​​As the gates opened, fans slowly started making their way through the gates.  There were fans from all over Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, and even Arizona!  I couldn’t believe how far people had travelled to experience this year’s festival.  This year, we had an unexpected visitor from above—mother nature.  She brought with her the rain, and some severe weather warnings that had interrupted the day, and forced the fans to evacuate.

After a two-hour delay, the festival continued with some adjusted set times, and a longer noise ordinance curfew authorized by the City of Jacksonville (COJ.  As fans re-entered the festival, Flogging Molly kicked things back off, and the major headliners, The Crystal Method, Chevelle, Evanescence, and Korn were able to finish the day strong.  The day ended at midnight with Korn bringing the same enthusiasm as always, with Jonathan Davis on bagpipes and thanking the COJ.

Day 2 rolled up, and fans got a break from the rain, but as the rock gods were ready to make some more noise, it was clear mother nature wasn’t through with us for the weekend.  This time, she brought the heat!  With a sick sense of humor in mind, the rock gods brought some killer sets by Boston Manor, Dead Girls Academy, Wage War, Movements, Black Label Society, Badflower, and a little bit of humor from Crobot.  As the festival experience continued, the day ended with Judas Priest putting on an awesome set that definitely created some more fans who had never heard of the longtime metal band.  The night was finally cooled off, and Rob Zombie closed out the day with his normal theatrical performance. 

Mother Nature decided that we may have made too much noise the day before, and felt the need to put us all in time out.  Today, was the most anticipated day of the festival with TOOL set to perform later on in the day.  Mother Nature put us all in time-out with severe weather conditions that forced us all to wait an extra 2 and half hours before we could even get through the gates.  Unfortunately, there was nothing DWP could do to re-adjust the line-up schedule for the day.  Although we missed a number of bands, we were still able to see The Interrupters, Architects, and Meshuggah tear it up onstage in the afternoon.

The night closed similarly to day 1, by finishing and closing out the festival strong.  The headline acts, Papa Roach, Bring Me The Horizon, and Incubus delivered some incredible performances, but the wait and anticipation ended for the day—as TOOL made its way to the stage to kick off the first show of their US tour, and it was fantastic.  Providing us with a few new songs from their long awaited new album, and some of their more previous hits like "Ænima” and “Forty-Six and Two", they closed out the festival with "Stinkfist" and their last “Thank you and goodnight".  As everyone headed to the gates to exit, we already started speculating as who could be on the Rockville 2020 line-up…!

Never really been one to go to music festivals that start on a Friday, but hey, there's a first time for everything.  After the 5-hour drive from South Florida to Jacksonville and numerous pit stops along the way, I arrived at Metropolitan Park and my new home for the next three days.  Gates opened at 12 PM and we were ready to get our rock on!

First up, was a bit of a change of pace for me.  Amigo The Devil wasn't quite sure what to expect and nothing prepared me for what Amigo brought.  A one-man band with an acoustic guitar, loaded with fire, fury and sheer realism.  Many of his songs were based on personal demons and battles everyone faces.  Humor was also part of the show and I really must say it was a refreshing start to the day.  Moving on throughout the day, I was also able to catch some really great sets by Wilson and Beartooth.  To be honest, something special is happening with Beartooth.  Their musical development since my first experience with them has come full circle.  Not only did they garner the attention and interest of a massive crowd, but the musicianship and music has come a long way.  Really can't wait to hear and see where they go from here.

One of the more notable performances of the day had to definitely go to Tom Morello.  The former member of giants Rage Against The Machine & Audioslave has been going solo lately and even though I had no idea what he would do, there was no disappointment what so ever.  Originally I was told that the show was going to be Tom Morello doing a DJ set.  Not really what I would care to see.  I'm not really about one of the most resound guitarists of our time behind a turntable spinning a God knows what.  Thankfully for me and Rockville, that was not the case at all.  Music starts and yes there is a DJ who starts spinning some old school funk beats, then comes the bass guitar, cue in the drum set and here comes Tom Morello.

