SEVENDUST / 10 YEARS / HORIZON THEORY / RTD – HAMPTON BEACH
By Crystal Valerie
On Friday, September 13, established metal greats Sevendust and 10 Years joined forces with newcomers Horizon Theory and Return to Dust to deliver a powerhouse performance at the first of two sold-out shows at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. The night marked the beginning of Sevendust‘s “Seasons 21st Anniversary” tour, celebrating two decades since the release of their iconic fourth studio album, which produced a Top 10 Rock hit “Enemy”. All the bands electrified the venue with Sevendust playing their album in its entirety, leaving the audience awash in heavy riffs, infectious beats, and nostalgia.
“The Seasons” tour is a full-circle moment for Sevendust and 10 Years. The bands played several shows together in 2004-2005—when Sevendust first toured supporting Seasons. Now, fans who’ve been with the band since the beginning are bringing a new generation of fans in tow, keeping Sevendust at the forefront of the metal world. Sevendust also celebrated another milestone for Animosity in 2022. The album hit the 21- year mark with the same fanfare as Seasons. With 10 Years, Return to Dust, and Horizon Theory, Sevendust headlined a show that both longtime and new fans had been eagerly anticipating—and none of the bands disappointed.
Horizon Theory: A Promising Start to the Night
Michigan natives Horizon Theory opened the evening, setting the tone with raw energy and a sound that belied their status as relative newcomers. Behaving more like seasoned rockers, vocalist Josh Harrington, drummer Jeff Hafer, guitarist Chris Black, and bassist Luen Murr commanded the stage, delivering a high-octane set that left a lasting impression. Launching into “Astronomer”, they seamlessly transitioned to “Darkness”, marked by haunting basslines and rapid-fire drums, pulling the crowd into their powerful world of rock and metal.
Their emotionally charged “Nowhere to Go”, a heartfelt dedication to those battling addiction and mental health struggles, resonated deeply. Harrington’s genuine connection with the audience was palpable, offering a message of solidarity and hope, reminding members of the audience to reach out if they’re struggling.
“When you’ve lost your soul and everyone you know
When you scream inside “no more”
Locked behind these unchained doors“
Closing with “Past Life”, Horizon Theory left the crowd hungry for more—perfectly teeing up for the next act.
Return to Dust: Grunge Nostalgia with a Modern Edge
Los Angeles-based Return to Dust took the stage next, conjuring memories of 90s grunge with their distorted guitars and soulful vocals. Frontman Matty Bielawski’s brooding voice, reminiscent of Layne Staley of Alice in Chains, paired with Graham Stanush’s deep basslines, London Hudson’s strong command of the drum kit, and Sebastian Gonzalez’s fiery guitar riffs, transported the crowd back to an era of plaid shirts and combat boots. Fresh off the release of their self-titled debut album in May 2024, the band showcased their depth with tracks like “Black Road” and their single “Belly Up”.
“Maybe I have no place
It keeps me at war
Belly up and be saved, my child“
The quartet excited the crowd before closing with “When You Look at Me”, leaving the audience clamoring for more. Return to Dust’s set was a powerful reminder that they are a band on the rise—poised for headlining status in the near future.
10 Years: Intensity and Emotion
Next came 10 Years, stepping onto the stage amid darkened magenta lights to thunderous applause. Formed in Tennessee in 1999, 10 Years includes vocalist Jessie Hasek, guitarist Brian Vodinh, guitarist Matt Wandland, bassist Chad Grennor, and drummer Luke Narey. They have released 9 studio albums and two EPs, the newest coming in October. The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom show marked the official start of the “Seasons 21st Anniversary” tour but 10 Years have toured with Sevendust for the last several weeks covering various festival shows. Along with Core and Burden of the Sky, the two bands made the New Year special while preparing for the first of two sold-out shows on the East Coast.
Kicking things off with “Shoot It Out”, they immediately connected with the crowd, delivering a gritty, high-energy performance. Hasek powered through hits like “Chasing the Rapture” and “Dancing with the Dead”. Each song building on the intensity of the last. Their eerie rendition of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” slowed things down, allowing the audience to catch their breath before launching “Waking Up”, dedicated to the fans who’ve been with the band since 2005, the year they released their third studio album. Hasek’s stage presence was exhilarating, engaging with the crowd, even balancing precariously on the railing while fans held his hands and concerned security guards watched nearby.
