Mushroomhead at Pov's

Last Tuesday night, I joined some friends at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN to see the masked metallers Mushroomhead. It was a night of five bands that were all new to me, one of those evenings where I think I enjoyed some of the support acts more than the headliners!

The first band was the only Minnesota act. Strate Jak It took to the stage shortly before 8 pm, and the dedicated friends of the band crowded around the stage to cheer them on. I thought they did a great job of opening the show, and got to chat with a few of the band members after their set.

The next act, painted rockers Amerakin Overdose from Portland, Oregon, impressed me with their stage presence. A few of the band members had started following me on Instagram a while back, so I decided to check them out, and I'm glad I did! I enjoyed their original songs and bought a CD and got a few photo ops with some of the band members following their turn onstage.

The third act, Columbus, Ohio natives UnSaid Fate, also impressed me with their performance. I made a point to buy a CD and also had a nice visit with the lead singer and lead guitarist. Another hungry young group with great talent that I'm glad to endorse and support!

I didn't really pay much attention to the final opener Mortiis, because I was busy hanging out with my friends and chatting with the members of Amerakin Overdose and UnSaid Fate some more. I also got to meet the keyboardist from American Head Charge, who had been invited to the show by one of the singers from Amerakin Overdose.

Finally, it was time for Mushroomhead to hit the stage! Although the only original song of theirs I knew was the soundtrack song "Sun Also Rises," I really dug their songs. Every band member wears a different mask onstage, and reminded me of Slipknot a little in that respect. They were launching into a very heavy version of Prince's song "When Doves Cry" when I got splashed in the face with water from one of the drums that was pounded near one corner of the stage. I was surprised but didn't mind because it was harmless and because I was having such a great time with my friends!

I got to chat with one of the guitarists after the show (still wearing his mask) and bid my friends a fond farewell before heading home. Next shows will be coming up Halloween weekend! Until then, have a great week, everyone!