MONSTER ENERGY'S WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE 2016 - Metal Master Kingdom review

7/11/2016

Welcome to Rockville 2016 is by far no exception, with virtual newcomers such as From Ashes to New and Avatar to powerful performances by Disturbed and Rob Zombie; we were privileged to view some iconic performances. The most unique personal moment for me at the event was to witness Lamb of God, with Chris Adler on drums, bring down the house, only to catch him 30 minutes later at the main stage playing drums for the almighty Megadeth.

Disturbed - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

Lamb of God - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

FFDP - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

*According to MMK's photographer Melaine, Lacey Sturm put on an emotional and stunning performance. She also said that she never saw Sturm preform before and was worth the mention! What can I say; we both agreed that Sevendust just kills it live. I have seen a lot of shows and I was completely blown away by their live show. Melaine has seen them about 15 times and said that every time they nailed it. She loves Trivium and they did not disappoint. She didn’t stop talking about them the entire weekend! Melaine's fave performances were: Trivium, Sevendust, Anthrax, Red Sun Rising, and Megadeth, FFDP, and Rob Zombie. Her honorable mention goes out to Wilson, the band is a riot and they are fun to watch!

Lacey Sturm - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

Anthrax - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

Written by: Sergio Cesario
& Melaine Schweighardt*
Photography: Melaine Schweighardt

@ Metropolitan Park
Jacksonville, FL U.S.A.
April 30 - May 1, 2016

Welcome to Rockville band interviews HERE.

Once again this year, the last weekend in April marks the annual gathering of Metal fans from across the U.S.A, and even the world for one of the greatest music festivals we have had the privilege of covering; Monster Energy’s Welcome to Rockville. For two days Jacksonville Florida is overtaken by ravenous metal heads looking to hear some of the best music on the planet, and 2016 was no exception. With 40 plus bands, 4 stages, 2 days and thousands of attendees; if you haven't gone or experienced it, consider it your metal DUTY to make the pilgrimage to Florida and see it!

Avatar - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

Rob Zombie - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

Megadeth - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

The band Five Finger Death Punch delivered, and were firing on all cylinders, bringing energy, aggression and excitement to their set. Hearing all the rumors of a possible band break up and substance abuse leading up to the show, I was curious to see what the performance would be like or if the rumors were true. After seeing the performance, while carefully studying the bands demeanor and crowd interaction; I can only speculate that the rumors are NOT TRUE and that the band is as healthy as ever. If Ivan is battling substance abuse, then I would venture to say he is a great actor. He seemed as genuine as in prior years’ performances and looked to be more energized to be back in Jacksonville! So to set the story straight, fuck TMZ and fuck the negative press because FFDP is bringing Metal to the masses, whether you like them or not, they are indeed one of the best artists on the music market right now.

That's not all the surprises that Rockville had for us with performances; Filter on the heels of their new album Crazy Eyes, Orlando natives Trivium with "Silence in the Snow", Issues with "Headspace" and countless other performers making either their debut to Rockville or triumphant return.

Trivium - C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

Sevendust - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

Red Sun Rising - (C)2016 All rights reserved
www.metalmasterkingdom.com Photo: Melaine Schweighardt

By far I can write about this experience for days. Between the music, the experience, the crowd and the people that make it all worthwhile; Rockville may very well be the Mecca for Metal in the Southeastern United States. Some of my favourite performances, for me, besides the artists I mentioned above included: Bring Me the Horizon, Cypress Hill, Miss May I, Parkway Drive, Pennywise, Memphis Mayfire and We Came as Romans.

After this year's Welcome to Rockville event, I can't wait to see what they have in the works for next year!!

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WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE