The Awaken the Fallen tour rolled into Greenville, SC, on Saturday night, May 17th, delivering a stacked lineup of hard-hitting rock and metal acts that electrified a packed Bon Secours Wellness Arena. With a bill featuring rising stars Lakeview, metalcore heavyweights Wage War, post-grunge veterans Staind, and modern rock giants Breaking Benjamin, the night was a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
While every band brought serious firepower to the stage, it was clear that Lakeview made a lasting impression, proving themselves as a band to watch. A breakout moment kicking off the night, Lakeview wasted no time establishing their presence. With a blistering performance full of heart, grit, and undeniable chemistry, the band turned heads and captured the attention of early arrivals. They opened with “LOSER,” a defiant anthem that had frontman Jesse Ray belting, “I won’t be your loser, I won’t fade away / Watch me rise while you decay.” The raw honesty in his delivery set the tone for a set that felt both deeply personal and stadium-ready. Next came “Dying Breed,” a track that combines driving riffs with soaring choruses, solidifying their connection with the crowd. By the time they hit “Wrong Side of the Track,” Lakeview had the arena singing along, fists in the air. It was a textbook example of how an opening band can leave a headliner-sized impact. This performance wasn’t just an opening act — it was a statement.
Relentless and ruthless and keeping the adrenaline high, Wage War stormed the stage next with their signature brand of aggressive, melodic metalcore. They tore into “NAIL5” to start, a relentless opener packed with guttural screams and bone-rattling breakdowns. “Godspeed” and “Low” followed in rapid succession, each met with deafening approval from the pit. Wage War’s ability to blend melody with unbridled aggression kept the momentum surging and showed why they’ve become one of the genre’s most exciting live acts.
Nostalgia met rebirth as the house lights dimmed for Staind. The atmosphere shifted to one of familiar anticipation. Opening with “Lowest in Me,” the band reminded everyone of their influence over two decades of alt-rock. Frontman Aaron Lewis’s voice was as emotionally raw as ever, particularly on “Eyes Wide Open” and the brooding “Fade.” It was a set built on nostalgia but sharpened by new material, proving Staind’s sound is as relevant today as it was in their early 2000s heyday.
A fitting, thunderous finale, Breaking Benjamin took the stage to a roar of approval, launching into “Dark” from their latest album. Known for their impeccable live sound and massive choruses, the band didn’t disappoint, following up with “Failure” and “Until the End.” Benjamin Burnley’s unmistakable voice and the band’s razor-sharp execution provided a perfect capstone to a night of outstanding performances. The arena was on its feet until the final note, a testament to Breaking Benjamin’s enduring power.
The Awaken the Fallen tour stop in Greenville was everything a rock fan could hope for: four distinct bands delivering passionate, powerful sets that showcased the genre’s range. Lakeview’s standout performance marked a significant turning point for the up-and-coming band, capturing hearts and ears with their anthemic, unfiltered songs and undeniable charisma. While Wage War, Staind, and Breaking Benjamin each delivered in their own right — reinforcing their places as heavyweights in the scene — it was Lakeview who left with the night’s biggest victory: new fans, new believers, and the start of something special.
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