Photos and Review by Robert McDonald
The SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH, may not have been packed to the rafters, but the heat both inside and outside mirrored the intensity of the performances that unfolded as I attended a recent performance on the Ashes to Leviathan tour. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lamb of God’s Ashes of the Wake and Mastodon’s Leviathan, the tour underscored both bands’ enduring power and relevance in the metal scene. It was a night that promised a metal onslaught and delivered in spades, leaving me and the crowd drenched in sweat and buzzing with adrenaline.
The evening kicked off with performances from Malevolence, Kerry King, and Mastodon. Although I missed Malevolence’s set, Kerry King’s self-named solo project, a new venture for the Slayer legend, brought a welcome dose of thrash-infused aggression, performed with vigor and intensity typically reserved for stadium tours.
Mastodon opened their set with “Blood and Thunder,” a track that immediately ignited the crowd with its thunderous riffs and powerful vocals. This song, a staple from their acclaimed Leviathan album, set the tone for the evening, blending heavy metal intensity with complex musical arrangements.
Following this explosive start, Mastodon delved into every track, in order, from the album Leviathan, a concept album based upon the novel Moby Dick. Nautical themed songs like “Megalodon” and “Seabeast” brought the album to life, while “Steambreather”and “Hearts Alive” showcased their ability to weave intricate narratives through music. The performance of “Joseph Merrick” was particularly noteworthy, capturing the epic scope and ambitious nature of their sound.
Both Mastodon and Lamb of God utilized a multi-panel screen to project visually stunning and sensory-enticing imagery throughout their sets, enhancing the overall concert experience. The sound quality was loud yet well-balanced, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the sonic assault without being overwhelmed.
Lamb of God, fronted by the captivating Randy Blythe, commanded the stage with an electrifying energy that permeated the entire arena. I can tell you as a photographer in the pit, trying to keep up with Randy’s movements around the stage is a workout, I don’t care who you are .
Following the theme of the night, the setlist focused on the tracks from Ashes of the Wake, including “Laid to Rest“, “Now You’ve You’ve Got Something to Die For” and “Omerta”. The set concluded with fan favorites “Walk With Me in Hell”, dedicated to Scissorfight, and “Redneck”. Each song was delivered with precision and passion, a testament to the band’s commitment to their craft and their fans.
Randy Blythe’s stage presence was nothing short of electrifying, channeling raw emotion into his performance and reflecting themes of personal morality, life, and death. Lamb of God’s performance was a masterclass in metal showmanship. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, their musicianship impeccable. Each member, from guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler to drummer Art Cruz, played with a ferocity that matched the intensity of the music.
Despite the sparse crowd, the energy was undeniably high. The audience, drenched in sweat by the end of the night, mirrored the intensity projected by the performers. It’s hard to imagine how the band maintained such a high level of energy throughout the show, but they did so with apparent ease and enthusiasm.
The Ashes of Leviathan tour is more than just a celebration of past achievements; it’s a reflection on the journey of two bands that have weathered the storms of the music industry and emerged stronger. As they continue to navigate the crossroads of past, present, and future, they remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal. This concert was a powerful reminder of their enduring legacy and their unwavering dedication to their art and their fans.