Review by Val Tapia
Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Live Nation (https://www.livenation.com/ )
Venue: Arizona Financial Theatre (https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEk7lA/arizona-financial-theatre-events )
Date: August 23rd, 2024
Tour: Ashes Of Leviathan Tour 2024
I think I’ve just seen a “first” in a live setting over the course of 41 consecutive years of attending concerts— ten of those years as a music journalist.
On Fri. August 23, yet another co-headline tour played downtown Phoenix at Arizona Financial Theatre in the last week. This time, veteran “modern” metal acts Lamb of God and Mastodon each performed an album from front-to-back that were both released on August 31, 2004.
Hitting the stage promptly at 8:00pm, Georgia-based quartet Mastodon opened its set with Blood and Thunder from, of course, Leviathan. Songs like Seabeast, Iron Tusk, and the 14-minute Hearts Alive were well received by most of the (estimated) 3000 or so fans in attendance.
However, some in the audience weren’t so impressed. I heard two fans behind me saying they were “bored” with the “jamming” that Mastodon is known for.
To that point, the musicianship is pretty insane, for all intents and purposes. To my ears, I hear a little Tool, a little Dream Theater, and a little Black Sabbath all rolled into one. By the way, that’s a compliment in case anyone was wondering.
I’m most impressed by the fact that Mastodon has retained the same recording lineup of bassist/ vocalist Troy Sanders, lead guitarist Brett Hinds, rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor since 2002.
Overall, their 13-song, 70-minute set was solid. I can see why they have such a loyal following.
Closing the night out was Virginia quintet Lamb of God, who arguably had their work cut out for them following Mastodon. However, both bands seem to have good camaraderie among each other. That’s a good thing.
I can’t say I’m familar with Ashes of the Wake that much. Songs like opening track Laid To Rest I’ve heard, as well as What I’ve Become. They’re not bad, but they’re not particularly great either. Like many “metal” bands from the early 2000’s, they arguably seem unable to go back further than Pantera when it comes to influence.
Lead vocalist Randy Blythe reminded me of Phil Anselmo a little too much. Mind you, Lamb of God was musically tight without question. However, there’s only one Pantera, and I’m not talking about the current incarnation out there now.
In my opinion, Mastodon deserved to close the show. But I do respect Lamb of God for paying respect to what’s come before them— and their commitment to their art. Kudos to them for that.
Truth be told, I was more impressed with Kerry King. Seven songs from his debut solo album, From Hell I Rise, were performed. Opening the nine-song set with Where I Reign, it definitely made the Slayer fans happy. It’s not surprising that King would also include two Slayer tunes as well, Raining Blood and Black Magic, respectively.
My verdict? I give the Ashes of Leviathan tour three out of five stars.
Lamb Of God
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
Mastodon
Sorry for the poor quality of photos, but Mastodon had a marvelous light show with multi-screen videos, lights and pyro all backlighting the band.
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
Kerry King
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
Malevolence
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
