It's been nearly nine years since Dimebag Darrell was killed and it is still a fresh wound for many people. Friday's 2nd Annual Dimebag Darrell birthday celebration and tribute show was a benefit for DryHootch Madison, a vets-helping-vets group. Hopefully they were able to raise a lot of money and awareness for PTSD and their organization.
It was a great show with a 50/50 raffle, raffle tickets to win great prizes including a lot of band memorabilia and Scorpion Shots stuff (We went home with a limited edition Pantera concert poster and Lamb of God signed drum stick). Check out the organization here.
There was a good mix of bands. Some that I enjoyed, some that I didn't enjoy as much. Lying Still from Milwaukee, WI started the night on a good note. Vocalist Justin Netzel rocked the rough vocals and screams and just came out swinging. I will admit his polished look threw me off a little bit, but he did not disappoint. I'm glad I got the chance to see them.
The next two bands didn't quite do it for me. Look, I'm Burning used a lot of really bright lights that honestly just annoyed me. The vocals and instrumentals were good but didn't always seem to mesh together. They are a young up-and-coming band with a refined sound that many people seemed to enjoy. Wake and Prevail was just not my taste. I'm very much in support of all local bands, whether I enjoy them or not and try not to bash anyone. They all work very hard for what they do and hopefully the passion drives them.
Up next was Cast in Fire. They have a great sound, so much energy and fit every possible stereotype of a metal band. Maybe I'm a little biased since I stalk every band Chris Fox is in, but there's a reason for that. I have never been disappointed and neither will you. The next time there's a show, get your ass out there and enjoy the face-melty goodness that is a Madison-based pure metal band. And while you're at it, check out photos below taken by KNS Photography (my own personal photographer) at the show.
The last band up was Northern Trendkill, a Pantera tribute band. I've seen them before and definitely liked them but unfortunately we had an all day music festival to get to Saturday morning, so we were unable to stay to see them. I'm sorry I couldn't see them that night, but I guarantee if you check them out you won't be disappointed (unless of course they started sucking since I last saw them).
All in all, had a great show and it was an important cause. Please remember that our vets took care of us and we should take care of them. There are an alarming number of homeless vets and many have untreated or undertreated mental illness, specifically PTSD. Next time you see any member of the military - active duty or not, thank them. And if you're able, find a cause like DryHootch that you can support either financially or by donating your time.
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