Concert review: 'Shinedown' at the top of it's game

"We’re going to play a lot of new songs no one has ever heard before,” Shinedown singer Brent Smith said early in their set Thursday at The NorVa. “We want to see what you guys think.”

The feedback – not that the hard rockin’ group needed a focus group for approval – was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

This was no sampling, it was an all-you-can-eat entrée. “Sound of Madness,” the band’s third album, is scheduled for national release on June 24. In advance of a full-fledged tour to support the CD, a mini “road test” included this pit stop in Norfolk.

The fresh material instantly bonded with the audience, and for good reason: “Madness” is Shinedown’s finest album to date.

The strength in the group’s songwriting was undeniable. The first new single, “Devour,” which the quintet opened its set with, was a straightforward, hard-pounding delight as was the title track.

While Shinedown, which also includes guitarist Zach Myers, guitarist Nick Perri, drummer Barry Kerch and bassist Eric Bass, excelled in its head-on collision of grunge-meets-‘80s metal, the band has demonstrated a knack for resuscitating the power ballad. And there was no shortage of both old and new sonically dramatic, anthem-like material.

Cigarette lighters and turned-on cell phones were raised arms length and illuminated the venue during their most recognizable hit “45.” Equally impressive were a pair of new monster ballads: “Second Chance” and “The Crow and The Butterfly,” taking a note from the Scorpions’ songbook.

Between songs, incidental music quietly provided a soothing atmosphere for Smith to give pep talks and share inspirational thoughts. For encores, Shinedown performed a somber “Call Me” and then send the crowd home on a high-energy note with “Fly from the Inside.”

Shinedown was certainly on top of its game Thursday, and it had to be. Revery was the opening act. After a nearly year-long hiatus, the Virginia Beach hard rock band returned to the stage to a hero’s welcome. Throughout their set the crowd was boisterously supportive.

Revery – singer Jason Martinez, guitarist Mike Doyle, guitarist John Adkins, drummer David Doyle and new bassist Bruce Robinson – showcased much of its material from “Avarice & Absolution” as well as a few new tunes like “Redefine” and “Evangeline."

“I was impressed,” said Alfredo Torres, host of Max FM’s Locals Lounge. “It doesn’t seem like they’ve been off for a year.”

In fact, Revery gave a rock-solid performance. Mike Doyle was extremely showy in an Ace Frehley sort of way, holding his 6-string high in the air and off to the side during solos. Martinez paced the stage like a caged tiger. Revery’s return – especially on songs “3 Weeks,” “Popstar Wedding” and “”In The Way That She” – illustrated they’re just one lucky break away from potentially being the next Nickelback.

Reach Jeff Maisey at (757) 222-3934 or jmaisey@pilotonline.com