ARCH ENEMY / FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY / BAEST / THROWN INTO EXILE
By Donna Marie Eriquezzo
The Palladium, Times Square, a venue renowned for hosting some of the most significant events in music history, witnessed an electrifying performance on May 2, 2025, by the heavy metal bands Arch Enemy, Fit For An Autopsy, Baest, and Thrown into Exile.
First on the stage was Thrown Into Exile, a Los Angeles-based band, known for their intense energy and masterful musicianship. These guys delivered a performance that really got the crowd going for the evening. It didn’t take long for the moshing to begin and the crowd really loved these guys.
Thrown into Exile, formed in 2012, has steadily garnered a loyal following due to their unique blend of melodic elements and aggressive riffs. The May 2nd concert was a testament to their evolution as artists and their ability to captivate their audience. They performed with a raw intensity that resonated deeply with the audience. The band’s technical proficiency was evident in every note, with intricate guitar solos, thunderous drum patterns, and powerful vocals that filled the venue. What a great way to start the evening.
The members are Evan Seidlitz (Vocals), Mario Rubio (Guitar), Tom Tierney (Drums), Javier Quinto (Bass), and Austin Monzon (Guitar). In 2012, Thrown Into Exile won a battle of the bands and won a spot on the Sumerian Stage for the first day of the Mayhem Fest. They have been moving along in the metal world since. This is a band you do not want to miss.
Next on the stage was Baest, a Danish death metal band. These guys are a testament to the death metal genre and are the biggest Danish death metal band. Baest, is composed of Simon Olsen (Vocals), Lasse Revsbech (Guitar), Svend Karlsson (Guitar), Mattias Melchiorsen (Bass), and Sebastian Abildsten (Drums). The band is renowned for their intense, high-energy performances and technical prowess.
Their appearance at the Palladium was no exception. Baest opened with “Genesis,” a track from their critically acclaimed album Necro Sapiens, immediately setting a dark, powerful tone for the evening. The audience was drawn into a relentless auditory onslaught characterized by intricate guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and Olsen’s guttural vocals. Each song was performed with precision and passion, and people loved these guys.
One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of “Goregasm,” a song that showcases Baest’s ability to blend brutality with melody. The crowd’s response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with mosh pits forming and fans chanting along to every word. Be sure to catch this band if you haven’t already.
Fit For An Autopsy hit the stage next with their raw energy and intricate musicianship . The band, consisting of Joe Badolato (Vocals), Will Putney, Patrick Sheridan and Tim Howley (Guitars), Peter “Blue” Spinazola (Bass), and Josean Orta (Drums), demonstrated exceptional synergy and precision throughout their set. They have made a name for themselves in the metal scene, showcasing their talent and passion through intense performances and hard-hitting music.
Fit for an Autopsy opened the show with some of their most popular tracks, including “Black Mammoth” and “Nocturne,” immediately captivating the audience with their heavy riffs and powerful vocals. The band’s unique sound, which combines elements of deathcore with melodic undertones, resonated throughout the venue, creating an atmosphere charged with adrenaline.
The performance was not just about the music; a huge mosh pit formed, and the audience sang along to every word, creating a sense of unity and shared passion for the band’s message. The band showcased their talent with impressive musicianship and dynamic stage presence. Guitarists and the drummer displayed their skills, delivering complex rhythms and intricate solos that kept the audience enthralled. The show included a mix of new songs and fan favorites and the crowd was going wild. This was my second time seeing these guys and I really enjoyed watching them, be sure to catch them next time they play if you haven’t already.
Finally its time for Arch Enemy to hit the stage and they got the crowd hyped up with their intro of Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls”. They went right into “Deceiver, Deceiver” and wow, what a way to start their show! The North American Blood Dynasty tour highlights Arch Enemy’s return to the U.S. with each song delivered with precision and passion, showcasing the technical prowess of guitarists Michael Amott and Joey Concepcion, whose solos were nothing short of virtuosic. Joey Concepion is a Connecticut based guitar player who is nothing short of amazing and it was truly a pleasure seeing him perform with Arch Enemy.
Vocalist Alissa White-Gluz commanded the stage with her dynamic presence and powerful growls. Her ability to seamlessly transition between guttural screams and melodic clean vocals added depth to the performance. White-Gluz’s lyrical themes of empowerment, resistance, and introspection resonated deeply with the audience, who sang along. The audience’s reaction was a mix of exhilaration and reverence. Fans of all ages and backgrounds came together, united by their love for the band and the genre.
The mosh pit was a whirlwind of energy, while those on the outskirts headbanged and raised their horns in solidarity. Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band formed in 1995 in Halmstad, Sweden. Known for their powerful sound, virtuosic musicianship, and engaging live performances, the band has become a significant force in the metal genre.
Arch Enemy is characterized by their blend of melodic riffs, intricate guitar solos, and aggressive growls. As one of the most recognized bands in the melodic death metal genre, Arch Enemy has paved the way for other bands, especially female-fronted metal acts, and has played a crucial role in shaping the sound and direction of modern metal music.
The members of Arch Enemy are Alissa White-Gluz on (Vocals), Michael Amott (Guitar), Joey Concepcion (Guitar), Daniel Erlandsson (Drums) and Sharlee D’Angelo (Bass). Arch Enemy has continued to release new music and tour extensively, maintaining their presence in the metal scene. Their recent albums and singles have received critical acclaim, and they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of their sound. What an amazing band these guys are. Be sure and get out to see them while they are here in the US.
Arch Enemy Setlist
Deceiver, Deceiver
Ravenous
Dream Stealer
Blood Dynasty
War Eternal
My Apocalypse
A Million Suns
Liars & Thieves
The Eagle Flies Alone
First Day In Hell
As the Pages Burn
Sunset Over the Empire
Dead Bury Their Dead
We Will Rise
Encore:
Avalanche
Nemesis
Fields of Desolation
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