The band allegedly caught their big break when Tyler Connolly (vocals/guitar) slipped the band’s demo to Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, who had just stared 604 Records in 2001. Shortly after, the band, consisting of Tyler Connolly, Tim Hart, Dave Brenner, and Dean Back, were signed, and released their eponymous album in 2002. There was a bit of criticism found in the album, specifically that the band sounded like a carbon copy to their mentor’s band, however with touring and maturation, the band found their own sound. They turned their own sound into an album, entitled “Gasoline” in 2005, followed by a tour with Shinedown and No Address. Later that same year, the band went on a tour with Breaking Benjamin and The Exies. The following year, the band performed a cover version of “Deadly Game” as the theme song for the World Wrestling Entertainment’s No Way Out 2006.
In 2007 Robin Diaz took over as drummer and in 2008 the band released their third album, “Scars and Souveneirs.” By 2009 the album reached certified gold status, and had songs that appeared on various other media as well as tours. In 2011 the band released “The Truth Is…” followed by a co-headlined the Carnival of Madness Tour with After Bridge. Most recently, the band has released “Savages” on 29 July 2014.
The original members of the band, Lajon Witherspoon, John Connolly, Clint Lowery, Vince Hornsby and Morgan Rose, came together in 1994 and worked constantly on their sound for a few years before releasing any material. In 1996 the band released the track “My Ruin” which was featured on videogame soundtrack, “More Kombat”.
The band’s heavy riffs and thrashing drum lines proved popular with fans and, after extensive touring to support the release of their debut album, “Sevendust”, in 1997, the album was finally certified gold despite only getting to 165 on the US Billboard chart.
With a legion of fans in their corner after their extensive touring for the album “Sevendust”, the band released their second studio album “Home” in 1999, which shot to the number 19 spot in the US Billboard chart. Like it’s predecessor, the album was eventually certified gold.
To widen their audience, the band toured extensively worldwide alongside huge bands such as Metallica, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Nonpoint, Kid Rock and Creed. With this exposure the band achieved their biggest success to date in 2003 with the album “Seasons”, which peaked at the number 14 position on the US Billboard chart. The band’s first top 10 single also came from this album, with “Enemy” hitting the number 10 spot on the US Mainstream Rock chart.
It was seven years before Sevendust was able to outdo the success of “Seasons”. In 2010, the band released “Cold Day Memory” which shot to number 12 on the US Billboard chart. The album’s lead single, “Unravelling” also performed well, getting to number seven on the US Mainstream Rock chart.
When asked to describe their genre of music, Sevendust has struggled to define their style. Instead, they explain that their music has evolved through a number of sub genres including nu metal, heavy metal and rock. Sevendust claim their influences as Twisted Sister, Anthrax and Ministry.
Canadian hard rockers Theory of a Deadman have had a varied, successful career since their beginnings in the mid-00s. Having found success in the US and their homeland, in the UK they are a lesser known phenomena. Last year they were given the opportunity to support rock icons Black Stone Cherry and soon found themselves on some of the country's largest stages.
This opportunity can make or break an artist, some cripple under the sheer size of the room they are meant to entertain and leave the stage to heckles and boos. However Theory of a Deadman did not allow this fate to befall them and they successfully took the advantageous platform and made it their own.
Boldly stepping out to the Game of Thrones theme tune, the tone was set and they demonstrated their skill with a short, succinct set featuring hits including 'Bad Girlfriend' and 'Hate My Life' as well as airing some new material. Most importantly they proved to the british rock fans that they had been missing one of Canada's worst kept secrets.
Whether a small or big concert hall or festival stage, Sevendust delivers the goods and well at that! The first time I saw 7D, I arrived at a moderate size arena they were playing at just at the tail end of their set. Much to my dismay I also missed an autograph session they held in the lobby after that by a hair's breadth. Since then, however, I saw them rock the afternoon concert stage electric fashion at Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar three years ago. Singer Lajon Witherspoon's voice is nothing short of amazing as his impressive vocal range and style can morph from loud and gravelly to quiet and melodic, making for a great sing-along! Just recently during the end of the first leg of their current tour, they played a more intimate concert, namely an acoustic set at a Knights of Columbus Hall in my home state. It put the music in a whole new perspective and with a catered lunch and open bar, made for a true party atmosphere. Drummer Morgan Rose provided a hypnotic back beat with his bongo drum set and guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connolly along with Vince Hornsby's bass playing created melodies that were nothing short of intricate and infectious. In addition, I was finally able to get closure on a missed meet&greet from four years ago, something I told Witherspoon I had been angling to do since then when I spoke with him after the concert and was gracious about taking a picture with me for posterity as well. A grand day out!