Anthrax / Killswitch Engage / The Devil Wears Prada / Code Orange April 20, 2017 Tempe, Arizona
One of the most highly anticipated metal tours of the year, The KillThrax Tour, featuring the masters of thrash Anthrax and metalcore masters Killswitch Engage, invaded The Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona on 4:20 and the two did not disappoint. A packed house with an audience spread across generations, as one could plainly see the diverse crowd of old and new metal heads.
Two bands also on the bill were Code Orange, who have been described as a Hard Core Punk band but they are far from it. Technical Death Metal is more like it or even better, Controlled Chaos. And while they played a great set, the light tech at the venue I guess felt the need to use absolutely zero front lighting on the band as they often do at other shows as well. The same thing happened with The Devil Wears Prada, which is why there are no photos from either band and why us Arizona photographers are so aggravated by venues that pull this type of shit. I could have done without two bands that were nothing more than silhouettes on stage when I went there expecting to cover their performance and provide that to their fans. Moving on.....
Anthrax is as amazing a band in 2017 as they were in 1981 when they formed, if not better. The energy from beginning to end is incredible and I have to give it up to the entire band for keeping thrash alive and well after all these years. This is the band that should be touring with Metallica this year.
Opening with "Among The Living" and taking it straight into "Caught In A Mosh", they never let up. The energy kept strong with "Madhouse," "Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't" and "I Am the Law" before delving into the newer material. Hats off to Joey Belladona, who at 56 years of age can still belt out vocals today as well as anyone else in the business. Non-stop energy and metal throughout the entire 90+ minute set. See more photos HERE
Anthrax Setlist: Among the Living Caught in a Mosh Madhouse Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't I Am the Law Breathing Lightning Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.) Evil Twin March of the S.O.D Blood Eagle Wings Antisocial Indians
Killswitch Engage have taken a play right out of Anthrax’s playbook with their actual live performance. Much like Bello, Belladona, and Ian, Adam Dutkiewicz has a non-stop motor whenever and wherever he performs and is always fun to capture in pictures.
What else can I say? This was my second time covering KSE and they were better than ever. The moment of the night... Killswitch Engage with Joey Belladona covering DIO's Holy Diver! Holy shit!
See more of the show HERE
That is all....
KSE Setlist Hate by Design Vide Infra My Last Serenade A Bid Farewell New Awakening This Fire Burns Alone I Stand End Of Heartache Embrace the Journey...Upraised Self Revolution Rose of Sharyn This Is Absolution Beyond the Flames My Curse Strength of the Mind In Due Time Holy Diver with Joey Belladona