Wendy Notsid Concert Review: 
Rockstar Taste of Chaos 2008
March 17^th,  Patriot Center

Despite the name of this offshoot of the Vans Warped Tour, the Rockstar Taste of Chaos St. Patrick’s Day date started off rather mellow. For the crowd, that is. Despite the energized and inspired performances by Waldorf hardcore boys Count Your Blessings, Washington state electronica duo Idiot Pilot and Japanese visitors Despairsray, MUCC, and The Underneath, the show did not gain a true rush of activity until the Welsh metalcore band Bullet For My Valentine took the stage.

But then again, it's not too surprising. These types of shows generally depend on the crowd more than the actual performances. The right band only needs to show up and play and the fans will provide the rest. Out of the openers, my hat is off to Japanese post-hardcore band MUCC for summoning the most momentum from the crowd--thanks to singer Tatsurou's enthusiasm (he was jumping around randomly and smiling at us). This is definitely a guy who does not take himself too seriously. Thank God.

But once Bullet For My Valentine took the stage, everything was forgotten. Lead singer Matt Tuck didn't do much other than stand there, croon, and play--but then again, he didn't really have to. Everyone was so revved up by the band’s appearance that theatrics were truly unnecessary. That being said, the band still fed the crowd as well as anyone could hope for, playing old songs such as "4 Words (To Choke Upon)" and newer favorites like "Scream, Aim, Fire".

Christian-metal band Blessthefall came on with an interesting opening afterwards, playing the second stage (a location that did not serve The Underneath well, who looked like they could barely fit their hair in the limited stage area, let alone their band and equipment). Despite an interesting, exciting opening featuring multiple band members pounding separate drums, the band did not keep up that same inventive attitude for the rest of their performance, and sadly, resumed the same sound churned out by most of their contemporaries. Hopefully that spark of potential I saw will lead them to improve as a band.

Atreyu put on a truly perfect set; fist-pounding, exciting, and filled with enough catchiness for a non-metal fan to enjoy. Out of the many frontmen of the night, singer Alex Varkatzas exuded the most sex appeal, though perhaps not the most charm (M. Shadows of top headliners Avenged Sevenfold rivals him in that respect). Though taking off his shirt definitely helped. Currently promoting their current album Lead Sails Paper Anchor the band whipped out explosive versions of new singles "Blow" and "Falling Down" and still obliged the crowd with old hits like "Bleeding Mascara" and "Right Side of the Bed."

Avenged Sevenfold (or A7X) had their presence so eagerly anticipated and dramatized that they had to put up a fifteen minute countdown on the monitors before they took the stage, which was completely re-adorned and refurnished for their set. While singer M. Shadows is definitely an extremely able frontman, he was nearly eclipsed by the skills and popularity of guitarist Synyster Gates who, if possible, seemed like more of a badass, albeit a less outgoing one. A7X definitely played their music with exceptional skill and enthusiasm, including of course their MTV hit "Bat Country" and recent middle finger to egotistical rock stars and critics "Critical Acclaim". Sadly, the band had the tendency to interrupt the flow of the set. There were major intervals consisting of Shadows pulling fans onstage to have a drink. The first time was cool. The third time was an absolute bore. Despite this, no one could argue that Avenged Sevenfold put on the best show of the night. Though if that was more thanks to the band or to the devoted fans is still up for debate.

Lineup:
Count Your Blessings (Second Stage)
D'espairsray (Main stage)
Idiot Pilot (Second Stage)
MUCC  (Main Stage)
The Underneath (Second Stage)
Bullet for My Valentine (Main Stage)
Blessthefall (Second Stage)
Atreyu (Main Stage)
Avenged Sevenfold (Main Stage)

Buzznet has some great exclusive content from the Taste of Chaos tour here.