This past weekend Emergenza’s International Festival stormed through Atlanta for the third year running. The elimination rounds took place at Vinyl, situated on West Peachtree Street in Atlanta. Vinyl is the perfect venue for a first round of Emergenza shows. The sound system is top notch and Emergenza’s shows proved that there are the beginnings of a rock scene in Atlanta after all! Thursday Northern Lights from the metro-area set the bar with an amazing performance that included something for everyone. This jam-band influenced 4-piece incorporated extended jams, upbeat dub-reggae and an element of rock into a set that astounded. Contraption then took the stage with a solid and strong rock set. They had excellent vocals and a big sound for a trio. Jillhammer followed with a rock set that had everyone up on his or her feet. Curve was something else! This pop-rock based group was innovative, fresh and groovin’! With a female lead singer that wailed and players that held their own these guys are definitely someone to watch. Fernando was up next with an excellent rock set. They had a great rhythm section, spectacular vocals and impressive guitar solos! Last Letter Symphony changed the mood a bit with a pop sound that had drive and soul. Inspirience closed out the evening with a rap/soul set that had Atlanta bumping the way it is known for. With positive spoken word and lyrics, strong vocalizations and a phenomenal band Inspirience proved to provide quite the musical experience! Friday The Shows didn’t stop there! Friday night showcased more bands of different genres and gave the artists the opportunity to network, connect and entertain. Kindler opened out the evening with an act that knew how to capture the attention of their audience. They incorporated alternative rock with a modern progressive sound and kicked off the show in a great way. Before the Blackout was up next with a solid hardcore performance. They had an excellent stage presence and pumped up the audience with their high energy. February’s Closure then took the stage with a performance that had the fans going crazy! Their excellent rhythm section held things down while the guitarists impressed with solos and bar chord progressions. 4ScoreN7 was an alternative hardcore band with lots of energy, great vocals and a knack for stage presence. Forefallen took over the stage with a true rock-based set. All instrumentalists were beyond talented and won the hearts of the audience immediately with a fun, energetic and intriguing set. Eclipsed By Sanity was an insanely good metal band composed of young fresh and energetic members. They were organized and on point. They had a tight set with astounding guitar solos and an excellent front man. Counterfiet Holiday changed the mood a bit with a more poppy sound. Their rhythm section was great as their lead singer-guitarist swept through a cool and intricate set. City Within closed out the evening with a hardcore/metal Christian set. They had great harmonies, and excellent composition. Saturday Saturday’s Emergenza Festival was yet another success. Yellow Turban Uprising opened up the evening with a pure rock-based set. The Blacksmithz then took the stage with intricate guitar work, and an excellent rhythm section. They closed out their set with a song of Freedom that had the whole room excited. Vitriol is a young energetic group of musicians with an ear for music and a knack for songwriting. They stunned everyone with their complex compositions, strong lead vocals and excellent instrumentation. Se7en was up next. Their southern metal sound won the hearts of everyone. They had excellent lead vocals, strong rhythms and a nice stage presence. Kristen Strezo and the Czech Republic took the stage with a unique and surprising performance.<