The Legendary Metal Bands Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Their Seminal Albums by Playing Them in Full – Review and Photos of the Lamb of God and Mastodon Concert at the Orlando Amphitheater in Orlando, FL

Metal fans gathered in droves at the Orlando Amphitheater this Wednesday to witness a monumental event: two titans of the genre, together once again. Mastodon and Lamb of God brought their amazing “Ashes of the Leviathan” tour to the good people of Florida, and they had a special treat in store: each band performed classic albums in full to commemorate their 20th anniversaries. Opening up for the dynamic duo of bands were metalcore stalwarts Malevolence and Kerry King, and the crowd’s energy was turned to 11 as the amphitheater filled with eager fans, ready to experience an unforgettable night of metal mayhem.

The evening kicked off with a powerful performance by Malevolence, a British band that has been making waves in the metal scene with their intense live shows and dynamic sound. Starting with “Malicious Intent“, their set was a perfect primer for the explosive night, stirring the crowd into a frenzy with heavy riffs and ferocious energy that reminded me of a mix of Pantera and Hatebreed. The band’s ability to blend aggression with some more melodic songs was the perfect appetizer, leaving fans exhilarated and hungry for more.

Next up was Kerry King’s new solo project, a highly anticipated act featuring an all-star backing band that did not disappoint. The Slayer guitarist brought his signature thrash metal prowess to the stage, delivering a blistering set that (as always) showcased his unparalleled skill and ferocity. Backed by guitar master Phil Demmel, fellow Slayer alum Paul Bostaph, Death Angel vocalist Mark Osegueda and Hellyeah bassist Kyle Sanders (who happens to be Troy from Mastodon’s brother) on bass, the band was a finely tuned machine that tore the roof off the place (although the fact that it was an outdoor venue certainly helped). Mainly displaying songs from his new “From Hell I Rise” record (which, if you’re a Slayer fan, you will absolutely love), King also included a couple of classic fan-favorite Slayer tracks like “Raining Blood” and “Black Magic“, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience for the audience. Kerry King’s intricate guitar work and commanding stage presence once again reaffirmed his status as a metal legend, even with Slayer on a touring hiatus.

As the weather cooled down and the sun dipped below the horizon, Mastodon took the stage to a thunderous roar from the crowd. The band was ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking album “Leviathan”, a concept album inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. From the opening notes of “Blood and Thunder“, it was clear that this performance would be something special. Mastodon delivered Leviathan in its entirety, taking fans on a journey through the depths of their intricate and powerful soundscapes. Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher’s guitar work was nothing short of spectacular, weaving complex riffs and blistering solos that perfectly complemented Troy Sanders’ thunderous bass lines and soaring vocals. Brann Dailor’s drumming was a masterclass in precision and power, driving the band forward with relentless energy.

Mastodon’s performance was perfectly complemented with incredible visual effects, with pyrotechnics and mesmerizing videos displaying on the giant screens on the back of the stage. Highlights of the set included the hauntingly beautiful “Aqua Dementia“, the crushing heaviness of “Iron Tusk“, and the epic grandeur of “Hearts Alive“. The band’s ability to recreate the album’s intricate arrangements live was impressive, showcasing their technical prowess and deep connection to the material. The crowd responded with enthusiastic moshing, headbanging, and deafening cheers, creating a symbiotic energy between the band and the audience. After finishing off their seminal album, Mastodon delivered an explosive encore of newer material with “More Than I Could Chew“, “Circle of Cysquatch“, and “Stormbreather”

After a brief intermission, Lamb of God stormed the stage, ready to also celebrate the anniversary of their incredible album “Ashes of the Wake”. The band’s ferocious brand of groove metal was on full display as they immediately launched into the opening track, “Laid to Rest” as fog filled the stage and the lights danced wildly around them. The audience erupted into cheers, and the mosh pits intensified as fans reveled in the intensity of the music. Vocalist Randy Blythe was a force of nature, his guttural growls and commanding presence driving the band’s performance as he sprung around the stage with electrified energy. Guitar wizards Mark Morton and Willie Adler delivered crushing riffs and searing solos, while bassist John Campbell and drummer Art Cruz provided a thunderous backbone that shook the amphitheater to its core.

Lamb of God also performed “Ashes of the Wake” in its entirety, including some rare tracks that have only been played live a handful of times before this tour. Highlights including the politically charged “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For“, the anthemic “Hourglass“, and the intricate instrumental title track, “Ashes of the Wake.” The crowd’s energy never waned, with fans shouting along to every lyric until their voices went hoarse and thrashing in unison to the relentless rhythms. Lamb of God finished their time on stage with “Walk With Me In Hell” and their trademark closer “Redneck” as the assembly of metalheads cheered for more.

Mastodon and Lamb of God’s “Ashes of the Leviathan” tour at the Orlando Amphitheater was a night of celebration, nostalgia, and unparalleled metal excellence. Both bands delivered unforgettable performances, paying homage to the albums that helped define their careers and cemented their status as metal icons. With stellar opening acts Malevolence and Kerry King setting the stage, the night was a testament to the enduring power and passion of the metal community. Fans left the amphitheater with ringing ears, sore necks, and memories that will last a lifetime.