Monday, July 31st - In an unforgettable night of heavy metal mastery, Pantera roars back to the stage for their first headline tour in 22 years, leaving a trail of electrified Milwaukee area fans in their wake. Their accomplices for the evening would be none other than fellow metal masters Lamb of God with the opening act for the night being Michigan natives Snafu (opener varies by location). On Monday night, the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, formerly known as the Marcus Amphitheater, would host the third stop for some of heavy metal's all-time greats. The popular outdoor concert venue in Milwaukee, WI is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and is part of the Henry Maier Festival Park, which hosts a variety of events, including the renowned Summerfest music festival and was also the former home of the yearly Van's Warped Tour (RIP old friend). The American Family Insurance Amphitheater was built between 1985 and 1987, and it opened to the public in 1987. The facility was designed in particular to hold concerts and music events during the annual Summerfest, one of the world's largest music festivals. Summerfest, which began in 1968, now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The amphitheater has undergone various modifications and improvements over the years to improve the musical experience for both artists and attendees. The amphitheater now seats around 23,000 people, with both reserved seating and general admission zones. The outdoor venue has a mix of covered and open-air seating, giving concertgoers a variety of seating options, rain or shine. The American Family Insurance Amphitheater, with its vast capacity and top-notch sound and lighting equipment, has welcomed countless world-renowned acts, and today they would host a few more. Let's get this party started!
Courtesy of American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Snafu, a Detroit, Michigan-based metal band, has been making music since 2006. After overcoming some early obstacles and disappointments, they independently published their debut album, "Fear The Future," in 2013, displaying a raw punk expression reflecting their cynicism towards society and the destructive essence of humanity. In 2015, they released their second album, "Present Day Plague," which kept its ferocious raw punk beginnings while introducing elements of thrash and grind. Snafu has built a reputation for delivering aggressive live performances, and its distinct sound, influenced by bands such as Municipal Waste, Toxic Holocaust, Negative Approach, and Cro-Mags, has resonated with audiences all over the world. Their approach, which combines blackened thrash reminiscent of early Slayer and Sepultura, contributes to their distinct sound. In the midst of difficult times marked by diseases, corruption, and societal misery, Snafu offers its third full-length album, "Exile//Banishment." This latest album, their heaviest, darkest, and most venomous ever, focuses on personal issues while painting a dismal image of humanity's future. "Exile//Banishment" encapsulates the band's scalding sounds and powerful emotions, and was produced by Philip "Landphil" Hall and his twin brother Josh "Hallhammer" Hall, mixed by Adam Shepard, and mastered by Joel Grind.
Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band that emerged from Richmond, Virginia. The band was founded in 1994 as Burn the Priest, but changed their name to Lamb of God in 1999. The current roster of the band includes vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, bassist John Campbell, and drummer Art Cruz (Winds of Plague/Prong), who recently replaced departing founding drummer Chris Adler in 2019. Lamb of God's music is characterized by a blend of groove metal and thrash metal, and they are renowned for their aggressive sound, powerful vocals, and at times politically charged lyrics. The band's early years were marked by local performances and the release of a self-titled album, "Burn the Priest," in 1998. However, it wasn't until they changed their name to Lamb of God in 1999 that they achieved international recognition. "New American Gospel" (2000), their debut album under the new name, achieved critical praise and established them as a force in the metal scene. Lamb of God has had a string of hit albums throughout the years, including "As the Palaces Burn" (2003), "Ashes of the Wake" (2004), "Sacrament" (2006), and "Wrath" (2009). These albums helped them develop a substantial following and establish their reputation as one of the most influential bands in modern metal. In 2012, they published "Resolution," which displayed their musical development and versatility even further. The album garnered excellent reviews and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. One of the most serious obstacles the band experienced was Randy Blythe's imprisonment in the Czech Republic in 2012 on accusations relating to an incident that occurred during a concert in 2010. He was accused of pushing a fan off the stage, resulting in the fan's death. Blythe was acquitted of all allegations after spending nearly a month in Czech prison. Lamb of God's seventh studio album, "VII: Sturm und Drang," was released in 2015, continuing their string of successful releases. The band's music evolved throughout time, introducing new components while remaining faithful to its metal roots. Lamb of God released their eighth studio album, "Lamb of God," in 2020. This was the band's first album without founding drummer Chris Adler, and it introduced Art Cruz as his successor. The album was highly approved of by both fans and critics. The bands ninth and most recent 2022 offering "Omens" took it a step further and proved to be a hit among fans as well with a few successful tour legs to support its release. Lamb of God has received various honors during their rich history, including Grammy nominations and the distinction as one of the pioneering bands in the New Wave of the American Heavy Metal movement.
