LAMB OF GOD / MASTODON LIVE AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

LAMB OF GOD / MASTODON LIVE AT 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 in direct support.

On August 3rd, 2024, I had the pleasure of witnessing an incredible night of doom 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 expecting an explosive barrage of heavy music. And they were not disappointed.

The start of the show was Gloat. The band delivered an electrifying performance full of raw energy and an unrelentingly powerful sound that instantly fired up the crowd. Their music was sassy and solid. Malevolence captured the audience from the very first note. The band has released 3 super-sized studio albums. Malevolence consists of Alex Taylor (Lead Vocals), Josh Baines (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Konan Hall (Rhythm Guitar), Wilkie Robinson (Bass) and Charlie Thorpe Drums.

Photos by Donna Marie Eriquezzo

Their 7 song set featured fan favorites “Malicious Intent” and “Keep Your Distance.” Malevolence closed with an amazing “On Broken Glass”. It was the perfect opening for this spectacular lineup.

The next thing was to go on stage Kerry King who gave a mesmerizing performance. Filled with killer lights and an overwhelming sound. King's music pays homage to classic thrash metal, which is completely understandable since he co-founded Slayer. The audience was transported back in time with King's old school intensity. In addition to King (Guitar), the band consists of Paul Bostaph (Drums), Mark Osegueda (Vocals), Phil Demmel (Guitar) and Kyle Sanders (Bass).

Photos by Donna Marie Eriquezzo

Aside from two Slayer covers, most of King's set came from his new album, From Hell I Rise (2024). Opening 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 production. King finished with a masterful 'From Hell I Rise'. I really liked Kerry King's music and at that moment my excitement level was through the roof.

As the third act of the evening, Mastodon took the stage by storm with a glittering set that left the audience in awe. Their performance was enhanced by a stunning light show and spectacular fireworks that enhanced the power of their imagination. They totally fired up the crowd creating that incendiary atmosphere. The band members are Brent Hinds (Lead Vocals), Brann Dailor (Drums/Vocals), Bill Kelliher (Rhythm Guitar) and Troy Sanders (Bass/Vocals).

Photos by Donna Marie Eriquezzo

Celebrating his 20th birthday, Mastodon they played their 2004 album Behemoth from beginning to end. Opening with “Blood And Thunder”, Mastodon followed the release to a tee. 'I Am Ahab' flowed into 'Seabeast' and 'Island'. Really enjoyed the house Mastodonaggressive approach. “Iron Tusk” led to “Megladon” and “Naked Burn”. The band closed with three powerful songs from their bold catalog. “More than I can chew” by Silent and gloomy waterfall in “Circle Of Cysquatch” by Mountain of blood. The last song was “Steambreather”. Emperor of Sand. It was a killer set.

Ending the night with a bang, Lamb of God took the stage and immediately set the place on fire. With their infectious energy and delightful performances, Lamb of God he knew exactly how to get the audience excited and engaged. Their set was elevated by jaw dropping pyro and an exciting backdrop that enhanced their fearless musicianship. Lamb of God delivered a performance that was exciting and memorable. Their singer Randy Blythe was a fascinating showman. He captivated the house with his cheeky stage presence that the audience loved.

Photos by Donna Marie Eriquezzo

Except Blythe, Lamb of God It 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 Wakein its entirety. Starting with “Laid To Rest” and “Hourglass”, the band finished with “Ashes of the Wake” and “Remorse Is For the Dead”. The last two songs came from their 2006 album Mystery. 'Walk With Me In Hell' and 'Redneck' rounded off a bold night of powerful music.

All I have to say is that the crowd at Mohegan Sun got what they bargained for, a night of sights and sounds. I couldn't be happier.

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