At the end of the 20th century, two genres of music dominated American culture: pop and nu metal. Fred Durst protégé Aaron Lewis was part of the latter genre with his hugely popular group Staind.

Lewis led the band to the top of the charts with his aggressively soulful voice and introspective lyrics about his traumatic childhood and present life—2001’s Break the Cycle detailed generational abuse while the following 14 Shades of Grey contained an ode to Lewis’ daughter, “Zoe Jane.”

Lewis sounds best when his vocals are stripped bare, accompanied only by acoustic guitars and a few friends (as on Staind’s breakout hit, “Outside”). His current tour showcases the sorrowful songs that made Staind famous, as well as singles from the band’s latest release, The Illusion of Progress.

Aaron Lewis appears at Aliante Station January 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.

By Caitlin McGarry