Photos and review by Matt Johnson
Show Photos HERE
I’m proud to say that I have been to many shows at the Palladium in my hometown of Worcester, MA. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears spilled on the concrete floor in front of the main stage at the Palladium is difficult to imagine. What makes the Palladium so great in my opinion is that it is always first come first serve general admission. The most die-hard fans form a perfect storm before that stage every show and boy do they ever have a good time. I don’t see how anyone could possibly sit while listening to bands like Kvelertak, Gojira, and Mastodon. What an incredible lineup!
I have never seen any of these bands play live before. I wish I had more time before the show to devour Mastodons collection of technically marvelous concept albums. I am now officially hooked on them and Gojira. Kvelertak was good but the difference in experience was clear. They were less technical, less organized, more punk rock. The lead singer just loved to spit straight up in the air and then catch it in his hand. Their chaotic set contrasted well with Gojira’s mechanical precision. They were fun but it was clear that most people were there for Gojira and Mastadon.
Gojira had the audience chanting its name before and after their performance. The crowd density doubled while they were setting up the stage. These gentlemen are masters of their instruments, they write extremely intelligent music. Their performance and stage presence was intense but methodical. They knew exactly what they were going to do and they executed it perfectly.
Mastodon started their set off slowly. The soft blue lighting reflected this. As they became more and more amped up the lighting followed suit. These guys do not mess around when it comes to lights or fog machines or lasers. The show was visually stunning. Troy Sanders was nice enough to run right up to me and allow me to get some great shots. I can’t describe their sound easily. I recommend listening to one of their albums front to back. That is how it is meant to be enjoyed. Everyone who showed up loved Gojira and Mastodon. No one was on their cell phone. Everyone was completely in the moment, simultaneously experiencing the same brutal and intellectual, aural masterpiece.
Mastodon at The Palladium – MA