Starting off with a very impressive blend of funk and rock guitar accompanied with ripping guitar solos we quickly realized that this was not going to be an ordinary show.  Best part about all of this is that Tom let the music and the video board do the talking.  He took everyone on a journey through the history of what shaped his early beginnings and latest projects. Going into some tasty signature solos and following in with a culmination of his greatest compositions by Rage and Audioslave. After witnessing this performance it is hard for one not to see that Tom Morello is one of the most unique and greatest guitar players of our time. I may even go as far as to say Jimi Hendrix-esque.  So, how do you cap an incredible set and make it memorable?  Well, "Killing In The Name Of" and let the crowd sing it, and it did not disappoint!

Killswitch Engage followed after and they carried the energy on the Metropolitan stage without skipping a beat.  I haven't seen them in years, and they are for sure getting better with age.  Every bit of raw energy as I remember them.  Playing some of their older and best songs mixed in with new music definitely set the time for the night.  Unfortunately 20 minutes into their set, Mother Nature had different plans in mind and the set has to be cut short.  Everything shut down and the intercoms advised us to leave the park and seek shelter.

So, after a two-hour rain delay, the show was back on.  Kicking things off again were Irish Folk favorites Flogging Molly!  Veterans at the game and still jamming out the favorites.  Full of energy and good vibes to get everyone back into the mood of music and excitement.   Tragically, we lost a great musician earlier this year in Keith Flint, and The Prodigy had to cancel all plans for the group moving forward.  With a void to be filled The Crystal Method was more than willing to step up to the challenge.  Founding member Scott Kirkland not only was up to the challenge but he gave the metal and rock crowd a show to remember. Playing some of the songs that made a Crystal Method famous and finishing off with a tribute to Keith Flint and The Prodigy.

As the night rounded out Day 1s massive show was capped off by incredible performances by Chevelle, Evanescence, and Korn!

This was definitely the day where the Rock Gods shined down on Rockville.  The weather was flawless and it was as if the rain the night before has been wiped from Jacksonville's memory.  Early on, we were able to catch some very notable performances from U.K. band Boston Manor and Pennsylvania rockers Crobot.  Make sure to catch our video interviews on these incredible bands!

The title for being one of the most aggressive and energetic bands to hit the stage in this day had to go to Florida natives Wage War, by far.  From the point where they hit the stage, the crowd was feeling it full blast.  You can hear and feel the ground move throughout the complex.  I was incredibly impressed by their performance and can see that this is only the beginning for this band.  Can't wait to see them again.

In This Moment are veterans to Rockville, having played the yearly festival several times.  Not only do they never disappoint when it comes time to perform, but they seem to garnish the attention of larger crowds every year.  They have a great blend of in redouble music with some very tasty theatrics.  If you've never had the pleasure of seeing In This Moment live do yourself a favor and make it a point to.  They are definitely a historical band with an incredible show!

It's not often I wait at the front of the stage without moving for over and hour without seeing an actual band.  But it's not every day that you get to see true metal royalty hit the stage.  When I first saw the Rockville lineup, there was one band beyond all that stuck out and immediately made me want to be a part of this event.  That honor was bestowed to none other than Judas Priest.  And for that reason I was standing amongst thousands of fans waiting to see Judas Priest for the first time.  It was well worth the wait, from the moment they hit the stage, 'til the last chord was strummed, we were taken on a journey of their discography of old, new and greatest hits.  By far, the highlight of the evening for me.

At the beginning of this article, I gave credit to the event organizers and promoters for not only the lineup this year, but to the ability of overcoming obstacles in relation to Rockville.  Those skills were fully tested on Sunday, May 5th, when one hour before gates were to open, approaching severe thunderstorms forced organizers to delay opening the gates and commencing with the show.  At 12 PM, gusty winds and thunderstorms rolled through the festival grounds and caused damage to musical equipment and stages.  At this point there was truly a dilemma at hand, gates had to remain closed and concert doors were told not to show up at the festival grounds until the storms had passed and the all-clear was given.  Also, for the second time in as many as three days, Rockville organizers called on the mayor of Jacksonville to extend the noise curfew so that concert could go on.

