the mainstream side of music because I feel like it’s an exclusive club to know the journey they took to get it this far.

After finishing “Adrenaline” came “Shadows” a song from their previous 2004 record, Potter’s Field.  “Anthem of the Underdog” was the next song played that evokes power through the lyrics. It was used for the soundtrack to the movie “Never Back Down” with new comer Sean Faris as the main character. About halfway through their set, Middleton and the rest of the gang from Royal Bliss, came out with beer, and congratulated 12 Stones and to say thank you. It was awesome to see such companionship between bands that strive for the same thing: better music. My brother and I agree that it is great to hear 12 Stones’ old stuff in the set. Most bands, especially established bands, gear themselves to the newer music and only implement a few of their older songs. However, 12 Stones utilizes their older material as well as their newer material to make one spectacular show.

More than half the set was dedicated to older material from their self-titled release, 12 Stones, and Potter’s Field. As awesome as that is, it has a few downsides to it as well. Only playing 3 songs off their 2007 release, was somewhat of a downer. I know the album as well as I know how old I am. “Anthem for the Underdog” is a record that has slower songs than 12 Stones is used to doing. The shows are meant to get our pulses pumping faster. I believe there is another way to incorporate the slower songs from the newer album and still be able to push the limit, correctly and effectively. Songs like “World So Cold” and “Hey Stranger” are too slow yet great show songs.

One thing about 12 Stones’ performance was how connected the gang was with the crowd. McCoy got off stage and began singing in the crowd with us and created a “little” mosh pit. (I’ve seen bigger). The other members remained on stage and kept the music playing with an energy that didn’t seem like it would ever go away. The expressions on the crowds’ faces when McCoy went to the crowd were remarkable.  I was stoked! My brother was bothering me for the camera while I was absorbed in an attempt to touch McCoy or any of the members left on stage. I was successful in touching McCoy, while my brother was successful in getting the pictures. 

The second to the last song, “Lie to Me,” was the first single off the 07’ release. I adore this. Apparently, the guy next to me loved it more, because it looked like he was crying, although it might have just been sweat, from all the jumping, screaming, pushing and pulling everyone had  to do to keep up with the pace of the show.  The last song of the set was also a favorite of mine. “Broken” was the peak for me. I think a lot of people go to their shows expecting 12 Stones to forget where they came from and what made thousands of fans fall in love with their music. 12 Stones has never disappointed my brother in the 5 times he has seen them, and they have not disappointed me thus far. They ended with one of the songs that brought them to where they are today: making great music and loving it. Screaming and shouting, head banging and singing, every trick up their sleeve came out. The entire band got into the groove of it, performed on the dot and left a lasting impression on me and probably the guy next to me, who has seen them all over Texas. My brother and I even had the chance to get a picture with Paul McCoy after the concert was done. It was fun, with the crazy face McCoy made, and my inability to look decent in a picture, but I still like it.

Being stoked from having seen 12 Stones, and still hyperactive, I was anticipating seeing Nonpoint for the first time. I didn’t know what to expect. I had only heard about 3 tracks from them when my friend introduced me to them a few years ago. Nonpoint, Elias Soriano (vocals), Kenneth Chairman (bass), Robb Rivera (Drums), and newcomer, Zach Broderick on guitar replacing Andrew Goldman. Being up front and center for the first 3 acts was getting to my brother. He asked me to get out of the crowd with him to go in the back to relax and to try to get a glimpse or autograph with 12 Stones. Nonpoint came on the stage about 20 minutes later. The entire crowd threw up their hands with such a roar that it was amazing how well known this band is, and yet, I’d had no idea who they were. Since I lost my place up front, I resorted to catching the show on the sideline, where most of the photographers were standing.  It was much more relaxed and a really good view from where I was, just off the left of the stage, yet close enough to take pictures and so close to touching any of the members who came to the left hand of the stage. 

The best thing about when Nonpoint came onto stage was the the cover song of Metallica. Metallica! A lot of bands cover Metallica in hopes that it will bring them some sort of recognition, but in truth they fail at portraying a band that has been around since the 80s making hits since before they were born. But not in this case. Nonpoint has developed their own image and sound that covering Metallica was just an option. They would have had just as great a set without the cover of “Master of Puppets.” (Actually, now that I think about, I was too pumped up about them on stage, that I could be mistaken about the exact song.) The second song was an original. When they began to play I was jumping up and down. I didn’t know any of the words, but it felt like I had to get to know this band better. The third song came, and I got sidetracked by my brother who has wound up in back of me, using the drumstick the drummer from 12 Stones threw into the crowd, to bang on my head. I had to make him quit which took about five minutes and the rest of the song. 

So close to the stage, I still couldn’t pick out the songs they were performing. I felt somewhat outcasted as a lot of other people knew all the words to songs. One song I did know was “In the Air Tonight” a remake of Phil Collins. I must say, since they covered Metallica, covering a Phil Collins song was different, but having already heard “In the Air Tonight” on previous records, it served both of them well. The remake was brilliant and performed live was just as great. Putting that metal and rock touch to it, took the song to the highest it could go. Phil Collins is a legend in his own right, but Nonpoint delivered a legendary song, making it something I would never forget about the song or the band. (It’s actually my new profile song on MySpace).

Like I said, having never heard most of the songs before and with such a hard time hearing the words, the real intensity I felt was the performance and music. I felt such power jumping up and down, screaming “Nonpoint” and shaking my head up and down like I was some sort of “head banger” simply because the music itself was awesome. When I was able to hear Soriano, I immediately thought that the vocals were beyond what I was expecting. Nonpoint has been around for years for Soriano to be able to perfect his vocals. With more than 5 albums under their belt, Soriano has had nothing but practice, practice and practice. It pays off.  The last song however, a song I actually know, is called “Bullet With A Name.” I knew most of the words, and so did most of the crowd whose hands were up in the air swinging side to side all while jumping up and down and throwing up all sorts of hand signs. It was also the last song of the set. What better way is there to go out then having a room full of fans and new fans alike jamming out?  I absolutely loved the bass and drums on this song.  While the song ended, I came to the conclusion that as a new fan, I will have to do more research on Nonpoint. I know many people don’t know about them, but after seeing them perform live, it’s only a matter of time that their fan base will grow, as they gain speed and get noticed in music. I can only hope, I get see more of what they have to offer.

After the show ended, Nonpoint went down to their merchandise table to sign autographs and take a few pictures with their fans. Because my brother was tired and want to go to a friend’s house, he made me rush. However, I did get one picture with Chairman and a few candid shots of Soriano, and Broderick. As I watched them sign autographs, all with smiles across their faces, I noticed how this is not a job for them or any of the other bands that played, it’s a passion and a way of life.  It’s not every day a person is given the opportunity to acknowledge the power of music in live performances and see greatness in the making through bands like Nonpoint, who rocked the stage, gaining one more tour under their belt and fans to be with them for the entire run.