If you’ve ever stumbled across poorly edited Call Of Duty montages on Youtube or tuned into a WWE pay-per-view at any point in your life, you’ve probably heard Drowning Pool. Most infamous for their 2001 single “Bodies”, The Texas group’s particular brand of nu-metal is rooted distinctly in the early 2000’s. As such, one might think that Drowning Pool’s style would feel out of place or even irrelevant in the current year.

Lead vocalist Jason Moreno, despite serving as the band's fourth vocalist in the span of 15 years, meshed completely with the band. Drowning Pool were like a well oiled machine, commanding the crowd while the band behind him held the fort. Guitarist C.J. Pierce stood tall and proud, chugging his guitar and screaming out backup vocals, while drummer Mike Luce delivered a thundering performance, with some downright electrifying drum work.

Fan favourites such as “Step Up” and “Tear Away” found themselves interspersed within the setlist, alongside offerings from the band’s latest album, Hallelujah. Not once did Drowning Pool slow down to take a breather, there was no time for ballads tonight. Drowning Pool were here to give it their all and give a rock solid metal gig, and that’s exactly what they delivered. Everything was fast, loud and incredibly heavy, just the way the crowd liked it. There were enough big, burly metal dudes slam dancing in the mosh pit to last one a lifetime.

But of course, it was the final song of the night that got the crowd moving. The band brought several members of the crowd up to sing the song with them. Not only did the mosh pit tripled in size, I could’ve sworn I felt the foundations of Max Watt’s creaking a little. If seemed as if the power of “Bodies” wasn’t enough to contain within the venue. There might not have been a whole lot of bodies actually hitting the floor, but the amount of bodies continuously crashing into one another was more than enough to make up for that.

I’ll be honest, I wasn't expecting a whole lot out of Drowning Pool. I’d expected to go out, have a few beers and laugh at some washed up nu-metal band then go home. Instead what I got was an all-out-assault on the senses from a tight live outfit who more than knew how to deliver a solid performance. Drowning Pool were so energetic and vibrant, they put groups half their age to shame. I had a hell of a time and if given the chance, would jump at the opportunity to see them again. I’ve gotta admit, this was definitely one for the record books.

- Patrick Connors