After several hours at approximately 3:30 PM, the all-clear was given and doors were opened. It was unfortunate, but in order for the concert to go on and meet their current commitments and be able to close within the allowed time frame, several earlier acts had to be cut.  As we eagerly entered the gates, I was very impressed by the first band that I saw on the River Stage.  Grandson were raw, gritty and just the right mix to have as we walked in from 4 hours of rock deprived purgatory.  It's without a doubt that Grandson's music is fueled by political angst and rock rebellion.  In my opinion, they were the perfect band to start the day, make it a point to check out Grandson's music because it's unique, fresh and new.

Up next were Architects, who co-incidentally was a band that I had waited a long time to see and was very excited about their performance at Rockville this year.  From the moment they took the stage, it was quite apparent that I was not going to be disappointed.  The music was on point, the crowd was feeling it and it was very hard for someone not to lose their minds.  Blending songs from their current release Holy Hell and All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, their set was perfectly planned and I loved every minute of it.

After just seeing Architects rip through a ridiculous set, when is left to wonder what is next?  Well, if Meshuggah is next, then you are most definitely in for a treat.  Meshuggah is one of the longest running and consistent technical death metal bands in the industry.  If you have not had the unique pleasure of witnessing a live Meshuggah show, make it a point to do so before your life ends.  These guys were by far one of the most impressive acts that I had seen not only at this show, but all year!  Drummer Tomas Haake is a human metronome who happens to place some of the most complex beats I have ever heard.  Not to take anything away from guitarist Fredrick and bassist Marten, who are legends in their own right, but their music and their off-beat time signatures put them in a category of their own.

Having seen the power of Bring Me The Horizon in previous concerts, it was no surprise that they were able to be headliners of Day 3.  Having to come up through the ranks and earning every bit of their following, this British band has come a long way and deservedly so.  I can definitely say that their stage show has improved tenfold, and has earned them headlining status.

If there is a perfect way to end this evening and Rockville as a whole, it would have to be with Tool.  With eager anticipation of the upcoming album, this would be the perfect storm (no pun intended) for what is about to come.  As if mocking the rainstorms earlier in the day wasn't enough, they opened with "Learn To Swim", and in classic Maynard fashion, he spent the entire show behind the band where most of the crowd could not see him.  If you have not seen a Tool show before, don't be upset when you don't see the lead singer.   Having not seen them in over 15 years, I will definitely have to say they still sound every bit as good as I remember them.  As the night came to a close, there was only one way to close out the whole thing, and that was "Stinkfist"!

So, Welcome To Rockville 2019 is the story that can be told with triumph, challenges, old friends, new acquaintances and legends!  See you next year metalheads!

AMIGO THE DEVIL / BADFLOWER
(C) 2019 All rights reserved by www.metalmasterkingdom.com
Photo credit:  Melaine Schweighardt

BILLY IDOL / BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
(C) 2018 All rights reserved by www.metalmasterkingdom.com
Photo credits:  Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly

​Stone Temple Pilots—who just debuted their new singer Jeff Gutt last night—have been added to the unparalleled music lineup for the eighth annual Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Friday, April 27, Saturday, April 28 & Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, FL.
 
Florida’s Biggest Rock Experience grows to three days in 2018 with Foo Fighters, Ozzy Osbourne, Avenged Sevenfold, Queens of the Stone Age, Billy Idol, Godsmack, Stone Sour, and Five Finger Death Punch leading an incredible talent lineup not seen at any other U.S. rock festival. Other additions to this unprecedented rock experience--created by Jacksonville native Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents--include Toothgrinder (Friday), He Is Legend (Saturday), and Wolf Alice (Sunday). 

​The updated daily band lineups for Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville are as follows:

​Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville tickets, VIP packages, as well as hotel and camping options are on sale now. Discounted online hotel rates are also available through Curadora. Visit www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com for details. As in the past, General Admission ticket discounts are also available for active military through Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville partner GovX (www.govx.com).

The daily band lineups for Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville are as follows:
 
Friday, April 27: Ozzy Osbourne, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, The Used, Parkway Drive, Underoath, Trivium, Atreyu, Power Trip, Texas Hippie Coalition, ‘68, Palisades, While She Sleeps, Bad Wolves, Them Evils 
 
Saturday, April 28: Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Breaking Benjamin, ??? (to be announced), Hollywood Undead, Killswitch Engage, Black Veil Brides, Asking Alexandria, Sevendust, Pop Evil, Andrew W.K., Avatar, Butcher Babies, Red Sun Rising, Joyous Wolf, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Stick To Your Guns, Palaye Royale, The Wild!
 
