Warehouse
Live filled up quickly even before the first note rang
out and then was set ablaze on the night of November 24th as Mammoth WVH took
the stage, supported by the electrifying Nita Strauss as the opening
act at the venue.
Opening the night was
Nita Strauss, a virtuoso guitarist known for her work with Alice
Cooper. For this tour with Mammoth WVH Nita has assembled a powerhouse
of musicians which include at the rhythmic core of the band, Josh
Villalta, Nita's fiancée and an absolute force behind the drum kit. Johnny Young, whose infectious energy and dynamic
rhythm guitar playing complemented Nita's lead guitar work. Christopher Dean a bass
virtuoso provided the low-end groove that anchored the band's sound.
Katt Scarlett, the keyboard sorceress, added layers of atmosphere and
melody, and fronting the ensemble is the sensational Kasey Karlsen, whose
vocals soared above the instruments, delivering lyrics with passion and
emotion. Together they formed a musical family, each member
contributing their unique strengths.
Strauss
wasted no time in showcasing her unparalleled shredding skills. The
audience was captivated by her lightning-fast fingers dancing across
the fretboard, delivering a set that seamlessly blended technical
prowess with infectious energy. Her stage presence was magnetic,
drawing the crowd into the performance and setting the tone for the
night.
As Mammoth WVH
emerged under the spotlight, the atmosphere shifted. The large crowd's
enthusiasm reached a fever pitch as Wolfgang Van Halen, the driving
force behind Mammoth WVH, stepped into the spotlight. The son of
legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, Wolfgang carried the weight of
expectations and he did not disappoint.
The
setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing Mammoth WVH's
versatility. From hard-hitting rock anthems to soulful ballads, each
song was delivered with precision and passion. Wolfgang's vocals were a
pleasant surprise, displaying a range that effortlessly navigated the
highs and lows of the emotional spectrum. The chemistry between the
band members was evident, creating a tight and cohesive performance.
The
standout moments of the night included Mammoth WVH's renditions of
tracks from their debut album such as "Distance" and "Don't Back
Down." These songs, imbued with personal meaning, resonated deeply with
the audience creating an intimate connection between the band and
their fans.
Wolfgang Van
Halen's homage to his late father, Eddie Van Halen, was a poignant and
heartfelt moment. The performance of "Distance," a tribute to the elder
Van Halen, was met with a sea of swaying lights and emotional cheers
from the crowd.
In summary,
Mammoth WVH's performance at Warehouse Live in Houston was a triumph.
The combination of Wolfgang Van Halen's musical prowess and the band's
tight-knit chemistry made for an unforgettable night. Nita Strauss set
the stage on fire with her electrifying opening act, creating a perfect
lead-in for Mammoth WVH's powerhouse performance. It was a night that
celebrated the past, embraced the present, and hinted at a promising
future for Mammoth WVH in the rock music scene.
Setlist: Mammoth WVH
Mammoth
Right?
Miles Above Me
Like a Pastime
Optimist
Stone
I’m Alright
Epiphany
Think It Over
Distance (Wolfgang solo acoustic)
Waiting
You're to Blame
Feel
Take a Bow (with snippet of "Lateralus" by Tool)
Encore:
Another Celebration at the End of the World
Don't Back Down
Setlist: Nita StraussSummer Storm
Our Most Desperate Hour
Mariana Trench
Alegria
The Quest (cut short due to technical difficulty)
The Wolf You Feed (Kasey Karlsen on vocals)
Through the Noise (Kasey Karlsen on vocals)
Dead Inside (Kasey Karlsen on vocals)
Victorious (Kasey Karlsen on vocals)