While the majority of UB was at Baird Point for Fall Fest on Saturday, others chose to attend Edgefest on Sunday - the Fall Fest that rockers desperately sought. It was estimated that over 40,000 people filled the Buffalo Outer Harbor for the concert.
Every year, both Fall Fest and Spring Fest are disputed among the student body and this year was no different.
"If UB would take their rock community into consideration with their choices for Spring/Fall Fest, I'm sure more people would be more apt to attending, not only UB students, but people who are willing to pay for the tickets," said Curtis Warner, senior English major. "Bringing bigger names that people actually know of can help bring the UB community further together."
Earlier this year, promoters Fun Time Presents and After Dark Presents succeeded in convincing the NFTA to let them book concerts at Buffalo's Outer Harbor. Alternative rock station 103.3 The Edge FM took this opportunity to bring back Edgefest.
Since The Edge is a heavy alternative rock station, Chevelle, Three Days Grace and Evanescence headlined due to their heavy rotation on the radio station.
Out of the four opening bands, New Medicine and Halestorm revealed the most potential. These relatively new bands exuded enough energy to be recognized by the crowd. New Medicine's single - "Race You to the Bottom," a drinking song - persuaded the crowd to scream the lyrics and throw up their middle fingers when needed.
However, Halestorm stole the other opening band's thunder with lead singer Lzzy Hale's vocal range of soft whispers to high screams. While Halestorm concentrated on playing tracks off their new album, The Strange Case Of..., their first single "I Get Off" from their debut album thrilled the crowd.
"When we introduced 'I Get Off' to our fans, the reception was great," said guitarist Joe Hottinger. "You can feel the energy radiating from our fans when we play it to this day."
When Hale sat at the piano to play "Break In" and Evanescence vocalist Amy Lee joined her, the crowd erupted in the loudest cheers of the day. Hale and Lee formed an eerie melody that captivated the crowd.
Drummer Arejay Hale executed acrobatics with his drumsticks, throwing one in the air while continuing to play and grabbing the drumstick once again.
"Arejay is an animal on the drums and we gave the new record room to embrace the animal inside it," Hottinger said.
Hard rock band Evanescence has secured a spot within the rock community with singer Amy Lee, christened "the queen of rock" by Hale and others. Lee's haunting vocals of heartbreak are the focal point of the group, but each member contributes his or her own talents such as drummer Will Hunt's lightning fast skills reminiscent of '80s metal bands like Motley Crue.
The band played tracks off all three of their records to satisfy fans from each era. Their smash hits "Bring Me To Life" and "Call Me When You're Sober" were balanced with songs such as "Oceans" and "Imaginary."
"Playing both old and new songs helped to give a good mix and depth to their performance while showcasing Amy's talent both vocally and as a pianist," Warner said.
Evanescence's theatric and melodramatic performance was near perfect minus some missed shrill notes in "Disappear." However, this is the band's style: high and long notes. There are times when perfection is unattainable.
Spring Fest alumni Three Days Grace closed out the six-hour festival and seemed to be the highlight of the night. During tracks such as "I Hate Everything About You" and "Pain," the crowd sang louder than vocalist Adam Gontier. When the band transitioned from their hit "Home" into a cover of Eminem's "Lose Yourself," the crowd rapped along with Gontier.
This unexpected cover infused rock growls and drums pounding with Eminem's timeless lyricsmade the crowd even more energetic.
"It's a great rock show and all the bands give it their all to make sure the fans don't leave without having the time of their life," Hottinger said. "We're excited to close the tour on a high note in Buffalo and hope the fans want us all back again."
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
