Royal Thunder w/ Halestorm and Rival Sons
Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
06.09.15
The voluminous southern metal of Georgia’s Royal Thunder, played live, is a testament to the musicianship and genre experimenting of the band. Guitarist Josh Weaver and vocalist/bassist Mlny Parsonz led the band through a 30-minute set of intricate lyrics and hard-hitting power chords, all deftly conveyed in their classic rock meets southern sludge style. With hair in face and heartbreak on sleeve, Parsonz is a solid front woman, her smoky vocals creating anchoring the bands idiosyncratic sound.
Like a metal jam band, Royal Thunder all lined up at the front of the stage, riffing off each other in a powerfully subdued manner. With frequent tempo changes and shifting textures, the band definitely dips their toes into all manner of sounds. Their anything-goes approach keeps Royal Thunder on the edge of multiple genres, with a sound all their own.
Royal Thunder were followed by fuzzy, psychedelic garage rock of California band Rival Sons. Their catchy melodies and blues-rock retro vibe play well with an energetic stage presence.
Headliners Halestorm finally came out, crowd pumped, light show in action, Lzzy Hale on full blast. Their brand of melodic hard rock clearly has a place in the sun, with all the attitude, swagger and screams. The lineup was a clear winner, mixing and mashing sounds into a hard rocking dream.
Review by Stephanie Dore
Photos by Sunny Martini
Royal Thunder
Halestorm
Rival Sons
