I'm Here for the Adrenaline and Pyrotechnics

There is just something about walking into a concert arena that makes my adrenaline pump. The thrill of passing through security as they check my ticket to make sure it's real. Check my purse for skateboards (a first time experience there) and camera to make sure it isn't professional. As I make my way past the merchandise tables, the smell of freshly printed band swag pumps the excitement to my brain. I can hear the opening band and the beat of the bass through the speakers. Pupils dilate. Palms sweat. The excitement has encompassed my body.

Last night I saw Skillet and TobyMac in concert at the Big Sandy Arena in Huntington, West Virginia. The opener was House of Heroes. However, I can't say that I listened to them enough to give them a fair judgment, nor did I care to pay attention because I knew that with Skillet comes pyrotechnics.

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

And they didn't fail to deliver. In fact they delivered again...

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

and again...

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

and again...

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

Although this was my third time seeing Skillet live, they never get old. They have such a great visual aspect to their shows. I really appreciate that. So many bands focus on the music, which I guess is the main reason you're there, but it's so awesome when musicians take into consideration that you want to SEE something. Even when I've seen them play at smaller venues, they still break out confetti cannons or something to really put on a show.

I'd have to say that even without the pyrotechnics, they still have such great stage presence.

Korey Cooper plays the guitar and keyboard at the same time.

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

They also had a cellist (though I didn't get a good enough picture) and a violinist.

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

Not to mention a pretty awesome female drummer.

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

Skillet and TobyMac are both Christian bands, though Skillet is in the rock genre and TobyMac uses rap, reggae, hip hop and funk.

TobyMac had the stage presence of a dude traveling with a large posse.

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

I have to admit, though that TobyMac isn't really something I'd usually listen to. On the other hand, I do think they kept it interesting with large LED screens and some pretty neat dance moves.

Photo Credit: Anna Hartenbach

The Verdict: Overall, I had an awsome time and I was very visually stimulated as well as a little deaf at the end. I do have a preference for Skillet over TobyMac and I'd probably be more likely to see Skillet again than I would TobyMac.

Best Paired With: Water, lots of water for all of the screaming involved.

Download:

Skillet- Hero and Monster

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