LAMB OF GOD / MASTODON LIVE AT THE MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
By Zack Eriquezzo
Lamb of God / Mastodon bring their “Ashes Of Leviathan” tour to the Mohegan Sun Arena with Kerry King and Malevolence for direct support.
On August 3, 2024, I had the pleasure of witnessing an incredible evening of devastating metal. Even though it was a rainy night, all four bands brought their ruthless fire to the Mohegan Sun stage. Everyone in the packed house was anticipating an explosive barrage of heavy music. And they weren’t disappointed.
Kicking off the the show was Malevolence. The band delivered an electrifying performance filled with raw energy and a relentless hard hitting sound which immediately energized the crowd. Their music was brazen and solid. Malevolence captured the audience from the very first note. The band has released 3 supersized studio albums. Malevolence is comprised of Alex Taylor (Lead Vocals), Josh Baines (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Konan Hall (Rhythm Guitar), Wilkie Robinson (Bass) and Charlie Thorpe Drums).
Their 7 song set contained fan favorites “Malicious Intent” and “Keep Your Distance”. Malevolence closed out with an amazing “On Broken Glass”. They were the perfect opener for this spectacular lineup.
Taking the stage next was Kerry King who delivered a mesmerizing performance. It was filled with killer lights and a crushing sound. King’s music plays homage to classic thrash metal which is totally understandable since he was a co-founder of Slayer. The audience was transported back in time with King’s old school intensity. Besides King (Guitar), the band is made up of Paul Bostaph (Drums), Mark Osegueda (Vocals), Phil Demmel (Guitar) and Kyle Sanders (Bass).
Outside of two Slayer covers, most of King’s set came from his newest album, From Hell I Rise (2024). Starting off with “Where I Reign”, King followed with “Trophies Of The Tyrant”, “Residue”, and “Toxic”. The two Slayer covers, “Raining Blood” and “Black Magic”, came later in the production. King ended with a masterful “From Hell I Rise”. I really enjoyed Kerry King’s music and by this time my excitement level was through the roof.
As the third act of the night, Mastodon took the stage by storm with a blazing set that left the audience in sublime awe. Their performance was enhanced by an astounding light show and impressive pyrotechnics that intensified the power of their pageantry. They totally ignited the crowd by creating this incendiary atmosphere. The band members are Brent Hinds (Lead Vocals), Brann Dailor (Drums/Vocals), Bill Kelliher (Rhythm Guitar) and Troy Sanders (Bass/Vocals).
Celebrating its 20th birthday, Mastodon played their 2004 album Leviathan from start to finish. Opening up with “Blood And Thunder”, Mastodon followed the release to a tee. “I Am Ahab” flowed into “Seabeast” and “Island”. The house was truly enjoying Mastodon‘s aggressive approach. “Iron Tusk” led to “Megladon” and “Naked Burn”. The band concluded with three strong songs from their audacious catalogue. “More Than I Can Chew” off of Hushed and Grim cascaded into “Circle Of Cysquatch” from Blood Mountain. The last song was “Steambreather” from Emperor Of Sand. It was a killer set.
Closing the evening with a bang, Lamb of God took the stage and immediately set the venue aflame. With their infectious energy and crowd-pleasing performance, Lamb of God knew exactly how to get the audience pumped up and engaged. Their set was elevated by jaw dropping pyro and an exciting stage setup which added to their fearless musicianship. Lamb of God surrendered a show that was both exhilarating and unforgettable. Their singer Randy Blythe was an intriguing showman. He captivated the house with his brazen stage presence which the audience loved.
In addition to Blythe, Lamb of God consists of Mark Morton (Lead Guitar), Willie Adler (Guitar), Art Cruz (Drums) and John Campbell (Bass). Like Mastodon, Lamb of God played their 2004 release, Ashes of the Wake, in its entirety. Starting with “Laid To Rest” and “Hourglass”, the band ended with “Ashes of the Wake” and “Remorse Is For the Dead’. The last two songs came from their 2006 album Sacrement. “Walk With Me In Hell” and “Redneck” concluded a bold night of hard hitting music.
All I have to say is the throng at Mohegan Sun got what they bargained for, a night of hammering sights and sounds. I couldn’t be happier.
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