By David Whitney

It was a headbangers paradise and a full house at the Webster Theater last Saturday as the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour finally made its way to Connecticut.

Headliners Rev Theory and Pop Evil were greeted with an eager and rowdy crowd, waiting to hear the heavy beats both bands deliver. Pop Evil kicked their set of with the song “Breathe” off their first album, Lipstick on a Mirror.

Although bassist Matt DiRito’s volume sounded a bit distorted, the intensity of the crowd showed no bother from it.  They’d also follow every instruction the band through at the crowd. When they yelled jump, you’d better believe the entire audience did just that.

Pop Evil continued their set with the new hit single “Last Man Standing.” The popularity of the in-your-face song has spread through the country and has been used on ESPN broadcasts for sports such as NASCAR.

Head singer Leigh Kakaty would say during their short set, “…Hartford is like a second home to us.”

When asked what he meant by that, Kakaty said, “It’s the crowd here, the crowd really believes in this rock and roll.”

With plenty of sweat and fog machine smell in the air, New York City’s Rev Theory took the stage and hit it hard with a brand new song called “Dead in the Grave” off the band’s third album, Justice. The pervasive lyrics and catchy chorus got the crowd out of control and the mosh pit even bigger.

Soon after, front-man Rich Luzzi appeared to hurt his vocal cords and was seen numerous times leaving the stage to give his voice a rest.  After a few swigs of some Monster Energy drink, Luzzi seemed recharged and was soon screaming while waving the middle finger.

All in all, the fans came for a show and were well satisfied.  Several other bands were able to grace the Webster stage including Aranda, B.B.C. and Crossing Rubicon.

Pop Evil’s second album is due in stores this year as Rev Theory’s new CD hit shelves last month.