Monday night’s lineup promised a night of sheer energy and unrelenting metal, and it delivered on every front. From the atmospheric opener to the legendary headliner, this show took the audience on a journey through punk, hardcore, and thrash, proving that live music is as powerful and visceral as ever.
CANDY
Opening the night with a performance bathed in an intense red glow, CANDY set an ominous and gritty tone. Their sound was a chaotic blend of hardcore and noise, captivating the crowd with raw, unfiltered energy. The red stage lighting felt like a visual extension of their aggressive sound—a perfect pairing for their abrasive and haunting aesthetic. Although their set was short, it left a memorable impression, ensuring the audience was warmed up for what was to come.
DEAD HEAT
Next up, DEAD HEAT turned the energy up several notches. With their hardcore-meets-thrash sensibilities, they brought boundless energy to the stage, commanding attention from the very first note. Chris Ramos swung a mic stand around like a baton, high-kicked into the air, and stomped across the stage, creating an electric atmosphere that had the pit surging.
What made DEAD HEAT’s performance stand out wasn’t just their sound—it was their unrelenting stage presence and the way they fed off the crowd’s energy. The pit came alive with their frenetic riffs and thunderous beats, with fans diving, moshing, and shouting every word back at the band. The group didn’t just play their set; they embodied it, with every movement and note dripping with adrenaline.
DEAD HEAT proved that they’re a band to watch, delivering a high-octane performance that blurred the lines between hardcore and thrash, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement for the night ahead.
HAVOK
If the first two bands laid the foundation, HAVOK built a temple of thrash metal on it. Their performance was a masterclass in technical precision and stage presence. From the moment they launched into “Point of No Return,” the band had the audience eating out of their hands. Vocalist David Sanchez’s commanding growls cut through the air as the band ripped through a set filled with fan-favorites like “Fear Campaign,” “Prepare for Attack,” and “Cradle to the Grave.”
What made HAVOK’s performance stand out was not just their musicianship but their connection with the crowd. Whether posing for the cameras mid-song or headbanging in perfect synchronization, HAVOK exuded confidence and charisma. Tracks like “Hang ’Em High” and “Covering Fire” showcased the band’s signature blend of thrash intensity and melodic precision, while “Phantom Intentions” and “D.I.A.L.” brought relentless energy to the set. By the time they wrapped up, the crowd was fully immersed in the thrash revival that HAVOK champions so well.
Midway through the set, Sanchez took a moment to address the crowd, praising their energy and urging them to push even harder. “This is what thrash is all about—your energy fuels us!” he shouted, as the pit churned in response. The band’s chemistry on stage was electric, with every member playing off each other effortlessly. Lead guitarist Brett Vaughn Rechtfertig delivered a flawless performance, his solos dripping with technical brilliance, while drummer Pete Webber drove the entire set with relentless precision and blistering speed. And bassist Nick Schendzielos? Well, he didn’t just bring the groove—he practically showered us in the pit with his energy (and maybe a little sweat). Talk about leaving it all on the stage!
By the end of their set, HAVOK had not only delivered a standout performance but left the audience buzzing with anticipation for the rest of the night. Their ability to combine razor-sharp technicality with an undeniable stage presence solidified their place as modern thrash heavyweights.
EXODUS
Finally, the heavyweights EXODUS stormed the stage, and from the first notes of “The Last Act of Defiance,” it was clear the legends were here to remind everyone why they’re thrash royalty. Gary Holt’s blistering guitar work and Steve “Zetro” Souza’s unmistakable snarl cut through the air with brutal force. EXODUS commanded the stage like seasoned warriors, delivering a punishing set that covered their vast discography.
Zetro’s interaction with the crowd elevated the energy to explosive levels. Between songs, he prowled the stage like a thrash metal ringmaster, shouting, “Let me see those horns in the air!” and inciting chants of “EX-O-DUS!” that reverberated through the venue. His ability to rile up the audience into a frenzy was unmatched, pushing fans to scream louder, mosh harder, and throw themselves headfirst into the chaos. During “Fabulous Disaster,” he pointed into the pit, growling, “I want to see the biggest circle pit of the night!”—and the crowd delivered, whipping into a swirling vortex of bodies.
The setlist was a fan’s dream. “Blacklist” had the entire venue screaming along, while the crushing “Deathamphetamine” and “Body Harvest” whipped the mosh pit into a frenzy. Each song was delivered with a ferocity that felt as fresh as their early days, proving that EXODUS still has plenty of fuel in the tank.
Highlights included “War Is My Shepherd,” where Zetro leaned into the crowd, fists raised, shouting, “You’re not tired yet, are you?!” The response was deafening as fans roared back, their energy reignited for the final stretch of the set. “Toxic Waltz” turned the entire floor into a thrash playground, with Zetro laughing as he declared, “That’s what I’m talking about!”
Gary Holt’s solos were a masterclass in thrash guitar, razor-sharp and electrifying, while Tom Hunting’s relentless drumming gave the set an unstoppable momentum. EXODUS closed out with “Strike of the Beast,” with Zetro urging one last surge of chaos: “One more time—give me everything you’ve got!” The crowd obliged, exploding into one final cathartic eruption of movement and cheers.
EXODUS’s performance wasn’t just a show—it was a showcase to the enduring power of thrash metal. From the breakneck speed of the riffs to the sheer energy emanating from the stage, they delivered a performance that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come.
This show was an unforgettable experience that celebrated the raw power of heavy music, with each band bringing something unique to the night. Whether you were a hardcore fan or just discovering the genre, tonight’s lineup offered a relentless assault of sound and energy that left no one standing still.
We give this show 10,000 Mosh Pits out of 10
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