Tampa's 16 Second Stare will join the Crue in concert

Tampa hard rock act 16 Second Stare is making a break with its past.

The band released its debut album, "Red Carpet Material," early this year. Its eponymous follow-up comes out next month, and singer-guitarist Chris Davis is adamant that it won't sound like its predecessor.

"No way," he answers when asked whether "16 Second Stare" will continue in the mainstream vein of "Red Carpet Material."

"The first album was cool but this one has a totally different style," Davis says by telephone from Cincinnati, where he was waiting for his band's second stage set on the Crue Fest 2 tour.

The new album, he says, "is more like Pantera or Avenged Sevenfold, more aggressive, more in your face."

"We found out more people enjoy that in the live shows," he says with a laugh.

Crue Fest 2 organizers enjoy it as well, it seems. Davis says a listen to 16 Second Stare's new single, "Complicated," got them the gig on the tour, headlined by Motley Crue and featuring Theory of a Deadman and Godsmack.

The sound isn't the only change for 16 Second Stare. Its new lineup has been together for only about a month and a half, Davis says.

The biggest change, though, was bringing Davis up to the front.

"I was a drummer for five years," Davis says. "But they couldn't keep me behind the drums. I'm totally a rocker."

The lineup is completed by drummer Danny Cayocca, lead guitarist Dennis Kivak, singer Tim Shanks and bassist Kurtis Todd.

The group began by playing covers in North Tampa clubs, eventually writing the songs that became "Red Carpet Material." It honed its live act at its self-built amphitheatre in a Lutz backyard.

"We named it the Staregrounds," Davis says. "It's got a 30-by-50 foot stage we built. We promote shows there a week ahead of time and get all our family and friends out."

16 Second Stare also has hit the road with Brian "Head" Welch, the former Korn guitarist who left the band and converted to Christianity in 2005.

"He told us all the stories," Davis says. "It's amazing. He's turned his life around."

Head may have renounced his vices, but 16 Second Stare will probably need several cold ones after its set, which begins in late afternoon.

Which is fine with Davis.

"I like playing in the sun," he says with a laugh.

ON TOUR

16 Second Stare

WITH: Motley Crue, Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool, Charm City Devils and more

WHEN: 4 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Ford Amphitheatre, 4802 U.S. 301 N., Tampa; (813) 740-2446

COST: $29.50, $39.50, $65 and $95