words and photos by Chloe Ekberg

Last Monday, I met heavy metal rock. The Waiting Room hosted the hardcore, heavy metal, head-banging rock that was Stereo Rocket and Johnny Legion, and White Pony, a Deftones Tribute Band.

Stereo Rocket and Johnny Legion, two separate bands that played together, led the night with their mixed Guns N’ Roses and Black Sabbath sounds, bringing energy to the stage with wild guitar flips. The bands complemented each other’s sound, as hair and beads of sweat coated their faces.

I would categorize Omaha’s White Pony as hard rock and post-grunge. I could see the pain and anger in the lyrical screams and feel the intense percussion booms.

Ben Naughton, White Pony’s lead vocals, praised the support of 1% Productions and any supporters of the local music scene who go to see people like White Pony and Johnny Legion.

Originally from the Omaha band Coincide, Naughton was the impetus of the tribute Deftones band. The group started when White Pony guitarist Justin King commented on Ben's Facebook post about wanting to start a Deftones tribute band, and the two formed the band with drummer Doug Tangeman and bassist/keyboardist Sean Jeffers.

With the kind of passion about supporting the local music scene shown by bands like White Pony, I gained a new understanding made clear to me when Ben said, “Support the local music scene. Support art.”

See the art from Monday's show here:

Chloe Ekberg is a Hear Nebraska multimedia intern. She's a masterful Hear Nebraska button-maker. Reach her at chloee@hearnebraska.org.