The Hammerstein Ballroom served as the ideal venue for this extraordinary lineup, amplifying the raw intensity and intricacies of each performance. It was the perfect backdrop for this monumental night of music.
Beginning the sonic onslaught was Jason Richardson (All That Remains), an awe-inspiring guitarist whose technical prowess left the audience mesmerized. Richardson’s fingers effortlessly navigated his fretboard, delivering blistering solos and intricate melodies with jaw-dropping precision. Accompanied by just backing tracks, his set was still an immersive experience that showcased his ability to seamlessly blend metal, rock, and djent elements. I look forward to seeing what he does with All That Remains next!
Next up was Dethklok, the fictional death metal band from the popular Adult Swim animated series Metalocalypse, brought to life on stage. The band delivered a relentless assault of brutal riffs, growling vocals, and animated visuals that perfectly captured the dark and humorous spirit of the show. Thanks to their gigantic video wall above them, Dethklok was brought to life. Shrouded in shadows, main man Brendon Small created an exhilarating and immersive experience. The crowd instantly erupted into a frenzy, moshing and headbanging in unison from the opening theme track to Mermaid Murder. The band’s musicianship was top-notch,as expected, delivering thunderous rhythms and bone-shaking breakdowns that resonated throughout the venue.
Closing the night was Babymetal, the Japanese sensation that defies categorization with their fusion of metal and J-pop. The trio took the audience on a wild ride, seamlessly transitioning between heavy guitar riffs, infectious melodies, and synchronized dance routines. Lead vocalist Su-metal , along with Moametal and Riho Sayashi, delivered powerful vocals, commanded the stage and held the crowd singing in the palm of their hands. Fans sang along to every chorus, I underestimated just how big this band is. They put on one hell of a show, with a kick ass faceless band, ala Ghost, Imperial Triumphant or Slipknot.
This tour featuring Jason Richardson, Dethklok, and Babymetal at the Hammerstein Ballroom was an exhilarating showcase of diverse musical talents, leaving the crowd in utter awe. Each act carved their path, delivering unrivaled virtuosity, larger-than-life performances, providing a dynamic and unforgettable night for metal heads across all genres. This tour will be remembered as a powerhouse of musical excellence and a testament to the power of live performances.
Buy Deathklok music, the movie, and merch here
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY OMAR CORDY @ ojayy666