From ‘Wasteland’ to ‘The Optimist’: 10 Years Rocks Mars Music Hall
Celebrating two decades of rock music, 10 Years took the stage at Mars Music Hall in Huntsville, Alabama, for an electrifying performance. The evening kicked off with Kamenar, a duo led by twin brothers Sean and John, showcasing their talent and natural stage presence. The brothers’ rhythmic groove and impressive drum work hinted at a promising future in the music industry.
Following Kamenar was Keith Wallen, best known for his work with Breaking Benjamin, who delivered a powerful solo performance. Wallen’s strong vocals shone through tracks like “Blackout,” “Crush Me,” and “The Wolf,” highlighting his depth as an artist beyond his guitar skills.
Headlining the night was 10 Years, a band that originated in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1999. Their journey from an independent act to mainstream success began with their gold-selling album “The Autumn Effect” in 2005. The hit single “Wasteland” from this album reached the top of the Active Rock Radio and Billboard Alternative Songs charts, propelling the band into the spotlight. Over the years, 10 Years continued to cement their place in the rock scene with three consecutive albums charting in Billboard’s Top 30 – “Division” (2008), “Feeding the Wolves” (2010), and “Minus the Machine” (2012).
Opening their set with “The Optimist,” which has amassed over 16.5 million streams, 10 Years captivated the audience with Jesse Hasek’s commanding vocals. Their performance showcased a unique blend of post-grunge, hard rock, and alternative metal, infused with an authentic Southern touch. From delicate moments to heavy arrangements, including a fresh rendition of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box,” the band demonstrated their versatility on stage. Fan favorites like “Fix Me” and “So Long, Good-Bye” resonated with the crowd, reflecting the band’s massive following and success with over a quarter billion cumulative streams across platforms.
The 2017 release of “(how to live) As Ghosts” marked another milestone for 10 Years, reaching the Top 5 of the US Top Hard Rock Albums Chart. The track “Novacaine” also climbed to the Top 5 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs Chart with over 45 million streams. Closing their set with an energetic performance of “Shoot It Out,” 10 Years once again proved their longevity in the music industry, having toured with renowned acts like Korn, Deftones, Chris Cornell, and Linkin Park. Their recent collaboration with Kia Taylor from Conquer Divide on “The Optimist” showcases their commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
As the first concert of 2025, the evening at Mars Music Hall set the bar high for live music events in the upcoming year. With a vibrant start to January, music enthusiasts can look forward to an extraordinary year of concerts ahead, fueled by the energy and talent exemplified by bands like 10 Years.