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Pittsburgh’s Stage AE was host to the Ashes of Leviathan tour with Lamb of God and Mastodon, with both bands playing pivotal albums, Ashes of the Wake and Leviathan, for their sets. Pittsburgh is a favorite spot for Lamb of God, having played the city more times during their history than any other city in the world, as proclaimed by vocalist Randy Blythe. Also appearing this night is the hardcore thrash metal act Malevolence, and Kerry King, the guitarist from Slayer’s own solo act. As the crowd lined the street in front of the venue, a light drizzle would come to a stop as the doors opened. People filled the outside arena, hoping the weather would hold off as they were about to begin their metal-filled evenings.
Malevolence was up first; the band plays a mix of hardcore and metal with bits of southern metal and thrash thrown in. The band’s high energy helped to hype the nearly sold-out crowd, even at the beginning of a rainstorm. Vocalist Alex Taylor had a very demanding presence on stage, calling out to the crowd through his set and getting a massive response from the headbangers. The band played through several songs from the Malicious Intent album for their set.
Kerry King took the stage next with a who’s who of metal, from Phil Demmel, formally of Machine Head, to Paul Bostaph of Slayer, Kyle Sanders of Hell Yeah, and vocalist Mark Osegueda of Death Angel onstage. These guys came to throw down, playing thrash metal from beginning to end. The band’s fast metal riffs were paired with the members using all of the stage; even the vocalist would lift his mic stand into the air and carry it with him like many of the rockers from that 80s era of metal. The band played through several songs off the From Hell I Rise album and finished off with Reigning Blood and Black Magic, Slayer covers.
Mastodon came out to kaleidoscope of colors and images on stage, as they kicked off with Blood and Thunder. The high energy set got the crowd kicking and cheering along as they played through their 2004 masterpiece Leviathan. Crowd surfers were coming over the gate as the band played, I am Ahab, and didn’t stop for the rest of the set. From fog to fire, to lasers and giant monsters roaming on stage paired with their iconic songs, Mastodon had something for everyone to tantalize the senses.
Lamb of God came out to the crowd, chanting their name. Always known for putting on a high-energy show, vocalist Randy Blythe kicked off with Laid to Rest. This adrenaline rollercoaster just left the station as the band ripped through their iconic Ashes of the Wake album. As the heavens opened and began to drench the crowd, Lamb of God were playing in front of flames shooting up from behind the drum riser. On “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For,” the big ending breakdown, the crowd got to witness what has become a live staple for the band. Vocalist Randy Blythe does a well-timed jump with the pyro, as I can only call him the Lamb of God Jumpman. The band ripped through the rest of their timeless album before calling it a night.
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