The band would begin tonight's blistering performance with "Memento Mori," the lead track from their latest aforementioned album "Omens." The audience' excitement was evident as the haunting intro permeated the venue. With the bands logo front and center on a giant curtain covering the entire stage, a burst of pyrotechnics and fireworks would blast as the curtain dropped and induced an energy that would never let up. The crowd erupted into a mosh pit that engulfed practically the entire floor section as the band broke into the song's devastating main riff. Randy Blythe's commanding stage presence and fierce growls had the audience hanging on his every word. As "Memento Mori" came to a close, there was little time to catch one's breath before the band smoothly transitioned into "Walk With Me In Hell," a classic that fueled even more fervor in the pit. The energy in the room soared as fans screamed the lyrics back at the band, creating an unbreakable bond between the musicians and their dedicated followers. The setlist went into the band's extensive past, with "Resurrection Man" standing out as a fan favorite. The band's electrifying performance wowed everyone in attendance, and the band's intense connection with their fans was palpable. In the middle of the set, Lamb of God treated the crowd to "Ditch," showcasing their ability to deliver new and unrelenting material while staying true to their signature sound. The heavy, groovy rhythms combined with Randy's savage vocals brought an irresistible rawness to the performance. Throughout the night, the band remained in top form, never once losing momentum. "Desolation" intensified the heaviness, and the venue felt like it was on the verge of collapsing under the sheer power of the music. As the set reached its climax, the iconic "512" followed by "Ruin" sent the crowd into an absolute frenzy. The ferocity of the riffs and the thundering drums proved why Lamb of God continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene. The set culminated with an explosive performance of "Contractor," "Laid to Rest" and "Redneck," leaving the fans drained but exhilarated. The deafening cheers and chants for an encore echoed throughout the venue, a testament to the band's enduring impact on the metal community. The just short of one hour set was an unrelenting metal assault that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to be in attendance. With their powerful stage presence, flawless musicianship, and an unwavering connection with their fans, Lamb of God proves again and again why they are one of the most influential and revered metal bands of their generation.
The almighty Pantera was formed in Arlington, Texas, in 1981 by brothers Darrell Abbott (better known as Dimebag Darrell) on guitar and Vinnie Paul Abbott on drums. Bassist Rex Brown and vocalist Terry Glaze were also part of the initial band. The band originally played glam metal and released three albums in that genre: "Metal Magic" (1983), "Projects in the Jungle" (1984), and "I Am the Night" (1985). Pantera underwent a substantial musical transition in the late 1980s. Terry Glaze was replaced as the band's new lead vocalist in 1987 by Phil Anselmo. With Anselmo on board, Pantera began to shift away from glam metal and embraced a heavier, more aggressive sound. The band released "Power Metal" in 1988, which marked the beginning of their transition to groove metal. However, it was their fifth studio album, "Cowboys from Hell" (1990), that solidified their new musical direction. The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing Pantera as a major force in the metal scene. Following the success of "Cowboys from Hell," Pantera's next two albums saw them ascend to prominence. The 1992 album "Vulgar Display of Power" is widely recognized as one of the most influential and definitive groove metal albums of all time. It included songs like "Walk," "Mouth for War," and "This Love." With the release of "Far Beyond Driven" (1994), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, the band's popularity skyrocketed even higher. Pantera were the first metal band to debut at number one on the mainstream chart. Pantera's seventh studio album, "The Great Southern Trendkill" (1996), showcased the band's ferocious sound and unwavering attitude. However, tensions and conflicts within the band began to rise during the album's recording process. Following the publication of "Reinventing the Steel" in 2000, internal band conflicts proved insurmountable, resulting in a callous separation. While Dimebag Darrell & Vinnie Paul founded the band Damageplan, vocalist Phil Anselmo pursued other musical ventures. Tragedy struck on December 8, 2004, when Dimebag Darrell was tragically shot and killed onstage during a Damageplan performance in Ohio. His brother Vinnie Paul would unexpectedly pass away years later on June 22, 2018 due to health complications at the age of 54. Both deaths were a significant loss to the music community, as they were not only known for their musicianship but also for co-founding the band and contributing to their immense success. Pantera's impact on the metal genre cannot be overstated. They played a pivotal role in popularizing groove metal and influencing a generation of metal bands. Their powerful, aggressive sound, paired with Dimebag Darrell's world class guitar talents, left a lasting impression on the metal community. Pantera's albums continue to be celebrated, and their influence can still be heard in many modern metal bands. Now in 2023, the band returns for one of the year's most anticipated tours, with surviving members Philip Anselmo (Vocals) and Rex Brown (Bass) joined by two more legends in heavy metal, guitarist Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) and drummer Charlie Benante (Anthrax).
