Godsmack headlines ultimate hard rock show

Pyro, testosterone and hard rock — and a trifecta of the best in rock today. Godsmack, Seether and Pop Evil hit the stage last night at the Enmax Centre for the ultimate hard rock triple bill.

From the moment Pop Evil, from Michigan, opened the night with a set of hit songs including “Torn to Pieces,” “Deal with the Devil” and “Trenches” off the band’s latest album “Opus” — the crowd was hooked. The band, led by lead singer Leigh Kakaty from Kingston, ON was on fire, as the crowd started a mini-mosh pit. It was great to hear a good old fashioned rock and roll show and all three bands delivered. Of course, Rock 106, is home to many a Pop Evil, Seether and Godsmack tune.

Next up, Seether, fronted by Shaun Morgan on guitar and vocals, kicked off their set with a plethora of hits including “Fake It,” an acoustic version of “Broken” and songs off their latest and sixth studio album “Isolate and Medicate” including the rock radio hit “Words as Weapons.” Seether was in the city years ago opening for Three Days Grace. Many Lethbridge fans came to hear Seether and Pop Evil and Godsmack was an added bonus and vice-versa. Hard rock fans were not disappointed last night.

Headlining the Thursday night hard rock show was Godsmack, from the New England area with Sully Erna leading the band in an extremely tight, energetic, flame heavy and phenomenal set of songs from their new CD and single “1000 HP” to selections from the band’s definitive collection. Fire, brimstone and a night laced with great music made the Godsmack show a testament to what live rock and roll music is all about. Lethbridge was indeed lucky to have such talented musicians in the city, even if only for one night.

Godsmack and Seether have been around the hard rock and roll block for years and have gained must see live status. Pop Evil was truly part of the pack. The band fit in nicely with the veteran bands co-headlining the night. If fans of Godsmack and Seether didn’t know who Pop Evil was before going to the show last night — many fans no doubt left the show as Pop Evil fans by the end of the night.

Overall, Lethbridge promoters need a pat on the back for bringing such a breath of fresh air to the city and the local live music scene. Rock and roll, hard rock and heavy metal have a place in southern Alberta and the genres are carving a niche, while paving the way for future harder rock shows to visit the city.