Northern Invasion Day 1 Featuring Rob Zombie & Shinedown

Northern Invasion Day 1
May 14, 2016
Somerset, WI

Wisconsin is known for its football fans and some of the most rabid concert fans in the USA. Somerset, Wisconsin was invaded during Northern Invasion May 14^th & 15^th. This is the 2^nd year for them and after being so well received last year, they moved it to two days.

You can expect some crazy weather in outdoor concerts in May in Wisconsin. First day temps stayed in the 40’s and at times dropped in the 30’s on an overcast day. Fans bundled up from head to toe, along with gloves and hats to rock out with their favorite bands.

Yelawolf opened the main stage and with each festival performance, he is raising the level of rap music to keep metal fans heads banging and moving to the beat; for sure one of the highlights in this year’s festival circuit.

Another band that has been blowing up festivals overseas and starting to prove why they belong in a later time-slot is Black Stone Cherry, with anthem singing songs and good ole southern rock amped up.

P.O.D. brought the Southern California sun out, as the clouds cleared and temps soared 10 degrees higher, awakened the fans as they created mosh pits and crowd surfing to warm themselves.

On the side stage, bands like Avatar, Asking Alexandria and Lamb of God proved they could compete with the main stage acts. During Lamb of God’s set, the crowd was as deeply packed at any point during the afternoon and pretty much owned 2^nd stage.

The same could be said for Devour the Day. This year they added a 3^rd stage that overlooked the festival grounds. DTD just released their 2^nd album – S.O.A.R. They are one of those nose-to-grindstone bands, touring non-stop and playing with reckless abandon on stage each time out.

As the sun began to set, it painted a perfect setting for Shinedown to pretty much put their stamp as the best band of the night for Northern Invasion. Shinedown opened with their new single, Asking For It which has a Cheap Trick vibe, and got the crowd going. Singer, Brent Smith is by far in the top 10 front men in rock. With his scowls, grins and smiles, you can’t help but be captivated, but when he speaks to the crowd is when he is at his best. He is able to bring the crowd to shake hands with each other and a minute later jump and bang your head. With a set tight – packed with hits and a few new songs – set a perfect balance for fans.

While Shinedown could have headlined, the fans were treated to Rob Zombie. With a new album out and new tour, Zombie is a visual feast for the eyes. The stage setup was a cross between a circus and nightmare which captivated the fans until it was time to end their set at 11pm.

Review By: Peter Lizano

CHECK OUT OUR COVERAGE OF NORTHERN INVASION DAY 2 HERE

A Day To Remember