91X Wrex the Halls

The lineup for Wrex the Halls 2009 provided something for everyone in attendance at Viejas Arena. Festivities began with a great set by local act and battle of the bands winner Chasing Claymore. Followed by stellar performances by newcomers Paper Tongues and Anberlin. Thrice followed and provided a transition into the second half of this explosive bill.

30 Seconds To Mars was next with their unique brand of soaring theatrical rock. Lead singer Jared Leto provided the most interactive performance of the evening by literally walking amongst the audience as he sang. Whipping their fans into a frenzy before hitting a climatic peak with their current hit "Kings and Queens."

Chicago's Rise Against took the stage next with a commanding, no frills punk set. The band ran through a string of hits, including "Prayer of the Refugee" and "Ready to Fall" at a breakneck pace. The exception in their raucous set was the poignant and "Hero of War," which was dedicated to U.S. troops.

After a crowd-rousing performance by Rise Against the stage was set for AFI. Currently touring in support of their new album, Crash Love, AFI hit the stage running with "Torch Song." Clad in a white blazer, Davey Havok took to the microphone like a punk version of Freddy Mercury. Havok twirled and wailed through each song engaging the audience at every opportunity. The dynamic performance kept the arena on their feet all night as the band blasted through a decade plus of fan favorites.

Newer fans stood shoulder to shoulder with longtime supporters singing along with classic AFI anthems like "The Days of the Phoenix" and "Girls Not Grey." The set list was meticulously crafted if short, but time restraints dictated. Concluding with "Silver and Cold" there was no encore, which was the evening's only disappointment.

• Concert: 91X's Wrex the Halls Christmas concert
• Date: December 13, 2009
• Venue: Viejas Arena