As far as I can tell the Emergenza Chicago Final was about a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10. Nearly 1,800 gracious fans couldn’t agree more. Saturday, June the 5th 2004 will forever be embedded in the heads of many as a night to remember for many reasons. The stage was made delicious throughout the night by so many fantastic bands. So grossly talented and all playing their asses off for a common goal to be named King of Chicago Local Music and keep movin’ on up to the East side for a slot at the Avalon in Boston for the Emergenza U.S. Finals. For the most part of all musicians it was the biggest show of their lives and nothing was going to be left in the tank when it was all said and done. Bands walked off stage exhausted, worn, ratty, sweaty, smelly, and most of all fulfilled and happy to play to a packed house in one of the premier concert venues in Chicago. The night was immediately kicked in the faced by our first bands Dedkor. They brought their pissed off attitudes and gig bags and let many folks know why they play metal. Metal has gotten the reputation as “Fuck you, I’m pissed about something, put this down you throat you piece of shit” style of music. Well Dedkor , you boys have played the part well. Even after you shredded the stage on front of loyal fans going nuts for you, yes you, still you find a way to bitch and complain and after all, I enjoy it. By the way, enjoy your Crate GLX 65 Amplifier you won for “Best Rhythm Guitarist”. Minutes proceeding Dedkor’s performance Faceless took the stage powered by two lead vocalists who forced themselves over the crowd. The shared lyrics were woven with hate and talent. Using the full stage and then some, Faceless got themselves around with a very active stage presence and at one point stepping off the stage and climbing onto the safety barriers while chanting verses to a possessed audience. Each act was just as tough to follow as the next and Souls For Rent laid it down. Playing in the third slot of the night they brought their rock and roll business that Saturday. The band took home a Snarling Dog pedal package for “Best Sound and Visual Performance” for their efforts. It was clear as day that Souls For Rent has a maturity of talent and knows how to step up for big show. With great songs and attitude, Souls For Rent, I thank you. With a change of pace, The Regels made the stage their home and played through a set of emotion driven lyrics and terrific guitar arrangements. I spoke briefly with some members following the performance and their positive reaction to playing the Emergenza Festival gave reassurance to why Emergenza does what it does. At 8:40 in the night it was a calling for All Systems Halt. As expected they brought their darkest gothic rock with them. Their 20 minutes on stage had reflections of funeral for Trent Reznor. Just prior to them entering the stage members spoke of nerves and energy and they turned that into music led by lead singer Zoran who was battling flu symptoms that wouldn’t hold him nor the band down. With five performances down and seven to go, Band Called Pharisee step up for a shot at Boston. Sure they have great music just as all bands that performed that night, but one thing that stuck out was the BCP fans. Looking over the crowd reminded me of a rock and roll cult that was gathering for session. This is all due to the talent that secretes from the band as well as it was recognized by the panel of judges that voted Desmond of Band Called Pharisee “Best Drummer” earning him a complete Sabian cymbal set and the band an overall second place finish in the Chicago Final. Following up BCP was Episode 7 with its rock based tunes from Indiana. They brought the troops and they responded well with fists pumping in the air. I know these guys were gung ho about playing in the festival since day one and it was transparent that they found fulfillment in the night and themselves as<