If you are a fan of female fronted metal bands then the Adrenaline Bar was the place to be Friday night May 26th with Xandria, Kobra and the Lotus and Once Human. Lauren Hart and Once Human from Austrailia opened the show, and Lauren is a beast when she sings, her vocal style is very brutal / hardcore in your face that you don't see in many female singers. Once Human was founded by ex Soulfly / Machinehead guitarist Logan Mader, with guitarist Lauren who soon took over vocal duties. Lauren stalks the stage and kicks back her head releasing guttural screams as if she is summoning some kind of demon from hell, then flashes her endless smile as if to reassure everyone she is actually human and not possessed. A fun band and a crowd favorite, Once Human is a band going places.
Next up is one of my favorite female singers, Kobra Paige of Kobra and the Lotus. Kobra is the founder and principal songwriter for this band, and her vocal style is one that comes from deep down inside and she projects her voice over the room like no one I have seen before. With long curly hair and an infectious smile Kobra Paige has a very strong stage presence, and was a classically trained musician who fell in love with heavy metal after going to a Judas Priest concert when she was 15. Kobra and the Lotus are touring promoting their double cd Prevail 1 and Prevail 2 along with the video "You Don't Know". This is another amazing band with a lioness on vocals. Catch Kobra and the Lotus when they come to your city on this tour.
Once Human photos: Harold Mountain/JustAFanPhotos
Cobra and the Lotus photos: Harold Mountain/JustAFanPhotos
Closing out the night was the band Xandria, a symphonic metal band from Germany. This band is fronted by female vocalist Dianne van Giersbergen who is another classically trained singer, but unlike the other two talented ladies on the bill has one of the most amazing angelic voices you will ever hear, and combine that with a symphonic heavy metal band you have a very unique combination. The first time you hear Dianne sing your jaw literally drops as you can not believe what you are hearing. I guarantee the Adrenaline has never seen anything like her and you thoughts are she is someone you would see at the Smith Center. This is Xandria's first headling tour and along with Once Human and Kobra and the Lotus and this is a powerhouse of a tour. One of the best shows of the year so far at the Adrenaline Sports Bar and Grill.
Xandria photos: Harold Mountain/JustAFanPhotos