LIVE: MASTODON – September 29, 2017

Venue: Knoxville Civic Auditorium

City: Knoxville, TN

Date: September 29, 2017

Review and Photographs by: Rachel Craig (http://www.rachelcraigphotos.net)

Mastodon’s recent tour made a stop at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, which rarely sees any metal shows. However, this show was not a typical metal performance. Russian Circles kicked off the night to set the mood. This band is all instrumental, and their atmospheric progressive metal resounded well in the auditorium along with beautiful, moody lighting. The trio features haunting guitar work, thunderous drumming, and incredible bass solos. I highly recommend Russian Circles for any metal head looking for more mellow music. Eagles of Death Metal was probably the most fun I’ve had at a show in a while. They are a very different band from Russian Circles and Mastodon, but throwing a rock ‘n roll dancing jam session in the middle of the show worked well. Co-founder Josh Homme did not make an appearance at the auditorium, but frontman Jesse Hughes was a huge fan favorite and the star of the show. There was lots of dancing, dueling guitars and tossing instruments. Mastodon’s Brent Hinds also made an appearance with EODM by playing guitar for several songs. As Jesse Hughes said during the show, “We came here to shake our dicks and have a good time, can I get an amen?” Finally, it was time for Mastodon. With an impressive 19-song setlist, the band brought impressive guitar work and strange visuals. This part of the show felt like a progressive metal acid trip. Each song had its own video playing in monitors on stage, transporting the audience into a different world with every song change. My favorite part about Mastodon is that every member is highly involved in the vocals, from drummer Brann Dailor to bassist Troy Sanders. Even though their performance was tricky from a photographer standpoint, the visuals and musical talent reminded fans that Mastodon stands out from other metal bands.

Setlist: The Last Baron – Sultan’s Curse – Divinations – Crystal Skull – Ancient Kingdom – Bladecatcher – Black Tongue – Colony of Birchmen – Ember City – Megalodon – Andromeda – Oblivion – Show Yourself – Precious Stones – Roots Remain – Chimes at Midnight – Steambreather – Mother Puncher – March of the Fire Ants

[Show as slideshow]

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries