I’m just going to get let’s get to the bottom line: do yourself a favor and go to this tour. Anniversary tours aren’t a novel thing anymore, but when you get a two-for-one like you are with the Ashes of Leviathan Tour, it’s a must. Last week, the tour stopped in Orlando, FL and the humidity and heat couldn’t keep fans from coming out on a Wednesday for a headbanging good time at one of the summer’s most anticipated tour packages. If that’s good enough for you, then scroll down to see some shots from the day.
Twenty years ago, Lamb of God and Mastodon released what would become two of the most important album of the 21st century to date. I was in high school at the time and Ashes of the Wake got substantial play time on my CD player. Leviathan is an album that, while I enjoyed a number of tracks, I slept on for a bit before realizing just how good it is from start to finish. To have the opportunity to experience them live was incredible. The pair were in top form with a matching stage show to accompany the power of their respective albums and energy. If you were around when those albums dropped like I was, I definitely recommend going just for the opportunity to experience those albums front to back in a live setting. A tenth anniversary tour may come around for a 20th celebration. I can’t imagine any record from bands the likes of Mastodon and Lamb of God would get a 30th, much less a 40th anniversary tour.
Whether you’re a seasoned metalhead, a younger heavy music enthusiast or someone new to the two juggernauts that are Lamb of God and Mastodon, you should go. While you won’t get much in the way of their other hits, you’re still in for a good time because of the energy present. Because, on top of the aforementioned bands, this is Kerry King’s first full tour in support of debut effort From Hell I Rise (Reigning Phoenix Music). If you thought Kerry King couldn’t deliver on record or in a live setting after Slayer decided to hang it up, you were dead wrong. Kerry King is still going strong and with new music under his belt – plus more to come – he’s ready to continue hitting the stage. The band was tight in their performance and they received a warm welcome and reciprocated in kind. I hope that it’s not too long before King embarks on a headlining tour. It is undeniable how much fun the bandmates were having in the swampy Florida heat of the outdoor venue.
Opening, was British metalcore outfit Malevolence. Extra praise to them for enduring a heat they acknowledged is foreign to them. In the blazing heat and suffocating humidity they still gave it their all and got the blood flowing for everyone who showed up early enough for the day’s festivities.
I’m ending this the way I started: do yourself a favor and go to this tour. It is a powerhouse package that brings a diverse lineup. While I’m down for tours that feature bands that all revolve similar musical styles, a well-curated diverse package can be just as good, if not superior. This is one that I would say hit the mark with sonic diversity. On top of gravity of what this tour represents (a celebration of two landmark releases for two remarkably talented outfits), it’s a good way to spend an evening after a long day’s work. There’s no better way to let off some steam than with a good show and this show is not to be missed.
The Ashes of Leviathan Tour continues today in Pittsburgh, PA at Stage AE. Get tickets and additional information here.
Malevolence
Kerry King
Mastodon
Lamb of God