Sunday, April 29: Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Billy Idol, Clutch, Bullet For My Valentine, Thrice, Greta Van Fleet, Baroness, Quicksand, Red Fang, The Sword, The Bronx, Turnstile, The Fever, Black Foxxes, Fireball Ministry, Spirit Animal

​“Since Welcome To Rockville’s inception seven years ago, I have been building towards this day: To bring not just the biggest rock festival in Jacksonville (or even Florida), but the biggest rock lineup in the United States to my hometown,” says festival creator and producer Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents. “This is a triumph for me, my company and the city that I love.”

​Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville tickets, VIP packages, as well as hotel and camping options are on sale now at www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com.
 
For the first time, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville is offering car and RV camping spots for attendees. Camping spots at Tailgaters Parking lots include four nights of camping in a secured lot featuring indoor restrooms, shower trailers and access to a full restaurant and general store.
 
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville kicks off the annual World’s Loudest Month festival series and will also feature a variety of onsite experiences, including the Monster Energy Experience (featuring Monster Energy tastings and signings with select Rockville artists), The Music Experience (an interactive exhibit and musical instrument retailer), F.Y.E. Fan Experience (purchase your favorite album and get it signed by select Rockville artists), Zippo, and Take Me Home nonprofit animal rescue organization, among others.
 
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville “Grub” will include local favorites: Indochine (voted Jacksonville’s “Best Thai”), Mojo's BBQ (unique barbeque experience), and TacoLu (the Bangin’ Bus serving Bangin’ Shrimp tacos, and other TacoLu classics). 

​Additional food vendors include: Angry Bird Grill, Ben’s Burrito Bowl, Brucci’s, Catullo Brothers, Cely’s Filipino Food, Classic Home Cookin’, Funnel Cake Fantasy, Girls Gone Green Nacho Bar, Grumpy’s Homemade Ice Cream, GuanaBana Ice Pops, Hebros Bacon Restaurant, Island Noodles, Knuckle Sandwiches, Mac Attack, Mount Olympus Greek, Nomi's Island Girl Foods, Ollie’s Tots, Pele's Wood Fired Pizza, Pie Baby, Rock N’ Roll Arepas, and What’s The Catch Fish Tacos.
 
Fans 21+ can wash down Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville’s over-the-top food offerings with a variety of beverages, including selections from the Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Wine Garden (owned by Arizona resident Maynard James Keenan, co-founder of international recording acts TOOL, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer), Heavy Tiki Bar (an oasis filled with killer cocktails and shade), and local craft beer.
 
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville tickets, as well as hotel and VIP packages are on sale now. Discounted online hotel rates are also available through Curadora. Visit www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com for details.
 
Initial ticket prices will be as follows:
3-Day Weekend General Admission: starting at $129.50 + fees
3-Day Weekend VIP: starting at $365.00 + fees
Single Day General Admission: starting at $75.00 + fees
Single Day VIP: starting at $155.00 + fees
 
VIP tickets include: a VIP entrance to venue; access to VIP lounge area featuring dedicated bar, beverage and food service; viewing of main stages; seated area with shade for dining; private restroom facilities; and a VIP guest laminate.
 
As in the past, General Admission ticket discounts will also be available for active military through Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville partner GovX (www.govx.com).
 
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville is fueled by Monster Energy. Additional 2018 sponsors include: The Music Experience, F.Y.E., Zippo, and more to be announced.
 
Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, a producer of some of the biggest rock festivals in America, including Rock On The Range, Monster Energy Aftershock, Louder Than Life, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, Chicago Open Air, Bourbon & Beyond, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, Northern Invasion and more. Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville kicks off the annual World's Loudest Month festival series.
 
