The Awaken the Fallen Tour made a loud and memorable stop at the Target Center in Minneapolis this last Wednesday evening. When this tour was first announced, I snagged tickets right away because I adore every band on the lineup. The night featured a mix of rising talent and veteran rock acts, providing the crowd with a whole evening of hard-hitting music and stellar performances.
Lakeview opened the night with a short but energetic set. Playing songs like “Loser,” “Neon Nightmare,” and “Wrong Side of the Track,” they gave fans a taste of their southern-influenced country-rock sound. Their cover of Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel” was a wise choice that got the crowd singing along early. While they’re still a newer band, Lakeview made good use of their time on stage and warmed up the audience nicely.
Next up was one of my all-time favorite bands, Wage War, bringing their heavy energy. Opening with “Nail5” and “Godspeed,” they launched into a strong set that never lost steam. Older tracks, such as “Low” and “Stitch,” showcased their signature blend of aggressive vocals and clean melodies. As the set went on, Wage War kept connecting with the crowd, and everyone went nuts during “Tombstone” and “Happy Hunting.” They ended strong with “Magnetic” and “Manic,” showing why they’re one of the top names in modern metalcore. Their set was powerful and well-received, setting the bar high for the headlining bands…
Staind followed with a more emotionally driven performance. They opened with heavier songs like “Lowest in Me” and “Eyes Wide Open,” but then brought it down with “Right Here,” Epiphany,” and “Something to Remind You.” Aaron Lewis’s voice still carries the same weight it did in the early 2000s, giving longtime fans that deep, menacing sound the band is known for. Later in the set, songs like “Outside,” “So Far Away,” and “It’s Been Awhile” got some of the biggest reactions of the night. The band didn’t rely on big stage tricks; instead, they let the music speak for itself. Staind’s return to touring feels steady and confident, and I, as well as the rest of the crowd, clearly appreciated hearing their songs live again.
Finally, Breaking Benjamin closed the show with a surprisingly long and solid set. From the start with “Failure,” “Until the End,” and “Evil Angel,” they showed why they continue to be one of rock’s most consistent live acts. The band effortlessly moved through hit songs like “Red Cold River,” “Blow Me Away,” and “So Cold.” Each member seemed in sync, with clean transitions and a strong overall sound.
Two big highlights of their set were hearing their latest single, “Awaken,” for the first time live, and their hit, “Polyamorous,” from their debut album. I’m proud to say I first saw Breaking Benjamin in 2003 when they played on the Jagermeister Tour, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Hearing that song gave me a dose of nostalgia. The whole venue was singing along to “Breath” and “I Will Not Bow.” They wrapped up the night with “The Diary of Jane.” All in all, the Awaken the Fallen Tour stop in Minneapolis delivered on every level, so if you can still catch this tour, don’t miss your chance!
