Ooohhhh what’s this?!?! Another Metal Tour of The Year! Thank you, may I have another! Last year I made it to the first show of the Megadeth and Lamb of God combo and this time I’m catching their fourth concert of the tour. My city stop was initially scheduled last year but was canceled, so as soon as I saw the tickets go on sale this time around I bought mine immediately. One benefit for tonight’s show was not having to drive six hours, my drive took twelve minutes from home to the venue.

I’ve been on the edge of my nerves for a few weeks for this show. I’ve been a Megadeth fan since their first album and prefer them over their other famous counterpart. Throw in the world famous Lamb of God as a traveling companion- you know it’s going to be a hell of a time.

Getting to the venue was a chore, I was filled with nervous excitement and did the best I could to not go over the speed limit. Once parked, I noticed the venue had a huge line and a sea of black shirts of people sporting their favorite bands. All anxious to get inside to line up at the merchandise table and get the sweet spot at the barrier.

After making my purchase and finding my spot, I prepared myself for openers In Flames! I’ve been following them for over two decades and was ready to see what they had to offer. Hearing classic songs like “Cloud Connected” and “Take This Life” took me back a few years and well as ripping through a newer song Call My Name from their last full-length I, The Mask! The band sounded just as good if not better than on their albums. Their set was quick and to the point, nothing short of amazing.

 

Up next was the mighty Trivium! This was my third time seeing them and they have never disappointed. They have consistently released music throughout the years that is top notch and their live show is a guaranteed good time. With Matt at the helm, Trivium upped the ante of the show and ensured that jaws stayed on the floor and bodies filled the circle pit. With songs such as “In The Court of Dragons” and “In Waves,” Trivium made sure everyone knew why they have risen to the top. Watching them perform and genuinely enjoy themselves bouncing along the stage fed the fans enthusiasm and encouraged losing oneself for the night.

And then there was Lamb of God! The metal titans took the stage like a Mike Tyson punch to the face. From start to finish there was no time to take a breather for an old man like myself. Watching Mark, John, Willie and Art tear through songs set the stage for Randy to pace back and forth like a lion getting ready to attack its prey! If you haven’t seen them recently, their new tours have included heaps of fire, starting with “Walk With Me In Hell” – it sets up the perfect mood and the heat can easily be felt 20-30 feet deep into the crowd. Since I was taking photos this time around I was finally able to capture the famous flying Randy Blythe off the drum riser with flames shooting up! As the music played on, the circle pit kept getting bigger and bigger, with everyone enjoying the time of their lives. The photo pit happened to be filled with VIP purchasers of the first 3 songs and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Songs included a variety from their extensive catalog- opening with “Momento Mori,” keeping it going with “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For,” “512,” and then finishing off the night with “Laid to Rest” and “Redneck” made for an unforgettable set! With their set done, I was given a small chance to recoup and drench my hoarse throat with some overpriced venue water.

 

(Editor’s note: Randy Blythe ended up with COVID-19 and missing at least one show. Watch famous metal vocalists step in for him in Michigan).

Finally- the metal legends – Megadeth

For over 39 years, Dave Mustaine has established himself as a metal titan that has influenced generations of metalheads. Even after all this time, he still sounds great live, kicking into gear with their classic “Hanger 18!” I still remember when Rust In Peace (Combat Records) (one of the greatest thrash albums) released in 1990 and became a permanent staple in my music catalog. With James Lomenzo rocking the low end, Kiko Loureiro shredding the fretboard, and Dirk Verbeuren blasting the drums, Mustaine has conjured a masterful lineup to work his magic. With hits such as “Dystopia,” “Trust,” “Sweating Bullets,” “Peace Sells” fans lost their minds as they shouted and sang along. Looking out to the crowd there wasn’t one person not smiling, moshing, singing, or banging their head, having the time of their lives. Megadeth’s set ended on a high note with the forever thrash classic “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due!”

What an epic night of outstanding music that is stomping across the land leaving no doubts that metal is eternal. This music is life and their lyrics are timeless!

 

Get your tickets here:

https://www.metaltouroftheyear.com

 

Remaining tour dates:

Fri Apr 22 – Green Bay, WI | Resch Center

Sun Apr 24 – Sioux Falls, SD | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Tue Apr 26 – Omaha, NE | Baxter Arena

Wed Apr 27 – Cedar Rapids, IA | Alliant Energy PowerHouse

Fri Apr 29 – Kansas City, MO | T-Mobile Center

Sat Apr 30 – Tulsa, OK | BOK Center * No Trivium

Tue May 03 – North Charleston, SC | North Charleston Coliseum

Wed May 04 – Greenville, SC | Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Fri May 06 – Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena

Sat May 07 – Peoria, IL | Peoria Civic Center

Mon May 09 – Pittsburgh, PA | Petersen Events Center

Tue May 10 – Rochester, NY | Blue Cross Arena

Thu May 12 – Portland, ME | Cross Insurance Arena

Fri May 13 – Uncasville, CT | Mohegan Sun Arena

Sun May 15 – Allentown, PA | PPL Center

 

 

In Flames set list:

Cloud Connected

Behind Space

Everything’s Gone

Where the Dead Ships Dwell

Call My Name

All for Me

I Am Above

Take This Life

 

Trivium set list:

X

In the Court of the Dragon

Like a Sword Over Damocles

Beyond Oblivion

Throes of Perdition

Rain

Feast of Fire

Capsizing the Sea

In Waves

 

Lamb of God set list:

Memento Mori

Ruin

Walk With Me in Hell

Resurrection Man

Now You’ve Got Something to Die For Contractor

11th Hour

512

Ghost Walking

Vigil

Laid to Rest

Redneck

 

Megadeth set list:

Hangar 18

Dread and the Fugitive Mind

The Conjuring

She-Wolf

Conquer or Die!

Dystopia

Sweating Bullets

Trust

Symphony of Destruction

Peace Sells

Holy Wars…The Punishment Due

 

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY RENE BOTELO