He is Legend is a southern rock/metal band stemming from North Carolina. Having been in the scene since the late 90s, He is Legend is one of the more successful metal bands. With their recent album Heavy Fruit reaching number one on the iTunes Metal Charts, I assumed their upcoming show would have tremendous hype. Unfortunately, I was heavily disappointed as I arrived at the venue in Cleveland, Ohio last night. Upon entering I observed a crowd of 100, at most. Although there wasn't many in attendance, the crowd seemed thrilled as Maylene and the Sons of Disaster crossed the small stage. The show began with heavy southern country music as the band did sound check, as they began the first rifts of their intro song "Fuck her right in the P*ssy" echoed over the sound system, everyone in attendance chuckled. Maylene had wonderful stage presence, and surprising energy for such a small crowd. Their melodies were nearly perfect. I was pleasantly surprised as their young drummer, who in comparison to his fellow band members looked like he could be in high school, dominated the stage. It was as if he was leading, and all other parts to the songs were just following, but in a way they fell together in perfect harmony, it was beautiful. They definitely delivered, and the crowd ate it up. About three songs into the set, an average sized pit opened up in the crowd and I had to relocate to side stage. The pit lasted for the remainder of the set and the crowd was left with great energy for He is Legend.

As He is Legend opened their set, I was reminded in a bitter sweet sense of the large difference between their most recent record, and 2009's It Hates You. The influence of The Red Hot Chili Peppers could be seen in Schulyer Coom, the lead singer's, actions and body language, more of a groovy or laid back stage presence.  As they performed older songs, they didn't seem to have much energy, as if they were only performing them out of necessity and not because they wanted to. I was honestly disappointed in the delivery of half the set, and mostly felt uncomfortable watching them. I was a huge fan of It Hates You, and the gritty old school rock and heavy blues undertones. I was primarily disappointed that they didn't seem to be enjoying themselves as much as they did when they announced "Beethozart" off the new album, and performed newer singles. For the most part I felt awkward, with the small crowd and low energy it just wasn't a show I'd look forward to seeing again. Apart from the environment, the sound of the music, specifically the newer songs, was wonderful.

Over all, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster stole the show, and if I was basing my review strictly on He is Legends performance I would have to give the show a 4/10 but because of other contributing acts on the tour I give the show a

6/10

Over all, I was plagued with disappointment but I did find myself enjoying some of it. Not a show I would recommend for those who enjoy the energy of live music like myself.