For more information on Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, visit:
 
Website: www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/welcometorockville 
Twitter: @RockvilleFest
Instagram: @welcometorockville
 
About Danny Wimmer Presents: Since 1993, music industry veteran Danny Wimmer has been producing concerts and festivals, both large and small. In 2011, he formed Danny Wimmer Presents, which now produces several of the largest rock and alternative festivals in the U.S. By combining A-list talent with local cuisine and culture, DWP has become recognized within the industry for delivering the highest-quality entertainment experiences to fans, artists, sponsors, partners and host cities. DWP creates memorable and all-encompassing festival experiences, leaving both consumers and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions. DWP will continue to add new music festivals to its already stellar portfolio, which includes Rock On The Range, Monster Energy Aftershock, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, Louder Than Life, Bourbon & Beyond, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, Chicago Open Air, and Northern Invasion, among others.
www.DannyWimmerPresents.com
 
About Monster Energy: Most companies spend their money on ad agencies, TV commercials, radio spots and billboards to tell you how good their products are. At Monster Energy, we chose none of the above. Instead we support the scene, our bands, our athletes and our fans. We back athletes so they can make a career out of their passion. We promote concert tours, so our favorite bands can visit your hometown. We celebrate with our fans and riders by throwing parties and making the coolest events we can think of a reality.
www.monsterenergy.com | www.facebook.com/monsterenergy 

​Moving forward in the day, I saw a great set from Detroit’s own I Prevail, who brought the house down with their unique blend of hard hitting rhythms and pounding grooves. Following the I Prevail set I was able to catch 1/2 of Royal Republic's set; a Rock/Rockabilly group with a unique image and hilarious antics. All That Remains played shortly after, and definitely did not disappoint. They were playing a mix of old and new songs alike, showing their un-wielding prowess for sticking to their roots! By far one of the biggest surprises in regards to bands I have not heard of before went to Volumes, who really played an impressive set. I was very excited to catch their set, and now I have found a new band to put on the playlist.

I Prevail / All That Remains 
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​​C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com

​Now to bands that I was looking forward to seeing. Sweden’s In Flames has always been a favourite, and the excitement created during their set did not disappoint. I wasn't the only one that took notice that they had the biggest most interactive crowd of the day for the stage they played. Shortly after it was time for legends, and that prize went to The Offspring. Instantly they came out strong playing some of their most famous hits and feeding off the crowd energy. Apparently I wasn't the only one feeling it. The crowd sang every word to the choruses and crowd surfers appeared from every corner of the crowd throughout the performance.

​In Flames / The Offspring
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​​​C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com

Sunday was no exception to this by any means. Opening the second day with Kyng and Fire From The Gods on separate stages, both brought stellar performances. Metal Master Kingdom also had the unique pleasure of interviewing them as well. Following our interview I was able to catch up with Beartooth on the main stage. They had a very impressive performance and worth checking out. Really great songs with some tight grooves! Next we were off to see New York City's Sylar. First time seeing them, and I must say I was very impressed; energy, power and some really engaging songs. Atilla came on shortly after and when I say tore the roof off I mean tore the roof off , and slapped you in the face with a big ole nasty stick. They had a packed crowd, super high energy, and an unreal response. I heard a lot of good things about Atilla, but wasn't ready to be completely floored by them.

​

Kyng / Fire From The Gods 
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com 

Beartooth / Atilla
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​

​Another highly anticipated group was France’s Goijira. What a great set by this talented group; they had high energy and great musicianship. My final most memorable moment came at the hands of Swedish legends Amon Amarth who lit up the stage with thunderous Viking choruses and riveting stage antics. Overall much like pre ions years, Rockville did not disappoint at all. Always a great mix of bands, people from all over the world and an amazing event support staff. But most of all events like this and many others wouldn't be anything without the most important element, you the fans!

Goijira / Amon Amarth 
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt
​​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​​
​

More bands captured in pixels by our team in Florida. 

A Perfect Circle / Alter Bridge
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​​

Coheed and Cambria / Highly Suspect 
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​​​

In This Moment / Mastodon
​Photos: Melaine Schweighardt
​​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​​​

Motionless in White / Nothing More 
Photos:  Lilia Mattingly
​​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​​​

Papa Roach / Pierce the Vail
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​​​

Seether / Starset 
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​​​

Soundgarden* / Three Days Grace
Photos: Melaine Schweighardt and Lilia Mattingly
​​(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com ​​​

* Sadly this is one of Chris Cornell's last live shows with Soundgarden before his untimely and unfortunate demise.  Sending our condolences to everyone who adored and loved Chris.