DROWNING POOL RETURN TO LAS VEGAS WITH A KILLER CONFESSION/ABOVE SNAKES/THE FAILSAFE AND SURPRISE GUEST

I was really looking forward to covering DROWNING POOL on this tour, who we caught last year and they blew us away, and this time Vamp'd Vegas hosted the tour, with A KILLER CONFESSION, and two newer bands I have never seen before, ABOVE SNAKES and THE FAILSAFE who each put on a highly energetic show. I was surprised at the size of the crowd considering nearly every band on the planet was playing Vegas the same night, and tossing in NHL Hockey and WNBA Basketball playoffs traffic was at a stand still everywhere. But the faithful made their way to Vamp’d, and showed up to support.

Kicking off the show was the band THE FAILSAFE, a hard hitting electronic metalcore -ish band out of Minneapolis, who are out supporting their new single “WOLVES”. Listening closely, I got a touch of the band 10 Years in their sound, and really likes their melodic but heavy tone. A young band whose line up is Jesse Weber (vocals, keys, samples), Caio Thomas (guitar), and Chad Helmonds (drums), and Kieran Bowers (bass), the group is destined for big things, and I definitely enjoyed their set. Check out more on The Failsafe HERE.

I LOVED the guitar sound that Alt rock outfit ABOVE SNAKES brought to the stage and could not get enough of it. Another band on the rise out of Boston, these guys since releasing 2024 single “RIDE & DIE”, which saw over 20,000 views the first week of its release, and have a new single out this month on Spotify, "Rot". Check out the new single on Spotify HERE, and more on the band HERE.

One of my favorite bands A KILLER'S CONFESSION was np next, fronted by former Mushroomhead singer Waylon Reavis, who is responsible for my love of horror themed / mask wearing bands. I first saw Waylon back in the early 2010’s at the now defunct LVCS music venue with Mushroomhead, and ever since we have caught every show he has played in Vegas. A Killers Confession both visually and musically is a great band to catch live, not only is Waylon a great singer, but he is a master of controlling the crowd while onstage, playing up to them and gives them exactly what they came for.

I was tipped off to a surprise guest at this show, and during the last 2 songs of their set Aaron Nordstrom from the band Gemini Syndrome came out and joined Waylon in singing their single “VOICES” off their new album VICTIM 1. This had me immediately thinking... this is a tour I'd love to see - A Killer's Confession and Gemini Syndrome together! Which is COMING UP THIS DECEMBER! Waylon and Aaron’s voices blend together so well, should be a great time to check these bands out. AKC also has a new video out now for "Greed" off the new album, really great new music out now, and I can not get enough of this band. Check them out and order the record HERE and tour dates for this December HERE

Headliner DROWNING POOL came with the ammo, kicking off with a blast with with "Sermon" and played a killer set at Vamp’d. This was a real sing along set, the band has a devoted fan base who know the words to every song, and at times lead singer Ryan McCombs just held out the mic and let the crowd take over. Guitarist C.J. Pierce is sooooo good and plays with such ease and confidence, just really captures your attention as he wails out Drowning Pool hits.

Ryan re-joined the band this year after a 12-year absence, and is out for the first tour (since taking over after Jason Moreno) joining the original three members Pierce, Steve Benton and Mike Luce. The band has just put out out a new single, "Revolution (The Final Amen)", their first song with McCombs in 14 years. The band also plan to have a new album out in the next year.

Drowning Pool really gave Vegas a roaring show, strong from start to finish, showcasing the new "Revelations" single, and of course hitting us with the older hits. A highlight was when the band launched into Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell", and sent the packed venue into a screaming frenzy. The band also paid tribute to another classic band from the past who just happened to be playing Vegas that night, as we got a touch of Quiet Riot, and the show concluded with the classic "Bodies" for a heel of a ending to a solid show. A real must see whenever the play Vegas, Drowning Pool never disappoints.

Check out the new single and video below, and more on the band HERE.