Mega Monsters Tour - Mastodon, Gojira & Lorna Shore, BMO Pavillion, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 23.08.23
On the hottest day of year in Milwaukee, the Mega Monsters Tour came to town. In the scorching sun, Lorna Shore (7) stepped on stage. With a massive screen displaying their logo behind them, they kicked in to one of the heaviest sets I have ever seen. At this point, every single person was completely drenched in sweat as they were being obliterated by blast beasts, pig squeals, and down-tuned guitars. In their 45-minute set, Will Ramos, the vocalist, showed off a display the likes of which have rarely been seen, he effortlessly went from the lowest of low screams to highs piercing the ears. Meanwhile, the drummer Austin Archey, was absolutely throwing it down. I feel like these two completely stole the show during Lorna Shore.
Next was Gojira (9), the first of the dual headliners. They kicked it off with the classic Ocean Planet and we got a taste of what was to come. Every song got better and better. The setlist was amazing yet the musicianship was even better. The Duplantier brothers were on another level. Every instrument was perfect, the guitars had brutal tone while the drums were punchy and heavy as hell. Mario had an excellent drum solo that was not only complex and showed off his technical prowess, but also very fun for the audience. Joe sounded amazing and just like the records with his one-of-a-kind vocals becoming a very important part of their unique sound. Joe’s screams are not traditional, so they seem difficult to replicate live, but he pulls it off masterfully. They also had extremely interesting art on the screen in the background with pictures of nature and life with the lights, fire, and steam going perfectly in line with the music.
Finally, Mastodon (9), who blew the roof off immediately. They opened with The Wolf Is Loose, which has a ripping drum fill. Brann was perfect the entire show. Not just his drumming but his vocals as well. It was interesting to see the dynamics of a band where everyone sings, but Mastodon has mastered it. All three frontmen were electric. The two guitarists on either side of the stage were note for note excellent, with each one commanding the stage in their own individual ways. Troy was a standout for me as he just looked like he was having fun. He was moving around and jamming like he was in his garage. It was just a great thing to watch as a fan because I could feel the positive energy. In comparison with Gojira, who was perfect, Mastodon was rawer and more fun. They had a whole different vibe to them which radiated fun and life. Not to say either was better, just a completely opposing show.
Next was Gojira (9), the first of the dual headliners. They kicked it off with the classic Ocean Planet and we got a taste of what was to come. Every song got better and better. The setlist was amazing yet the musicianship was even better. The Duplantier brothers were on another level. Every instrument was perfect, the guitars had brutal tone while the drums were punchy and heavy as hell. Mario had an excellent drum solo that was not only complex and showed off his technical prowess, but also very fun for the audience. Joe sounded amazing and just like the records with his one-of-a-kind vocals becoming a very important part of their unique sound. Joe’s screams are not traditional, so they seem difficult to replicate live, but he pulls it off masterfully. They also had extremely interesting art on the screen in the background with pictures of nature and life with the lights, fire, and steam going perfectly in line with the music.
Finally, Mastodon (9), who blew the roof off immediately. They opened with The Wolf Is Loose, which has a ripping drum fill. Brann was perfect the entire show. Not just his drumming but his vocals as well. It was interesting to see the dynamics of a band where everyone sings, but Mastodon has mastered it. All three frontmen were electric. The two guitarists on either side of the stage were note for note excellent, with each one commanding the stage in their own individual ways. Troy was a standout for me as he just looked like he was having fun. He was moving around and jamming like he was in his garage. It was just a great thing to watch as a fan because I could feel the positive energy. In comparison with Gojira, who was perfect, Mastodon was rawer and more fun. They had a whole different vibe to them which radiated fun and life. Not to say either was better, just a completely opposing show.