Sunday night at 713 Music Hall in Houston was a night to remember — filled with the raw power of metal as legendary bands Lamb Of God and Mastodon celebrated the 20th anniversaries of their iconic albums, Ashes Of The Wake and Leviathan. These albums have profoundly shaped both bands, and their influence amongst the most significant for metalheads of all ages.
The Ashes Of Leviathan Tour kicked off with a performance by one of metal’s original gods, Kerry King of Slayer. Hearing about this tour was beyond exciting for me. My deep love for Lamb Of God and Mastodon has shaped my music taste, and I knew this night would be extraordinary. Let’s take a moment to talk about Kerry King. Most people know him from Slayer, but not everyone knows about the incredible lineup he’s put together for his band. Featuring drummer Paul Bostaph (also from Slayer), bassist Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah), guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of Machine Head), and vocalist Mark Osegueda (Death Angel), this group is a mega-powerhouse. When Kerry announced this project in February, it gave Slayer fans something to hold onto, especially since he’d been teasing this lineup since Slayer’s farewell in 2019. Sunday’s performance was tight, on point, and packed with energy. Their nine-song set included tracks from their new album “From Hell I Rise” and Slayer classics like “Raining Blood” and “Black Magic.” You could see how proud Kerry was of this new project, even with his typically stoic expression.
Next up was Mastodon, a band I believe is one of the most uniquely talented out there. Despite being vastly underrated, they continue to deliver exceptional performances. Formed in 2000 and still rocking with the original lineup, Mastodon played their album “Leviathan” in its entirety, with a few extra songs as a bonus. Their stage presence, complete with fire, trippy visuals, a towering monster, and an impressive laser show, left the crowd feeling fired up. Each time they perform, they gain new fans. I truly encourage everyone to see them live — you won’t regret it.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: Lamb Of God took the stage. My excitement was off the charts as the lights dimmed and the intro to “Laid To Rest” filled the venue. Mosh pits and crowd surfers erupted immediately. Having seen Lamb Of God multiple times, I knew what to expect — but this performance exceeded all of my expectations. Despite some initial sound issues, Randy Blythe channeled his frustration into an electrifying performance. The energy in the venue was unmatched, and the band’s set was a breath of fresh air for everyone, especially after the stress and frustration recently caused by Hurricane Beryl.
This night showcased the true dedication and talent of metal music. The timing of this tour couldn’t have been better, providing a much-needed outlet for the city of Houston’s emotions. Each artist fulfilled the crowd’s urge for a fun and carefree night — myself included. For that, I am eternally grateful.
LAMB OF GOD, MASTODON, KERRY KING – JULY 21, 2024 – 713 MUSIC HALL (HOUSTON, TX)
