Chaos and Carnage: A Metal Inferno Reigns Over LA

This year, heavy music hits harder than ever as two legendary bands in extreme metal, Dying Fetus and Cradle of Filth, unite for the first time to co-headline Chaos and Carnage. Now in its 6th year, Chaos and Carnage 2025 is set to be the most intense edition yet. Joining this insane legendary duo are Fleshgod Apocalypse, Ne Obliviscaris, Undeath, Vomit Forth, and Corpse Pile. Each one of them is brings their own brand of chaos, intensity, and musical carnage to the roster. This lineup is definitely a dream come true for heavy music fans!

Chaos and Carnage is well known for showcasing heavy music by bringing together an insane lineup of chaotic talents that destroy every stage — of course, chaotic and destructive (in a positive way). The tour kicked off its first leg on April 17th in Berkeley, California, and will make its way through major cities like Dallas, Nashville, New York City, Toronto, and Chicago before wrapping up with a May 14th show in Denver.

Angelenos were lucky enough to get a taste of the tour during its first week at The Wiltern. This legendary music venue is known for its flexible setup, with standing room on the main floor and seats in the mezzanine and lounge. Plus, they’ve got all the modern perks, like mobile ticketing and cashless payments, making everything super convenient for the crowd. Several merch booths were also set up in the lobby, giving fans more options to choose from and a treat to take home as a souvenir.

Corpse Pile started the mayhem with an intense performance that set the right tone for the whole night! They definitely left the crowd hyped for what was to come from the rest of the lineup. Up next was Vomit Forth, who dropped heavy breakdowns that had everyone headbanging and jumping to their tight and effortless set. I really loved how the breakdowns in their performance gave off such high energy that made you just want to start moshing in the pit.

Another mind-blowing performance came from the next band, Undeath. This is when I started seeing drinks spilled all over the floor as the crowd got even more hyped up, pushing each other to start the mosh pit. The band ripped through their set with heavy riffs and a high-energy performance, keeping the crowd hyped from start to finish. Undeath’s performance was definitely a pivotal moment during the night.

Next on the list was Ne Obliviscaris, and their band name was as unique as their flawless performance. This one-of-a-kind progressive metal band from Melbourne, Australia, features a violinist in their live performances, which adds to the band’s complex sound by blending classical music with progressive metal.

Speaking of classical music, an exceptional performance was delivered by Fleshgod Apocalypse. Their sound was truly unique, blending theatrical vibes with the brutality of death metal. This unusual mix of sounds somehow worked flawlessly. Another treat was the visual production of their set — from costumes and stage style to the grand piano and dramatic lighting. Everything felt so refreshing, as this is something you rarely see at these types of concerts. It was truly an unforgettable performance.

The first headliner of the night, Cradle of Filth, took the stage and brutally performed songs across 6 albums, reminding us of the mark left on their territory as one of the biggest legends in their realm. They put on a dark, intense show with creepy, outstanding visuals and Dani Filth’s wild vocals, making the whole experience both spooky and insanely exciting.

And finally, Dying Fetus closed the night with a bang — like a triple cherry on top! They proved once again why they’re metal legends, delivering a crushing live performance that left no doubt about their place at the top of the roster. Impressively, their setlist spanned across 8 albums, giving fans of all eras something to get excited about. The bar was set high with their ultra-fast drumming, complex guitar work, and brutal breakdowns that any aspiring metal artist would only dream of mastering one day. Dying Fetus has been going strong for over 30 years, and they’ve managed to grow while staying true to their own style and selves — that kind of dedication earns serious respect in the metal scene.

Though heavy metal has long faced quite a few stigmas, it’s now gaining the recognition and appreciation it deserves — reaching wider audiences across the world. As new generations discover its power and passion, we can only hope that more incredible bands rise up, keeping the metal spirit alive and louder than ever for years to come. A big salute to Chaos and Carnage for keeping this tour alive — spreading the spirit, celebrating heavy music, and paving the way for the next wave of metal to thrive for decades to come.