While the absence of the late guitar legend Dimebag Darrell Abbott and drummer Vinny Paul Abbott was deeply felt, the band has found legend status worthy replacements in the form of Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, respectively. With the lights beginning to dim, the video boards would begin playing behind the scenes videos from previous years of Pantera tours, accompanied by "Regular People" blasting over the PA with a massive Pantera logo curtain covering the stage as animated weed leaves danced across it. Once that curtain dropped the night fired off with raw energy as Zakk started ripping into "A New Level" that took over the amphitheater and set the tone for what was to come - a tour through the band's renowned discography. "Mouth for War" and "Strength Beyond Strength" followed, demonstrating Pantera's savagery was still very much alive as the band absolutely crushed fans with the pure force coming from the stage. As the band performed "Becoming" and "I'm Broken," the audience erupted, with Zakk Wylde's guitar prowess seamlessly emulating Dimebag's unique sound. "Suicide Note Pt. II" and "5 Minutes Alone" extended the assault, demonstrating the band's unwavering strength. "This Love" added a profound emotional moment to the event, reminding everyone of the band's capacity to portray both wrath and sensitivity. Phil would take a moment after the song to address the crowd, "I have something to say" as he walked over to the drum riser and pulled out a note that said "Congrats to Jackie & Rob, they're getting hitched" in which the amphitheater erupted in cheers. "Fucking Hostile" inflamed the mosh pits even more, with fans seemingly singing along to every word. "Cemetery Gates" would play over the PA as the band made equipment changes before surprising everyone and paying tribute to Black Sabbath and their fallen brothers Dime & Vinnie with a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Planet Caravan," adding a new touch to the repertoire. The entirety of the song was met with behind the scenes tour and family videos of Dime & Vinny being played across all the giant video boards in the venue, causing a few tears to be shed during the track that was capped off by a massive audience ovation. Arguably the bands most popular track, "Walk" would follow with Phil stating "100% of you know 100% of the words to this one, let me hear you!". The opening band for the evening, Snafu, would come out and circle around a microphone during the songs performance to join Phil in singing the songs well-known chorus. A mash up of "Domination / Hollow" would continue the sonic assault, perfectly encapsulating Pantera's unbreakable attitude. "Cowboys From Hell" falsely closed out the performance, uniting the band and the audience in an explosive climax of heavy metal brotherhood. The band returned for an electric encore, so the night was far from over. "Slaughtered" pumped up the crowd, setting the tone for the big finale, "Revolution Is My Name." Pantera's hour and a half long triumphant return to Milwaukee left spectators in amazement as the final chords resonated across the auditorium. Though the band will never be the same without Dimebag and Vinny Paul, Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante did an absolutely brilliant job of filling their positions, delivering a tremendous and unforgettable night that celebrated Pantera's heritage. The metal spirit lives on, and this concert demonstrated that Pantera's music will continue to inspire future generations.
With this being only the third of 21 stops on this Summer 2023 headline tour, you'll have plenty of time to check out the remaining dates and purchase your tickets. Lamb of God will be headlining their sold out inaugural Headbangers Boat cruise later this year, which will set sail on Halloween and last until November 4th. The trip, which sails from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, is supported by 14 other metal alumni. If you would like to join the waiting list incase tickets become available you can do so here. Fans will also be able to catch Pantera on tour with Metallica, who continue their 2-Day No Repeat Weekend M72 World Tour on August 4th in the US until the end of November, and will also continue that tour in August 2024 with additional dates. The Pantera reunion was initially met with criticism, similar to what bands like Static X recently heard about touring without Wayne and it "ruining the legacy of the band", "money grab", and all sorts of brash takes on the matter, which in my opinion those fans were and remain to be wrong in both cases, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Packed amphitheaters and a massive outpouring of fan support demonstrate that the lifelong metal community who grew up with the band, as well as any metal newcomers who had never had the opportunity to attend a Pantera performance, wanted this tour just as badly as Phil and Rex wanted to honor their fallen brothers and celebrate the band's legacy. If you get the opportunity to attend one of these dates, do yourself a favor ant attend. I cannot stress how explosive of a night you will be in for while honoring one of heavy metal's most iconic acts. I'd like to give a massive thank you to all of the bands' management, American Family Insurance Amphitheater Staff as well as FPC Live and LiveNation, for allowing me to chronicle this unforgettable night of metal!
Review & Photography By: Nick Buzinski
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