The '80s metal band era has returned.
The Launchpad welcomed southern California band Havoc for an all-ages show on Saturday as an opener for the Prids.
Band members took the stage for a soundcheck with feathered '80s metal hair and tight leather pants. They warmed up by teasing the audience with catchy rhythms until the lights faded and the show began.
The set consisted of a sampling of songs by Black Sabbath and the Partisans.
Havoc's cover of the Partisans' "17 Years of Hell" was a crowd pleaser, especially for younger audience members. The lead singer said the song is timeless, because growing up is not easy.
During the hour-long set, Havoc owned the songs - covers and originals alike.
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Some songs left the audience chanting the chorus and whipping spiked hairdos through the air.
Toward the end of the show, a roadie named Austin - the baby brother of guitarist Justin - was invited onstage. The Havoc roadie was put on the mic and sang one of the songs. After his moment in the spotlight, he told the audience it was his first time performing.
It seems a promotion may be in his future, because he nailed his vocals and could be heard over the bombastic drumming and hardcore electric guitars.
After the last song of the evening, 15 audience members jumped onstage and took control of the mic to chant "Rock on."
The Havoc returned and played another song, smoking up the stage and creating one last opportunity for the audience to mosh. The audience lived up to the challenge and almost the entire floor became a swirling current of bodies.
When the Havoc was finished, audience members relocated to the tour bus and waited to show their love for a great band.
Grade: A