Concert Reviews

ASHES OF LEVIATHAN TOUR:PITTSBURGH SHOW REVIEW

Published

7 months ago

August 3, 2024

Pittsburgh’s Stage AE was host to the Ashes of Leviathan tour with Lamb of God and Mastodon, with both bands playing pivotal albums, Ashes of the Wake and Leviathan, for their sets. Pittsburgh is a favorite spot for Lamb of God, having played the city more times during their history than any other city in the world, as proclaimed by vocalist Randy Blythe. Also appearing this night is the hardcore thrash metal act Malevolence, and Kerry King, the guitarist from Slayer’s own solo act. As the crowd lined the street in front of the venue, a light drizzle would come to a stop as the doors opened. People filled the outside arena, hoping the weather would hold off as they were about to begin their metal-filled evenings.

Malevolence was up first; the band plays a mix of hardcore and metal with bits of southern metal and thrash thrown in. The band’s high energy helped to hype the nearly sold-out crowd, even at the beginning of a rainstorm. Vocalist Alex Taylor had a very demanding presence on stage, calling out to the crowd through his set and getting a massive response from the headbangers. The band played through several songs from the Malicious Intent album for their set.

Kerry King took the stage next with a who’s who of metal, from Phil Demmel, formally of Machine Head, to Paul Bostaph of Slayer, Kyle Sanders of Hell Yeah, and vocalist Mark Osegueda of Death Angel onstage. These guys came to throw down, playing thrash metal from beginning to end. The band’s fast metal riffs were paired with the members using all of the stage; even the vocalist would lift his mic stand into the air and carry it with him like many of the rockers from that 80s era of metal. The band played through several songs off the From Hell I Rise album and finished off with Reigning Blood and Black Magic, Slayer covers.

Mastodon came out to kaleidoscope of colors and images on stage, as they kicked off with Blood and Thunder. The high energy set got the crowd kicking and cheering along as they played through their 2004 masterpiece Leviathan. Crowd surfers were coming over the gate as the band played, I am Ahab, and didn’t stop for the rest of the set. From fog to fire, to lasers and giant monsters roaming on stage paired with their iconic songs, Mastodon had something for everyone to tantalize the senses.

Lamb of God came out to the crowd, chanting their name. Always known for putting on a high-energy show, vocalist Randy Blythe kicked off with Laid to Rest. This adrenaline rollercoaster just left the station as the band ripped through their iconic Ashes of the Wake album. As the heavens opened and began to drench the crowd, Lamb of God were playing in front of flames shooting up from behind the drum riser. On “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For,” the big ending breakdown, the crowd got to witness what has become a live staple for the band. Vocalist Randy Blythe does a well-timed jump with the pyro, as I can only call him the Lamb of God Jumpman. The band ripped through the rest of their timeless album before calling it a night.

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George Archibald

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Related Topics:Empire Extreme featured Kerry King LAMB OF GOD malevolence Mastodon Pittsburgh

Concert Reviews

MARTY FRIEDMAN LIVE DRAMA TOUR 2025: RAMSHEAD ON THE STAGE

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2025

Ron

Marty Friedman is on tour right now with his Live Drama 2025 and he brought Patrick Kennison and Nikki Stringfield on tour with them.

Nikki and Patrick opened up the show with an amazing acoustic set, I’ve got to see both of them many times with their other bands but this was the first time seeing them perform together and it was magical. I loved the way they not only complemented each other vocally with harmonies and more but just the feeling of love on the stage as well. We got to hear some great songs like “Where Demons Lie” and “Numbered” which is about addiction issues and dedicated to Layne Staley. We also got to hear an Iron Maiden cover “Aces High”.

Marty and his band came out on stage and if you’re into high energy and some mind blowing shreds, this is a tour for you. I love that Marty’s band is backed by some amazing Japanese musicians and probably one of my favorite drummers Chargeee, (he’s Insane while playing the drums: he’s like the live action version of Animal from the muppets)

I loved that Marty is from the area and was talking to his band mates about it and the laurel area. There was one time when Marty’s guitar player Naoki played the lead that Marty was supposed to play then they had an argument all in Japanese (the one time I wish subtitles was a real thing) the other band mates gave him the finger then Marty started to shred.

I just the energy that’s on the stage it doesn’t stop and it’s so infectious. The crowd at rams head on the stage were in full capacity for the show and ready to rock and roll with Marty.

We got to hear some of the softer more romantic side of Marty and the band when they played a few songs off the “Drama” album which was fun as well.

It’s insane to watch someone like Marty shred in a small intimate venue, you really get to see how amazing he really is and the passion he has for his craft.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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Concert Reviews

APOCALYPTICA PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2: DC SHOW REVIEW

Published

2 weeks ago

February 9, 2025

Ron

Apocalyptica is on tour now with Nita Strauss on their PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2.

Nita opened the show and as always put on an amazing show, it’s fun to see Nita on these solo tour when she’s not touring with Alice Cooper. You get to see her shine even more and just put a clinic on with shredding on the guitar. I’ve seen Nita a few times but this night was a little extra special, she brought out Kasey Karlsen of the band Deadlands out to sing a few songs which was great cause normally there’s no vocals at her shows.

This was my first time being able to not only see Apocalyptica but also photograph them. I’ve always been a huge fan of their music and loved the 2 Metallica albums as well. I figured this was more than likely the only way I’ll get to hear Metallica play is with Apocalyptica playing them.

We got to hear an amazing mix of songs throughout Metallica’s career. Opening up with “Ride the Lightning” and “Enter Sandman” you knew you were gonna rock out.

The band is amazing, such awesome and jaw dropping skills on those Cellos. There’s something magical about musicians that come from Helsinki and the Finland area. Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen and Perttu Kivilaakso are insanely talented but also demand the stage so well and bring in that comedy as well.

We also got to hear songs like “Creeping Death”, “The Call of Ktulu” “St Anger”, “Blackened” “Master of Puppets”, “Nothing else Matters” and ending the night with “Seek and Destroy” and “One”. This was such a great night in a cool setting at Warner Theater in DC. I loved the atmosphere and the blending of not only music with classical and metal but also the crowd was as diverse as well.

If you get a chance to go out and see this tour, you must you won’t be disappointed.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS 9

Published

3 weeks ago

January 31, 2025

Ron

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN WHEN THE POWERS TO BE GATHER FOR THE MOST BAD ASS OF TIME. YES ITS THAT TIME FOR ANOTHER NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS.

OF COURSE YOU HAVE SPELLBOOK AND WRATH OF TYPHON ON THE BILL, AND HEADLINING PRINCE DIAMOND (This year doing an all Mercyful Fate set) WE ALSO GOT SABBATH WARLOCK AND ZAUBEREI AS WELL.