“Seven Dust”/”The Burden of the Sky” LIVE AT STREATOR FEST
Carey Nelson
When you think of the Fourth of July tradition in a small Illinois town surrounded by cornfields, you probably think of rides, cotton candy and carnival games, not bands like Qichen and sky’s burden. But this year, the Straight Music Festival in Straight, Illinois, defied expectations. As one of the largest festivals in North Central Illinois, Street Fest’s lineup rocks the heartland.
Festival kicks off paralandrathe rock powerhouse from Springfield, Missouri. The band, led by vocalist and guitarist Cassandra Carson, who also has her father Paul Carson on guitar, has been making waves since 2013. Very low-key, writing music for local 4th of July celebrations. The response was so positive that they recorded and released a homemade CD, risebecame a local sensation, selling over 1,000 copies at their shows.
Photos Carey Nelson
Paralandra’s performance at Streator Fest showed why they’re getting attention. Cassandra’s powerful vocals combine with Paul’s uplifting guitar work to create an energetic atmosphere that captivates the audience from the first note. The chemistry between the father-daughter duo is palpable and their shared passion for music is evident in every riff and melody. The audience was captivated by the intensity of their performance as their set was filled with energy, proving that Paralandra are more than just local favorites, they are a band with the potential to transcend their Missouri roots.
Next is Burden in the Sky (BOTS)a name that is sure to become more prominent in the alternative metal scene. from Bloomington, Illinois, robot A regular fixture since their debut album, ashes to ashesIn 2017, their journey was filled with triumphs and tragedies that profoundly impacted their music and identity as a band.
The passing of founding member Bradford Shaw in 2021 was a pivotal moment for the band. Co-founded by Mr. Xiao robot In 2012 he collaborated with Josh Appel, not only a talented musician but also the main driving force behind the band. His death has left a deep void in the band and their loyal fans. This emotional impact permeates their music, leading to a period of introspection and growth.
After Mr. Xiao passed away, robot transforming their grief into music, creating songs that resonate with raw emotional depth. Their 2022 EP burn The songs reflect their journey through loss and recovery, proving their resilience. One of the standout songs, “The Flood,” became an outlet for their pain with its strong, constructive energy. The song is a deluge of intensity, featuring powerful contributions from Sevendust’s Morgan Rose and Blake Bedsaul. The band’s lineup has changed since Midwest’s New Year’s Eve performance with Sevendust.
Photos Carey Nelson
Joining Scotty James (vocals), Josh Appel (guitar) and TJ Duckweiler (guitar) are two new members: drummer Ian Sheridan and bassist Vince Clem.
robotThe performance at Streator Fest was a powerful reminder of their power and evolution. Kicking off with 2019 release One With the Wolves Sydney East TimorBOTS immediately sets a tense and emotional tone. As the show progresses, we discover that the band has not only survived the hardships, but has emerged stronger and more united.
A particularly poignant moment came when they performed “Above Me.” burn EP. Frontman Scotty James steps out into the crowd, breaking down the barriers between band and audience, creating a shared bonding experience and amplifying the energy of the crowd.
In addition to their familiar repertoire, robot Four new songs were released: “Rapture”, “Reunited”, “Firefly” and “Vow”. These tracks showcase the band’s continued evolution, fusing their signature alternative metal sound with new influences and emotional depths. “Rapture” and “Vow” highlight Scotty James’ vocal range, from melodic tones to guttural intensity that I’ve dubbed “the resident demon that lives inside him,” while “Reunited” and “Firefly” offer even more A reflective side that captures the emotions that many of us can relate to on a deeper level.
Released in May 2024, “Reunion” has been steadily climbing the streaming charts and recently reached another major milestone. James describes “Reunited” as a song that reflects the growing disconnect in our society, questioning whether we can ever truly unite. Can we put aside our differences and overcome the mistakes of the past, or have we gone too far? This sentiment resonated with many listeners.
According to James, Firefly is about “recognizing the people in your life who are always there for you, even when you may not deserve it. I tend to push most people away, especially when they try to get close, and I distanced myself from any real relationships, so I’m so thankful for those who broke through those barriers and stuck with it. Produced by Ricky Armellino, this song shows a softer side. robot Nothing we’ve heard before, showcasing their ability to explore new emotional depths while maintaining their core sound.
as robot Closing their set with “Vow,” it was clear they left a lasting impact on the Streator Fest crowd. Their performance was more than a display of technical skill; it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a band that faces adversity and emerges stronger. robotTheir ability to translate personal experiences into music that connects deeply with their fans sets them apart in the alternative metal community, making them a band to watch in the coming years.
Fans can expect to hear a lot of new music robot Within the next year or two. The band plans to play as many shows as possible to promote their new songs. Whether you’re a new fan or have been there since the beginning, keep an eye out for a chance to see robot Live – Their plan is to showcase new music.
Qichen I have been following this band for over 20 years and took to the stage to end the night. I have hosted over 50 live shows and I can confidently say that they are still one of the hardest working and best live shows out there. Their fan base now spans generations, a testament to their enduring appeal.
I particularly enjoyed their recent album tours, especially the Animosity tour, which included sky’s burden As an opening statement. Listening to this album from start to finish, especially in a venue like the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, was a unique experience. If you haven’t seen it yet Qichen At the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom I highly recommend adding this to your must see list Qichen site. Their upcoming Four Seasons tour will return there for two nights in September – Saturday’s tickets are sold out, but Friday’s tickets are still available. You can thank me later.
After the “Animosity” tour ended, Qichen After releasing latest album, begins Machine Killers tour with Dope and Static-X truth killer last summer. It was a refreshing change to the setlist, with the band showcasing some of the heavier tracks from their catalogue.
Photos Carey Nelson
Streator Fest is following this trend and launching Qichen The performance captured the essence of what has made them one of the most enduring and respected bands in rock and metal. The album is a perfect blend of heavy classics and deep cuts that take fans back to the early days Qichen Their raw energy and relentless touring have made them a household name in the metal community.
Opening with “Pieces” from the 2005 album NextThe orchestra immediately set the tone for an intense, high-energy show. As they went through songs like “Alpha,” “Till Death,” “Praise” and “Denial,” it was clear Qichen Not an ounce of strength or enthusiasm has been lost. Each song amplified the energy of the crowd more and more.
Often, at some point in the show, the pace of “Children” slows down to give the audience a chance to breathe. Rajon Witherspoon typically takes time to reflect and connect with her fans on a deeper level. While there was no slowing down this time, LJ still took some time to pause and soak in the energy of the crowd. One notable moment was when LJ spotted a gyro booth on stage and mentioned how much he wanted one before they closed. Sure enough, the gyro booth delivered, much to the delight of LJ and the audience.
QichenThe set at Streator Fest was more than a trip down memory lane; it was a celebration of the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The crowd, a mix of old fans and new followers, fed off the band’s energy, creating a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly embodied the band’s spirit Qichen. As their last notes sounded, it was clear that Street Fest had succeeded in delivering a festival experience that was both nostalgic and exciting, fronted by one of the strongest live bands in the industry.
Don’t miss it QichenThe upcoming season tour will begin in September. They’ll be taking Horizon Theory and 10 Years on the road, performing the entire Seasons album from start to finish. After experiencing their New Year’s Eve show, I can confidently say this is a show you don’t want to miss!
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