Indications of a homecoming about to go awry were directed at band members of Heaven Below from all angles Saturday night:
- A conflict of interest for San Antonio metalheads to their concert at The Falls nightclub arose with Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax playing at the AT&T Center.
- Moments before taking the stage at 12:30 a.m., singer/guitarist Patrick Kennison told me his vocal cords were not cooperating (visit the link to my interview with Kennison last week below).
- Two songs into Heaven Below's set, Chad Clark broke his kick drum, requiring maintenance at a time when the crowd including longtime friends and family of the band were poised and ready to enjoy a long set of rock.
Only one week into their tour, Heaven Below could easily have wondered, "Why us?" But of course, San Antonio native Kennison, bassist and fellow San Antonian John Younger, guitarist Jesse Billson and drummer Clark took the "show must go on" approach. While Clark and crew fixed his kit, Kennison performed a solo version of the band's radio single and video When Daylight Dies. Then it was off to the races as Heaven Below performed a blazing and energetic 70-minute set.
After each of those initial setbacks, the only real hitch ultimately came from the sound guy. Though Kennison sang his heart out throughout the set, his vocals were barely audible, even to those directly in front of him at the stage. Having covered the thrash show at the AT&T Center, I merely thought my ears simply hadn't recovered. However, the guitars and drums sounded just fine, and other fans soon made similar comments. Unfortunately for the band, the sound tech either didn't see (or hear) anything abnormal or inexplicably never could fix the problem.
But Heaven Below could only control its effort and ability, and they came through on both fronts. In addition to a full-band version of When Daylight Dies a few songs after Kennison's solo effort, Heaven Below played seven songs from 2009 debut full-length CD Countdown to Devil and the 10-song (soon-to-be 14-song) self-titled "EP" that was released Aug. 17 (When Daylight Dies is on both). Original tracks soon gave way to covers of Pat Benatar's Heartbreaker, which is on the EP, and split versions of Judas Priest's Electric Eye and Black Sabbath's Neon Knights. Younger then closed the set by singing lead on Motorhead's Ace Of Spades.
But the evening wasn't quite finished. San Antonio opening acts Drive and Spin 66 joined Heaven Below for unrehearsed, having-a-good-ol'-time renditions of Guns N' Roses' Sweet Child O' Mine and AC/DC's Highway To Hell.
San Antonians can take pride in that a band featuring two of their own that was formed out of former S.A. band The Union Underground is on a tour that will take it to Miami, New York and Toronto, among other cities. Even though Heaven Below is based out of Los Angeles these days, the boys won't be forgetting their roots anytime soon, if Saturday night's passionate performance is any indication.
If you missed them, here's a consolation: Tonight's show in Lafayette, La., will be preceded by an interview and acoustic performance that can be heard here at 8 a.m. CDT.
In the meantime, San Antonians can only hope Heaven Below returns to the Alamo City sooner than later.
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Comments
There way over 100 people there. Musta been a drunk reviewer.
Wow Jay, we you even at the same show I was? Heaven Below has a huge San Antonio fan base and for many was no question where they were spending their night. When Daylight Dies is a favorite of many fans, who appreciated the bonus acoustic performance; we are the home town and we love it when we get a little extra in our show. I can see from your pics that no one was in front of you which means you were standing past the PA speakers; everybody knows nothing sounds right on the wrong side of the speakers and they don't use monitors so there was nothing bleeding over for you to be able to hear the vox on. I didn't perceive the show as starting the way you did but I will agree with you it did end up to be a great show to a packed house; none the less thank you for your glass half-empty point of view.
I find it interesting to hear the opinions of others, especially when the topic is so close to my heart. Great music, professional musicianship and and yes, the "show must go on" attitude. I stood along side several people, singing along to the Heaven Below originals. This band is one of the greatest to come out of SA,TX. There were people that were there to see them for the 1st time as well as those of us that are long time fans. These guys proved to be the professional musicians all acts aspire to be. Issues arise on stage all of the time, it's up to the professionalism of the band to either make it work or cower off stage to wait for it to be made all better. I would expect nothing but kudos from someone such as yourself. If you are accustomed to reviewing great national acts, you would be praising the outstanding and, as always, amazing show Heaven Below gave. The left the show with a sense of immense satisfaction as well as the urgency to get in my car and blast the Heaven Below CD just as I did on my way to the show. HB ROCKED IT!
Check out Jay Nanda ROCKING OUT! at the above-reviewed concert!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbz8iWTDKx0&feature=player_embedded
CREDIBILITY BLOWN! ROFLMAO!!!!!
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