A reviewer once described Chevelle’s music as “a kind of controlled chaos, a beautiful darkness, a gentle rampage of aural velocity.” That’s a lot of contradictions, a lot of things that don’t go together—but maybe that’s why the three-piece band’s nu metal sound works so well.
The group formed in the garage of the brothers Loeffler—lead vocalist and guitarist Peter, drummer Sam and, at the time, bassist Joe. After Joe’s exit, the remaining members eventually recruited Sam’s brother-in-law, Dean Bernardini. Chevelle, originally signed as a Christian rock group, broke through to the mainstream with hard rock tracks like “The Red,” with its sing-along chorus and rough and tumble guitar licks.
Things have worked out for the trio, as the group—who named their band after the Chevrolet car that was one of their father’s favorites—has sold more than 4 million records in the United States alone. Eight albums in and more than 20 years later, the band, often compared to outfits like Tool and Helmet, are still going strong.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 6 p.m. Jan. 22, $29.50 plus tax and fee, 18+. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
