As I arrived at The Great Saltaire on August 27, 2024, for the Ashes of the Leviathan tour, it felt like I was stepping into a “Temple of metal.” The night was charged as Lamb of God, Mastodon, and Kerry King prepared to deliver performances that promised to be nothing short of legendary and cementing them as true gods in the metal world.
The venue, perched on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, provided a majestic backdrop for what was to come, along with an amazing sunset. The natural beauty contrasted perfectly with the dark, thunderous energy that was unleashed. Fans from all walks of life gathered, united by their love for metal, the excitement physical as the stage lights dimmed.
Kerry King, the iconic guitarist known for his time with Slayer, kicked off the night. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. His presence was commanding, a true titan of thrash metal. With a setlist that paid homage to Slayer’s legacy while also showcasing his individual ability to kick ass, King delivered a blistering performance. His solos were razor-sharp, each note piercing through the night like a bolt of lightning. Tracks like “Residue” and “Toxic” resonated through the venue, sending the crowd into a mosh pit that seemed to surge with the power of the music. King’s performance was a reminder that he is still at the top of his game, a master of his craft who can still incite chaos with just a riff.
After King’s set, Mastodon took the stage. Their presence was magnetic, and from the first note, they had the audience in the palm of their hands. Mastodon’s unique blend of progressive metal and sludge was a perfect contrast to King’s thrash fury. The band’s set was a journey through their discography but highlighted the album Leviathan. Their performance of “Blood and Thunder” was particularly memorable, with the crowd shouting along to every word. The band’s musicianship was on full display, with intricate guitar work, pounding drums, and hauntingly beautiful vocals combining to create a sound that was both heavy and transcendent. Mastodon’s ability to shift seamlessly between crushing riffs and atmospheric melodies is a testament to their status as one of the most innovative bands in metal today.
Then came the main event: Lamb of God. As the band took the stage, the energy in the venue reached a fever pitch. Randy Blythe, the band’s ferocious frontman, commanded the stage with an intensity that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the opening notes of “Laid to Rest,” it was clear that Lamb of God was here to deliver a performance for the ages. The band’s setlist was a celebration of the album Ashes of the Wake. Blythe’s vocals were as brutal as ever, his screams cutting through the air with a raw, visceral power as he spit on stage clearing his throat.
The band’s chemistry was undeniable, each member locking in with precision to create a wall of sound that was both crushing and exhilarating. Chris Adler’s drumming was a force of nature, his double bass work driving the band forward with relentless energy. Mark Morton and Willie Adler’s guitar work was equally impressive, their riffs intertwining to create a sonic onslaught that was impossible to resist.
As the night came to a close with an earth-shattering performance of “Redneck,” the crowd was left breathless, drenched in sweat, and grinning from ear to ear. The Ashes of the Leviathan tour was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of all things metal. Each band brought something unique to the stage, creating a night that was as diverse as it was heavy. Walking out of The Great Saltair, I felt like I had witnessed something truly historical, a night where metal legends and modern titans came together to create an unforgettable experience.
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