Queensrÿche

About a week and a half ago, I went to see Queensrÿche for the 4th time. Not more than a couple days after they last played the area (December at Concord Music Hall), it was announced they'd be back in May, this time at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles. I had been looking forward to it for months and like with every other time I've seen Queensrÿche, I was not disappointed.

The setlist was essentially a rerun of the December show, the only difference being "I Don't Believe in Love" was thrown in. Despite being one of their biggest hits, Queensrÿche has avoided playing the song often for whatever reason or another. Hearing it live was a pleasant surprise and called for a massive crowd singalong. The other difference between this show and the last was the man behind the drum kit. Since Scott Rockenfield had welcomed a new son, Casey Grillo of Kamelot has been handling drum duties until Rockenfield returns. While he is nowhere near Scott in drumming ability, Casey does a good job keeping the beat going for the band, figuratively and literally.

Opening the show was local metal band Shokker. They opened up for Great White when I saw them a couple years ago at Reggies, but I missed their set and didn't show up until Diamond Rexx came on much later. This was my first time seeing them and while I was aware of who they were, I had not listened to much of their music. Having them play this show was the iceing on the cake. Despite battling a nasty virus, lead singer Rachel gave it all she got while the rest of the band kicked the audience's ass with no frills, straight up heavy metal. If you're a fan of traditional 80s heavy metal, this band is straight up your alley!!!