Monster Energy's WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE Festival 2017 - Metal Master Kingdom show review

7/18/2017

The Charm The Fury
Photo: Melaine Schweighardt
(C)2017 All rights reserved by metalmasterkingdom.com

Written by: Sergio Cesario
Photography: Melaine Schweighardt & Lilia Mattingly

@Metropolitan Park
Jacksonville, FL U.S.A.
April 29 - 30, 2017

Interviews with The Charm The Fury, Kyng, & Fury From The Gods can be viewed here.

It happens that 2017 marks the fourth year Metal Master Kingdom has covered Welcome to Rockville in its entirety, and I really must say that these four years have brought many surprises as well as a great deal of many new bands to the attention of Metal Master Kingdom, and our readers. The location sits across the street to Ever Bank field in Jacksonville and overlooks the bay. Two years ago they decided to move the Media tent to an overlook pavilion which in my opinion is one of the best views in all of Jacksonville. Through this time we have found great new artists, interviewed up and coming groups, and formed great friendships. With that being said the location makes the venue, the bands bring the people, and the fans make the show. Don't ever put yourself into the frame of mind that the band is the most important part of the show. YOU ARE THE SHOW! The bands feed off the energy created and give it right back to you.

So how does this fit into the narrative? Like this: 2 days - 40 bands - 3 stages, including legends, veterans and greenhorns. This is what separates the men from the boys or the ladies from the girls, if you wish. I always try to approach this event with the same frame of mind and enthusiasm. I have a few favourites I definitely wanted to see, a few legends that I have to see and, there's always a few others I have never heard of that I check out so that I could find some new music.

What did Rockville have in store for us this year? Fasten your seat belts, and let me take you on a trip. First surprise of the day came from Amsterdam's own The Charm The Fury. The female fronted five piece band put on a powerful show to kick off the event at the River Stage. Energy and excitement describes the recent Nuclear Blast freshman on one of their three festival dates before they embark on their tour in the Netherlands. We also had the unique pleasure of interviewing them as well, so make sure to check out the video interview.

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.

* 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.

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