Mammoth WVH / Nita Strauss
Warehouse Live H-Town 11-24-23

By Honey Rumbles / Jeff Arnhart

Mammoth WVH with Nita Strauss

    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 Strauss
Summer 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)



Mammoth WVH



Nita Strauss


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