First, the burgers are awesome. Just had to throw that out for anyone wondering whether or not they really serve food... Damn fine selection. We saw thirteen bands hit the stage this night, displaying many styles of music and crazy stage presence. The house was definitely rockin’ all night long! Deimos lit the fuse with a metal intensity that screamed "TEXAS FUCKING METAL!!!". This set was power-packed with a keg of dynamite. The guitars were aggressive and so were the vocals. The Staring Game stepped up next, with a strong showing of modern post-hardcore rock. The songwriting was nice, and the crowd interaction was really great. Lots of energy and intensity was the hallmark of this group. Of My Redemption brought a sound and show that reminded me of Dallas’ Ugly Mustard or SoCal’s Mr. Bungle. It was like being punched in the face while laughing hysterically. The samples were unique and really… interesting, and the synth work tied in with the guitars perfectly, and the rhythm section was very well rehearsed. Among War kicked into high gear with a powerful set of metal done right. The outfits were awesome, and great introduction! The guest vocals were a nice touch as well! Rhyme Mind Theory brought the circus to Sam’s Burger Joint with some seriously bad-ass hip-hop. The guitar sailed melodically over keys, bass, turntables and a host of percussion, all the while taking a backseat to the lyrical styling of one monster emcee. Outstanding work! Fareview kept the crowd alive and running at full speed with a superb set of original material. They were giving 110% the entire set, and the huge crowd at Sam’s reacted with fervor, dancing and singing along. Great show! Knights of Apollo brought a fresh sound encompassed in this guitar-free three-piece. The vocals were solid and the energy was kickin’. Terill Avenue definitely hyped the crowd into a frenzy and poured forth their rock upon the crowd at Sam’s. The vocals were emotional and searing, and the band’s set was power-packed! Schuetzilla… remember this name and refer to it often in your book of rock, because these guys are HOT! The set was crazy energy and fire-branded emo-core with outstanding vocals. They definitely made a huge impression on the crowd at Sam’s Burger Joint tonight! Malefactor poured their hearts and souls into their hard rockin’ set and it was awesome! The music was well done and tight, and the vocals really got into my spirit. These guys are a force to be reckoned with! A big breath of funky-fresh air came from the tasty licks of Kevin Goes 2 College. Their set was energetic and sassy, with the great frontwork from the vocalist and punchy kickers from the trombone and trumpet. It’s catchy, and got the crowd moving! Out of Order punked out and gave the crowd a taste of something real… The vocals were intense and the stage presence active. The guitars and bass were strong, and the drummer rocked the house! Red Line Drop finished the night off with style, rocking beautiful melodic guitar work and well-pitched and solid vocals. They were the perfect cap to a great night of music. Every band that hit the stage this night was great. They poured their hearts and souls into their sets, and gave the crowd at Sam’s Burger Joint a show of epic proportions. Congratulations to Rhyme Mind Theory, moving on to represent SA in the regional final in Austin. June 23rd, at the Parish… see you there! One Love,