Staind and Breaking Benjamin’s Awaken the Fallen tour made a Mother’s Day stop in Huntsville, Alabama with a full Propst Arena. The rock powerhouses were joined by rock-country newcomers Lakeview and metal-core masters Wage War for a diverse lineup that had something for everyone. From start to finish, it was the kind of experience that reminds you why music matters, why rock still hits so hard, and why being in a room full of strangers singing the same lyrics can make you feel completely understood.
Things kicked off with Lakeview. A country-rock band opening for a lineup seemed odd until they started playing. It felt like a curveball, but a welcome one! At one point lead singer Jesse Denaro even mentioned they had no idea how they got on this tour, but were more than thankful for it. They were definitely the wildcard, but their stage presence rallied the audience with a look and sound that was similar to that of Hardy. Imagine country storytelling layered over a rock foundation that just worked. They may not have been what most people came for, but they left with a lot of new fans!
Then came Wage War, and the whole tone of the night shifted. The second they hit the stage, it was on. No slow build, no easing in, just straight-up chaos! Wage War were heavy, aggressive, and relentless, and the crowd fed off every second of it as they banged their heads and the back of the pit started to spiral within minutes, and songs like “Manic” and “Low” sounded even more brutal live. The blend of Briton Bond’s brutal screams and Cody Quistad’s clean vocals blended to create a metalcore cacophony that took the crowd’s energy to a higher level!
Breaking Benjamin was up next, and from the moment they stepped on stage, it felt like the crowd collectively leaned in. Breaking Benjamin hit Propst arena with a setlist of the hits that shows the band just knows what the fans want. Every single one song hit. “I Will Not Bow,” “So Cold,” “The Diary of Jane” are still to this day absolute anthems of a generation. Ben Burnley’s vocals were spot on, as he hit each not with emotion while never missing a beat. You could look around and see people with their eyes closed, arms raised, completely in it. Ben spoke on how fortunate they were to still be able to play music after 20 plus years for crowds this large and from the reaction they got, they still have 20 more in them.
Staind closed out the night with a performance that was both powerful and personal. Aaron Lewis still has that raw, gritty voice that seems to be capable of punching you in the gut with a single line. When they played “Outside” and “It’s Been Awhile,” the entire arena sang along like it brought back every heartbreak, every memory, every late-night drive you’ve ever associated with those songs. The setlist wasn’t all emotion and nostalgia though, because they brought the heavy too! “Mudshovel” and “Raw” lit the place up and reminded everyone that Staind can still go hard when they want to. Staind has a stark contrast between heavy and emotional that has made the band so powerful for long.
By the end of the night, it felt like all in attendance had been through something together. Every band brought something unique, Lakeview’s energy, Wage War’s intensity, Breaking Benjamin’s emotional depth, and Staind’s vulnerability and power. Whether you came to headbang, scream, or just to enjoy a Mother’s Day concert, there was something for you. If this tour is coming anywhere near you, go. Seriously, don’t overthink it. Buy the ticket. Call a friend. Show up. You won’t just hear the music, you’ll feel it. And maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll leave a little lighter than you came.
Staind and Breaking Benjamin’s Awaken the Fallen tour continues through June 1st of 2025. For upcoming shows, visit https://www.staindofficial.com/tour.
Follow Staind, Breaking Benjamin, Wage War and Lakeview on their socials below:
Staind: Instagram // Facebook
Breaking Benjamin: Instagram // Facebook
Wage War: Instagram // Facebook
Lakeview: Instagram // Facebook
Spot on it was great concert and we don’t get a lot of rock shows, but when we do it turns out to be something special!
I am hoping we will start to get more, between the Orion and Mars Music Hall, we have definitely had an increase in shows.