An era still ringing back to future generations

Godsmack, P.O.D., Drowning Pool

The Best Of Times Tour presented by Mind Over Matter Music at Planet TT Raiffeisen Halle Gasometer Wien, Austria 20250329

As daylight saving time changes the last weekend of March, possibilities are on: Ruhmer presents his new album with support of Ivery, Dirty Talons theirs with Lion Season, Blind Petition share the stage with No Bros and Of Kings And Villains and Mind Over Matter brings three of the biggest bands of the Nu Metal age to Gasometer. 

Of the many names of this era, Drowning Pool is connected with Sevendust, Hed PE, Papa Roach and SOiL. The fantastic debut „Sinner“ out 2001 via Wind-up Records is still dominating their live set. Later songs are „Feel Like I Do“ and „Step Up“, next to a Billy Idol „Rebel Yell“ cover, „Tear Away“ and „Bodies“. Unfortunately, the guitars are too quiet, what only gets bit better getting close to the end. 

P.O.D. visited the country just a year ago. Entering to the music of Ennio Morricone, they start with „Boom“ and „Satellite“ of the break-through album of the same name. Singer Sonny Sandoval’s red microphone cabel is flying like his hair, as they get into their most recent record „Veritas“. „Youth of the Nation“ animates the crowd to sing, and after 33 years, it is still the first P.O.D. show for many. 

After the classics „Southtown“ and „Alive“ fade, Seether and Slipknot tunes shorten the waiting period, while a banner hides the stage. Godsmack not only played festivals but the very place on tour in 2022. Members of Evanescence and Dorothy substitute Tony Rombola (g) and Shannon Larkin (d). 

Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys starts the show on the video wall, that then follows Robbie Merrill and Sully Erna on stage. He got two microphones in the middle and two on both sides and takes the show back in time, starting with „Lighting Up the Sky“. 

Highlights are „Speak“ from „IV“ and „Awake“, as well as the „Batalla de los Tambores“. Looking at the audience, they see a ‚whole new generation‘ and get several kids on stage, naming them the ‚future of Rock’n’Roll‘. Coming to „Under Your Scars“ with piano, they advertise The Scars Foundation and promise to always come back ‚as long as Godsmack is a band on stage‘.