Stabbing Westward, one of the most successful industrial-rock bands of all time, is on the road celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band’s third album, Darkest Days. The tour made a stop at Orlando’s House of Blues with support from Orlando’s own Copper Bones and Meka Nism and their brand of pure unadulterated, in-your-face, take no prisoners metal.
Stabbing Westward’s first album Ungod was released in 1994, followed up with their certified gold record in 1996, Wither, Blister, Burn + Peel that featured such hits as “What Do I Have To Do” and “Shame”. Two years later the band released Darkest Days, which featured 16 songs touching on the emotions surrounding the loss of a relationship. Darkest Days was released via Columbia Records and was recorded in L.A. in 1997 and released on April 7, 1998.
The band hadn’t toured since they announced a dissolution in 2002; however, in 2016 the band reunited to celebrate their 30th year together and has continued to perform together since. The Illinois-based band currently consists of Christopher Hall (vocals), Walter Flakus (keys/second guitar), Marcus Eliopulos (lead guitar), Carlton Bost (bass), and Bobby Amaro (drums).
The evening’s tone was set early as each band brought their own unique sound and style that had the venue buzzing. It was evident as the night progressed that each band had gained new fans and new friends.
Stabbing Westward, took to the stage and after the first three songs, the band’s frontman Christopher Hall , announced to the crowd, “Thank you and Goodnight”. The crowd fell silent and in a bit of shock until Hall followed up with… “And now for a 16 song encore!” There was no elaborate stage setup, simply the band and the raw emotion and energy they brought to the stage and it was perfect. All in all a glorious night for fans of all ages to sing along, hands in the air, re-living memories of songs from the 90’s. The band played all but 4-songs from the album during their set that included a “Happy Birthday” to 10-year old Landon.
If you have the rare opportunity to catch a Stabbing Westward show, jump at the chance for a night of great music.
Stabbing Westward Setlist
1.) Darkest Days 2.) Everything I Touch 3.) Drugstore 4.) Save Yourself 5.) Haunting Me 6.) Torn Apart 7.) Sometimes It Hurts 8.) Happy Birthday to You 9.) Drowning 10.) Desperate Now 11.) The Thing I Hate 12.) On Your Way Down 13.) Waking Up Beside You 14.) Nothing 15.) So Far Away 16.) Lies 17.) What Do I Have to Do? 18.) Violent Mood Swings 19.) Shame
Learn more about the band and what they are up to @:
https://www.facebook.com/stabbingwestwrd/
https://www.youtube.com/user/StabbingWestwardVEVO
Review and photos by Jennifer Reis
