Early on Saturday some newer acts took the stage with former Asking Alexandria vocalist Danny Worsnop showcasing his new band We Are Harlot to an appreciative audience and Austin Carlile leading Of Mice and Men through a rousing metalcore set. For those fans who preferred a little classic in their rock, the Reverbnation Stage featured 80’s favorites Jackyl. It was also nice to see a lot of the newer bands sidestage to take in a fantastic set from Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick.
As the afternoon rolled on, the crowd thickened before the performance of hip-hop rockers Hollywood Undead and it was clear that Slipknot were not the only masked men that could whip a crowd into a frenzy. Papa Roach as always put on a fantastic show. With charismatic frontman Jacoby Shaddix, this is one band that you won’t want to miss live. As evening fell, the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar was up along with legends Michael Anthony on bass and Jason Bonham behind the kit. Hagar’s set was one of the most enjoyable of the day as he pounded out not only songs from his solo career but selections from his years in Montrose and Van Halen as well. He even threw in some Led Zeppelin covers for good measure and got the Carolina crowd going as he donned a robe from local wrestling legend Ric Flair and led the audience through a series of “Whoo’s.” Closing out the Carolina Stage for the evening was the always theatrical and equally hypnotic performance by Marilyn Manson who kicked off an entertaining set with his latest single, “Deep Six” as well as the hits the fans expect.
Headlining day one were the Nu metal pioneers of Korn who went old school for this tour performing their entire debut studio album. With guitarist Brian “Head” Welch back in the band and the absence of Jonathan Davis’s infamous microphone stand known as “The Bitch,” it was a true throwback. Davis was spot on all night and “Munky” and “Head” killed it while Austin Carlile of Of Mice and Men made a guest appearance to help out on “Need To.” Ending their set with “Freak on a Leash,” Korn provided a perfect ending to the first day of an epic weekend.
The lights of Saturday night became a not too distant memory as Sunday brought the promise of more metal and the much anticipated set by Slipknot. Starting out Day 2 was a throwback to old school thrash with Exodus and Testament playing energetic sets to an appreciative and surprisingly young audience. It was refreshing to see the younger generation rush to the barricades to be schooled by these thrash masters.
Maria Brink and In This Moment wowed the audience with their theatrical stage set up complete with costume changes and back up dancers. Maria was in character as she wove her web and drew you into the story. Led by frontwoman Lzzy Hale, fan favorite Halestorm rocked the house as Arejay Hale proved why he is one of the hottest drummers around with his superb stick handling ability. There was a lot of hype surrounding Breaking Benjamin and their set did not disappoint as the crowd went wild.
One of the acts I was looking forward to was Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. It’s not often that you get to see one of the best guitarists around teamed up with one of the best overall rock vocalists, and Slash and Myles brought it, featuring solo material as well as some Guns ‘n Roses tunes. As dusk fell, it was time for some more old school thrash, this time courtesy of the mayhem of Slayer. The crowd was out of control with moshpits aplenty. The powerful rock of Godsmack kicked things up into high gear as Sully Erna and crew crushed with new tunes “1000 hp” as well as classics “Voodoo” and “I Stand Alone.”
Anticipation grew as the throngs of metal heads headed back toward the Rebellion Stage for the final act of the night, Slipknot. What can I say about Slipknot? They are aggressive, chaotic, and energetic and truly embody the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. With their matching uniforms and unique masks, they have a surreal presence on stage. With nine members and a visually stunning set, there was always something new to see. Lead vocalist Corey Taylor commands the audience like no one else and The Knot delivered exactly what the fans expected. It was a fantastic weekend of rock and roll topped off by an outrageous set of metal madness from Slipknot. Carolina Rebellion was exactly what a great rock festival should be, leaving the fans exhausted, a little bit battered and bruised, and thoroughly satisfied.
Headliners Set Lists:
Korn:
Blind
Ball Tongue (with snippets of “It Takes Two – Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock and “La Di Da Di” from Slick Rick cover )
Need To (with “Alive” chorus as second chorus)
Clown
Divine
Faget
Shoots and Ladders
Predictable
Fake
Lies
Helmet in the Bush
Daddy
Encore:
Falling Away from Me
Here to Stay
Freak on a Leash
Slipknot:
Sarcastrophe
The Heretic Anthem
Psychosocial
The Devil in I
AOV
Sulfur
Killpop
Before I Forget
Duality
Spit It Out
Custer
Encore:
(sic)
Surfacing
We would like to thank Kristine Ashton-Magnuson from Ashton-Magnuson Media for the credentials to review the festival.
