SEVENDUST / BURDEN OF THE SKY LIVE AT THE STREATOR FEST
When you think of a traditional 4th of July festival in a small Illinois town surrounded by cornfields, you might picture rides, cotton candy, and carnival games—not bands like Sevendust and Burden of the Sky. But this year, Streator Fest in Streator, Illinois, defied those expectations. As one of the largest festivals in North Central Illinois, Streator Fest delivered a lineup that rocked the heartland.
The festival kicked off with Paralandra, a rock powerhouse from Springfield, Missouri. Led by Cassandra Carson on vocals and guitar, alongside her father, Paul Carson, also on guitar, the band has been making waves since 2013. Their journey began modestly, writing music for a local 4th of July celebration. The response was so positive that they recorded and released a homemade CD, Rise Up, which became a local sensation, selling over 1,000 copies at their shows.
Paralandra’s set at Streator Fest showcased why they’ve been garnering attention. Cassandra’s powerful vocals, paired with Paul’s electrifying guitar work, created an energetic atmosphere that captivated the crowd from the first note. The chemistry between the father-daughter duo was palpable, their shared passion for music evident in every riff and melody. As they powered through their set, the audience was swept up in the intensity of their performance, proving that Paralandra is more than just a local favorite—they’re a band with the potential to reach far beyond their Missouri roots.
Next up was Burden of the Sky (BOTS), a name that’s sure to become more prominent in the alternative metal scene. Hailing from Bloomington, Illinois, BOTS has been a fixture since their debut album, Cinis Ad Cinis, in 2017. Their journey, however, has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies, deeply influencing their music and identity as a band.
The loss of founding member Bradford Shaw in 2021 was a pivotal moment for the band. Shaw, who co-founded BOTS with Josh Appel in 2012, was not only a talented musician but also a major driving force behind the band. His passing left a void felt deeply by the band and their dedicated fanbase. This emotional impact permeated their music, leading to a period of introspection and growth.
In the wake of Shaw’s passing, BOTS channeled their grief into their music, creating songs that resonate with raw, emotional depth. Their 2022 EP Burn stands as a testament to their resilience, featuring tracks that reflect their journey through loss and healing. One standout track, “The Flood,” with its intense, building energy, serves as a cathartic outlet for their pain. This song is a masterpiece that rises in intensity like a flood, and it features powerful contributions from Morgan Rose of Sevendust and Blake Bedsaul. The band’s lineup has evolved since their Midwest New Year’s Eve run with Sevendust.
Joining Scotty James (vocals), Josh Appel (guitar), and TJ Duckwiler (guitar) are two new members: Ian Sheridan on drums and Vince Clem on bass.
BOTS’ performance at Streator Fest was a powerful reminder of their strength and evolution. Opening with “One With the Wolves” from their 2019 release Sine Timore, BOTS immediately set an intense and emotionally charged tone. As the set progressed, it became clear that the band had not only survived their hardships but emerged stronger and more unified.
A particularly poignant moment came when they performed “Above Me” from the Burn EP. Lead vocalist Scotty James took to the crowd, breaking the barrier between the band and the audience, creating a shared experience of connection and amplifying the energy in the crowd.
In addition to their well-known tracks, BOTS introduced four new songs: “Rapture,” “Reunited,” “Firefly,” and “Vow.” These tracks showcase the band’s ongoing evolution, blending their signature alternative metal sound with new influences and emotional depth. “Rapture” and “Vow” highlight Scotty James’ vocal range, moving from melodic tones to a guttural intensity that I’ve dubbed the “resident demon living inside him,” while “Reunited” and “Firefly” offer a more reflective side, capturing sentiments that many of us can relate to on a deeper level.
“Reunited,” released in May 2024, is steadily climbing the streaming charts and recently hit a major milestone. James describes “Reunited” as a song that reflects on the increasing disconnection in our society, questioning whether we can ever truly unite as one. Can we set aside our differences and rise above the mistakes of the past, or are we too far gone? It’s a sentiment that resonates with many listeners.
“Firefly,” according to James, is about “recognizing the people in your life who have stuck by your side, even when you may not deserve it. I tend to push most people away, especially if they try to get close, and I distance myself from any true relationships, so I’m very grateful for those who break through those barriers and stick around.” Produced by Ricky Armellino, the track reveals a softer side of BOTS that we haven’t heard before, showcasing their ability to explore new emotional depths while maintaining their core sound.
As BOTS wrapped up their set with “Vow,” it was evident that they had left a lasting impact on the Streator Fest crowd. Their performance was more than just a display of technical skill; it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a band that has faced adversity and emerged stronger. BOTS’ ability to transform their personal experiences into music that connects deeply with their fans is what sets them apart in the alternative metal scene, making them a band to watch in the years to come.
Fans can expect to hear a lot of new music from BOTS over the next year or two. The band plans to play as many shows as possible to promote their new songs. Whether you’re a new fan or have been there since the beginning, keep an eye out for an opportunity to see BOTS live—their plan is to showcase the new music.
Sevendust took the stage to end the night, a band I’ve followed for over 20 years. With more than 50 live shows under my belt, I can confidently say they remain one of the hardest-working and best live acts around. Their fanbase now spans generations, a testament to their enduring appeal.
I’ve particularly enjoyed their recent album tours, especially the Animosity tour, which included Burden of the Sky as an opener. Hearing the album from start to finish, especially in a venue like Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, was a unique experience. If you haven’t seen Sevendust at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, I highly recommend adding it to your list of must-see Sevendust venues. Their upcoming Seasons tour will bring them back there for a two-night show in September—Saturday is already sold out, but tickets are still available for Friday. You can thank me later.
After the Animosity tour, Sevendust embarked on the Machine Killers tour with Dope and Static-X, following the release of their latest album Truth Killer last summer. It was a refreshing change to the setlist, with the band showcasing some of the heavier tracks in their catalog.
Streator Fest followed that trend, delivering a Sevendust performance that captured the essence of what makes them one of the most enduring and respected bands in rock and metal. The setlist was a perfect blend of heavy-hitting classics and deep cuts that transported fans back to the early Sevendust days when their raw energy and relentless touring made them a household name in the metal scene.
Opening with “Pieces” from their 2005 album Next, the band immediately set the tone for an intense, high-energy show. As they moved through tracks like “Alpha,” “Till Death,” “Praise,” and “Denial,” it became clear that Sevendust hasn’t lost an ounce of their power or passion. Each song amplified the crowd’s energy more and more.
Typically, there’s a moment in the show where things slow down with “Angel’s Son,” giving the audience a chance to catch their breath. Lajon Witherspoon usually takes that time to reflect and connect with the fans on a deeper level. While there was no slowdown this time, LJ still took moments to pause and soak in the crowd’s energy. One notable moment was when LJ, from the stage, spotted a gyro booth and mentioned how much he wanted one before they closed. Sure enough, the gyro booth delivered, much to LJ’s and the crowd’s delight.
Sevendust’s set at Streator Fest was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was a celebration of the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The crowd, made up of both longtime fans and newer followers, fed off the band’s energy, creating a charged atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Sevendust. By the time the final notes of their set rang out, it was clear that Streator Fest had succeeded in delivering a festival experience that was both nostalgic and exhilarating, anchored by one of the most formidable live bands in the business.
Don’t miss Sevendust‘s upcoming Seasons tour, kicking off in September. They’ll be hitting the road with Horizon Theory and 10 Years, performing the entire Seasons album from start to finish. Having experienced their Seasons NYE run, I can confidently say it’s a show you won’t want to miss!
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