Photos by Rebecca Clark | Review by Renee Clark Quade and Rebecca Clark

Sevendust made their long-awaited return to The Water Street Music Hall in Rochester, NY on September 17th, celebrating the 21st anniversary of their landmark album, Seasons. It’s been quite a while since they’ve graced this venue—they hadn’t played there since 2007. For their dedicated fans, this was a night of nostalgia, connection, and high-octane rock that no one will soon forget as they played their album Seasons in its entirety track by track.

*Horizon Theory*

The night kicked off with Horizon Theory, whose hard rock and nu-metal fusion sound packed a punch right from the start. Lead vocalist Josh Harrington was a charismatic presence, engaging with the crowd and keeping the energy high. This band is one to watch, as they played a powerful set with songs  including “Past Life,” “December,” and “Nowhere to Go.”

*Return to Dust*

Following Horizon Theory was Return to Dust, a band of young rockers whose sound channels the grunge vibes of legends like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. Their performance was immersive, with each member feeding off the others’ energy, head-banging through intense guitar solos. Though their set was brief, they showcased tracks from their recent self-titled release, like “Belly Up” and “When You Look at Me,” skillfully blending old-school grunge with modern rock, driven by deep, indicative bass lines.

*10 Years*

Fan favorite 10 Years took the stage next, marking their return to Rochester with a performance that didn’t disappoint. They delivered a dynamic set, opening with high-energy tracks like “Shoot It Out,” “Chasing the Rapture,” and “Dancing with the Dead,” lighting up the venue and getting the crowd moving. They also folded in newer songs into their setlist, such as “Rise,” “The Shift,” and “The Optimist,” seamlessly blending them with their hits like “Fix Me” and “Wasteland.” Lead vocalist Jesse Hasek’s stage presence was animate—he jumped off the stage to interact with fans. During “Wasteland,” Hasek climbed onto the barricade, leaning into the crowd as fans kept him steady, before making an impressive leap back onto the stage. One of the highlights of their set was when they performed their rendition of Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box.” The entire band sounded tight and perfectly in sync, giving a performance that showcased their energy, passion, and connection with the crowd.

*Sevendust*

Finally, it was time for Sevendust, the band everyone had been waiting for. Their set was infused with a heavy dose of nostalgia, with their distinct alt-rock sound transporting the crowd back to when Seasons was first released 21 years ago. Sevendust has a devoted following, and while they may not have fully broken into mainstream rock, they’ve undoubtedly earned a place in the hearts of their fans.

The band’s energy was relentless. Guitarist Jon Jourdan had big shoes to fill since Clint Lowery couldn’t tour because of an injury and he did Lowery proud as he tore across the stage. Drummer Morgan Rose poured his heart into every beat, his facial expressions connecting with fans and showing his gratitude. Rose’s energy was contagious, driving the band forward all night.

Frontman Lajon Witherspoon was as captivating as ever, his voice radiating conviction and heart. He shared moments with the crowd, speaking about the healing power of music and the pride they feel in creating music that serves as a guiding light for their fans. His warm, personable presence created an intimate vibe despite the sold-out crowd. At one point, Witherspoon spotted a fan with a Sevendust tattoo and pointed it out, offering a smile and thumbs-up, a small gesture that added to the night’s sense of connection.

The highlight of the night was hearing Seasons in its entirety, played track by track. They followed the album with an encore featuring “Pieces,” “Rumble Fish,” and “Bitch,” bringing the house down one final time.

Seeing Sevendust play Seasons live was a special experience, and for their fans in Rochester, it was a night to remember—one that celebrated the music that has defined the band’s journey and left a lasting impact on their audience. This album, which put Sevendust on the map, continues to hold a special place in the rock world, and their performance proved why.

Return To Dust Photo Gallery

10 Years Photo Gallery

Sevendust Photo Gallery