Megadeth’s place in heavy metal history is undeniable, with over four decades of shredding guitar solos, politically charged lyrics, and an ever-evolving sound that has kept them at the forefront of the genre. Led by the iconic Dave Mustaine, Megadeth is one of the Big Four of thrash metal, known for albums like “Rust in Peace” and “Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?”. Now, on their Destroy All Enemies Tour, the band shows no signs of slowing down. This latest tour, designed to decimate stages all across the US, including the stunning outdoor stage at Stage AE, comes on the heels of their 2022 release “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!,” proving that Mustaine and company are still as fierce and vital as ever.

Kicking off the night was All That Remains, whose metalcore anthems provided the perfect surge of adrenaline to get everyone fired up. Frontman Phil Labonte wasted no time in taking control of the stage, launching into tracks like “Six” and “Two Weeks” with unrelenting energy, along with one of their recently released tracks, “Divine.” The band’s aggressive riffing, combined with their melodic hooks, struck a powerful balance between heaviness and accessibility, keeping both hardcore fans and newcomers on their toes. Labonte’s dynamic vocal range, switching between harsh screams and clean singing, showcased the band’s versatility. Due to some technical difficulties with the drum kit, Labonte had to buy some time, and the crowd demanded jokes. They may have been a bit off-colour, but the crowd ate them up. Unfortunately, the set had to be cut short, but the impromptu stand-up routine in the middle of face-melting metal was well worth the sacrifice. By the time they wrapped up their set, it was clear that All That Remains had successfully set the tone for the night, leaving the audience craving more.

Mudvayne followed, turning up the intensity with their signature blend of nu-metal and groove-laden riffs. Chad Gray, with his unmistakable vocal delivery and intense stage presence, commanded the crowd with ease, delivering a ferocious performance from start to finish. Tracks like “Not Falling” and “Dig” had the mosh pit swirling, while the band’s musicianship, particularly the bass work from Ryan Martinie, left jaws on the floor. One of the best parts of live music is being transported to another realm, away from reality for a bit, and Mudvayne made sure that happened. As Gray put it: “Everyone in the crown needs a break and deserves a break, let us be your night off.” Mudvayne’s ability to fuse complex rhythms with raw emotion made their set feel both chaotic and perfectly controlled. Their darker, more theatrical elements added an extra layer of drama to the night, creating an atmosphere that felt both volatile and captivating.

When Megadeth finally took the stage, the energy in the venue shifted from excitement to sheer intensity. Opening with the title track of their latest album, “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!,” the band immediately made their presence felt, launching into the night with pure precision and fury. Dave Mustaine, as always, was a force to be reckoned with, his snarling vocals cutting through the mix as his fingers flew across the fretboard. The band’s tight musicianship was on full display, with guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari delivering blistering solos that left the crowd in awe and James LoMenzo providing heart-pounding bass. And one can never forget the drummer – Dirk Verbeuren was high high above the rest, thundering away at lightning speed. The visuals and stage production only added to the spectacle, with flashing lights amplifying the intense vibe of the Destroy All Enemies Tour.

As the set progressed, Megadeth delved into their deep catalog, pulling out fan favorites like “Symphony of Destruction” and “Peace Sells.” The band’s ability to balance nostalgia with fresh material showed why they’ve remained so relevant in the metal world for so long. Each song hit harder than the last, with the crowd responding in kind, chanting along with every chorus and moshing harder and wilder than ever before. Hair was flying in all directions from unrelenting headbanging both in the pit and on the stage, as is almost mandatory.

By the time Megadeth closed with “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due,” the entire venue was pulsating with energy. The song’s breakneck speed and intricate guitar work were the perfect way to end a night of relentless metal mayhem. Mustaine’s iconic riffing paired with Verbeuren’s pounding drums left the crowd in a frenzy, with mosh pits still swirling as the final notes echoed through the venue. As the band took their final bows, the audience erupted in appreciation, knowing they had just witnessed one of metal’s greats at the peak of their powers.

The Destroy All Enemies Tour is a masterclass in how to deliver a true metal show. With stellar support from All That Remains and Mudvayne, the night was a relentless barrage of sound and spectacle, each band bringing their own distinct flavor of aggression and intensity. But it was Megadeth, with their decades of experience and unmatched musicianship, that proved once again why they are legends of the genre. The tour lives up to its name – destroying all expectations and leaving fans exhilarated, exhausted, and eagerly awaiting Megadeth’s next move.

September 18th, 2024