Every summer, hard rock fans look forward to the genre’s “big two” concerts of the season: the traveling Mayhem and Uproar Festivals. While Mayhem satisfies the head-banging needs of the ultra-heavy metal heads, Uproar is the answer for fans seeking a more diverse, radio-friendly experience. This year’s Uproar cast for Tuesday night’s stop at Comfort Dental Amphitheatre included Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Adelitas Way, P.O.D., Deuce, Thousand Foot Krutch, Mindset Evolution, Candlelight Red and Lost Autumn.

However, various factors at the Englewood stop hindered fans from getting the full Uproar experience. A space issue eliminated the Jagermeister Stage and the Jager-sponsored bands (including Denver’s own Switchpin) and a noise ordinance prevented an early start time, requiring both the main stage and Ernie Ball side stage to run simultaneously.

The obvious choice for most concertgoers was to settle in for the main stage bands, but last night was all about the side stage. Fans shouldn’t be upset if they missed Godsmack, because the side stage closing sets by Deuce and P.O.D. were two of the best of the night. As P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval commented (while pointing out the street signs overhead), the atmosphere took the show “back to the streets.”

Luckily, there was no overlaps once Shinedown hit the main stage. Uproar’s final act took full advantage of its headlining set, waking fans up with a barrage of pyrotechnics and an extensive catalog of amped-up tracks. Frontman Brent Smith’s stage presence commanded the attention of everyone in the audience, and the group’s choice to start its set with “Sound of Madness” and “Diamond Eyes” gave fans enough energy to finish the night out strong.

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Paige Montgomery is a Denver-based freelance writer. Check out more of her work on Facebook and Twitter.

Todd Radunsky is a Boulder-based photographer and a regular contributor to Reverb.