A review in photos: Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival

The ampitheatre stage opened to the crowd of expectant metalheads at approximately 6 p.m., with the music starting shortly after with a set by Trivium, which took the place of recent tour dropouts In Flames. Heavy metal heavyweights Megadeth came next, and Godsmack followed, with Disturbed closing out Mayhem at 11 pm. For the main stage entertainment, Godsmack seemed to be a fan favorite. Headliners Disturbed were somewhat of a disappointment, delivering a performance and stage show nearly identical to their 2010 Uproar Fest set, right down to the same outfits. Obviously I wasn't the only one disappointed. After shooting three songs worth of pictures, I headed to my car in an effort to beat the traffic and found I wasn't the only one attempting to make a hasty exit, forcing me to fight my way through the crowd to get out first.

In all, it was a hot but fun event. The performances by bands on the support stages were well worth the price of admission alone. Hopefully event organizers will look for a better show-ending headliner for next year's event.

• Jeff O'Kelley
• Megadeth

• Jeff O'Kelley
• Motocross Trick Show

• Jeff O'Kelley
• All Shall Perish

• Jeff O'Kelley
• Disturbed

• Jeff O'Kelley
• Trivium