Korn, Evanescence Team Up For a Blow-The-Roof-Off-Kind of Show in Saint Louis

Sean Derrick August 20, 2022 0 Comments Evanescence, Helmet, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, Korn, Saint Louis concert review and photos

–by Keith Brake

Hello everyone! Keith here for Midwest Rewind to chat a bit about Thursday evening’s concert at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. Korn made the second stop on their current tour and with them a very solid supporting cast of Evanescence, Helmet and Jeris Johnson. Now, I have covered several shows over the past few years, but this tour managed to give me a couple of things I had not yet witnessed: An artist taking the stage with a sword (yes, a real sword) and an LED screen in front of the band. So, let’s dig in, shall we?

Jeris Johnson took the stage to open the evening bringing his own brand of rock and roll. And remember that sword I mentioned? He had that too. Jeris is a high energy front man who mixes rap and rock stylings for a pretty darn catchy sound. Being more on the rock side of these two styles Johnson calls himself “The Future of Rock” and while I appreciate the confidence and cockiness of this statement, it remains to be seen. Jeris has a solid stage presence, and his drummer and guitarist are solid and entertaining as well making for an enjoyable opening set. The sword, well, I guess he just wanted us all to see it. I mean, it was a pretty cool sword.

Next up, Helmet. Helmet has been doing what they do for quite some time now and from what I heard during my time with them, doing it as well as ever. Helmet is not what I would call a super high energy act like we sometimes see. What do I mean by that? You will not see a bunch of jumping around or “rockstar poses” during their set (At least I did not during my time with them) but do not let that cloud your opinion of their set. What you will get is solid, tight, great rock music that any 90s kid will find nostalgic and needed. Afterall, if you are a 90’s kid and you have not heard “Unsung” live…can you really say you are a 90’s kid?

Helmet performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Thursday. Photo by Keith Brake/KBP Studios.

As the sun started to set on the HCA and the lawn started to fill in (the pit was full from the first note) Evanescence made preparations to take the stage. Their set started with drama, vocalist Amy Lee appearing on a catwalk behind the drummer with an amazing light show and the drama theme continued throughout the set. Amy has a certain way about her movements on stage both elegant and rock at the same time and it goes hand in hand with the visual display.

Evanescence has a wide stage set up to give every member a great chance to be seen and showcased. Their set is also well-choreographed with Amy’s seamless transitions from keyboard to piano to full out fronting rockstar. The music is, as always, very tight and strong; something we can always count on with this group. Amy has, seemingly, not lost an ounce of vocal prowess delivering every note strong and clear to ensure a tremendous set. This group never disappoints, in my opinion.

Korn, ahh yes, the “Da boom na da noom na namena“ on full display for all the amazing “freaks” in attendance. Now with the evening under cover of moonlight and the venue quite full it was time for the headliner. Remember the LED screen I mentioned earlier? Jonathan Davis and the boys took the stage BEHIND an LED screen. Now, this is not to say the crowd could not see them but rather they were behind an amazing see thru mesh that would intermittently display mind bending crisp graphics to add an amazing feel to the song. They played the first two songs of the set with this mesh in place before raising it to just above their heads.

Korn performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Thursday. Photo by Keith Brake/KBP Studios.

This mesh in combination with another LED wall behind them made for an amazingly immersive visual experience. The band was fresh and energized with this being only the second stop on the tour with zero rust. The set was a solid as one would expect from a mid-tour set and left nothing wanting. Vocally Davis was strong and on point with one stand out moment to me being his amazing performance of “Alone I Break” as the band celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the album Untouchables.

The 19-song set was riddled with amazing material nearly flawlessly performed for Korn fans in attendance. The loud moments of singing back to the band and amazing ovations showed their appreciation. This show was hosted by 105.7 The Point and in a total class moment Korn took a moment to recognize and remember Jeff Burton, beloved Point Jock that was taken from us all too soon, by saying over the mic “Korn would like to dedicate this show to Jeff Burton, rest in peace, brother”. The tour rolls on and I for one would recommend heading over to kornofficial.com to check out dates and locations.

Hope you all stay safe, happy and healthy! Thanks for the continued support of Midwest Rewind as well as myself. Be sure to check out the photo gallery below the review!

Peace, Keith.

Korn Set List