“I’m fine in the fire
I feed on the friction
I’m right where I should be
Don’t try and fix me“
Following “Fix Me”, the band delighted the crowd with their most recent release, “The Optimist”, which is part of an upcoming EP Inner Darkness, and made it memorable before slipping into their spirited ‘Novacaine’ and ending with ‘Wasteland’, the second song played from their 2005 album The Autumn Effect. By the time they closed their set, the energy in the room was at a high point—setting the stage for the night’s headliner.
Sevendust: A Legendary Performance
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. As Sevendust took the stage, the crowd erupted, welcoming a band they’ve followed since the early days. Formed in 1994, Sevendust was ready to deliver their signature hard-hitting rock, and eager to perform. With Clint Lowery sidelined due to injury, guitarist Jon Jourdan of Mammoth WVH stepped in to fill the void, and the band didn’t miss a beat. While Lowery focused on recovering at home, he was at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in spirit. As the venue lights went down, “Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails, a personal favorite of Lowery’s, played over the speakers.
From the first note of “Disease” to the crushing riffs of “Enemy”, the second song on their 21-year-old Seasons, and also a Top 10 rock single, Sevendust proved why they’re still one of metal’s most enduring acts.
Early in the set, vocalist Lajon Witherspoon wished their friend a speedy recovery and reminded the crowd to be kind to one another. This was especially directed at fans in the pit, encouraging them to ease up a bit and look out for their neighbors. Sevendust shows are typically intense, but performances at the Casino Ballroom tend to crank up the energy even more. Longtime fans expect this and come prepared to go hard, which made Witherspoon’s reminder to prioritize a good, safe night all the more important.
Witherspoon’s powerful vocals carried the emotional weight of songs like “Separate” and “Suffocate”, while the rest of the band—drummer Morgan Rose, bassist Vince Hornsby, and guitarist John Connolly—delivered a relentless barrage of heavy-hitting tracks. Their playthrough of Seasons was a masterclass in musicianship and each member brought their best to the stage.
With Seasons, you hear more sides to the group and appreciate them on a new level. The album isn’t just about standing up against haters; it’s about how things shift with the ebbs and flows of life.
“The fear that haunts us all
The beginning (of the end)
The season is way too cold
Will we last (another year)“
Their fourth studio album presented a unique challenge for the band, not only due to Clint Lowery’s absence but also because the band has released 10 studio albums since Seasons. This tour posed an additional hurdle, as Lowery’s guitar work on the album is particularly intricate, requiring a level of skill and appreciation that only comes with experience.
Fortunately, Sevendust brought in Jon Jourdan from Mammoth WVH to cover many stops on the tour, including the sold-out performances at the Casino Ballroom on Friday and Saturday. With Lowery’s high-energy guitar riffs setting a high standard, Jourdan had big shoes to fill, but he proved himself more than capable of the task, deftly weaving years of finely- honed skills to the band’s beloved songs.
Their set of fan favorites was capped off with the aggressive anthem “Face to Face”, a setlist staple, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Despite its potentially confrontational title and theme, the song is upbeat and infectious. The crowd savors every note, every beat, and every expletive, until it culminates in a guttural and defiant, “Fuck you!”
After a brief encore break, Sevendust returned to close out the night with “Rumble Fish”, “Alpha”, and “Black”, sending fans into the night with ringing ears, sore throats, and memories of an epic performance. Fans weaved through spilled drinks and scattered empty cups as they made their way toward the exits, reconnecting with old friends both inside and in the parking lot. The first of two sold-out shows at Casino Ballroom was a resounding success, just as expected. Sevendust’s bond with their fans was on full display, especially with their heartfelt shoutout to Lowery, reminding everyone that while the music may be intense, the sense of community is what makes their shows truly special.
The “Seasons 2!st Anniversary” tour continues through September, closing in Salt Lake City, UT on October 8th with several festival appearances along the way. Don’t miss your chance to experience these incredible bands live–grab your tickets now.
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