Metal Anarchy

Last night (August 19), I saw Mudvayne, Coal Chamber, GWAR, Nonpoint, and Butcher Babies on “The Psychotherapy Sessions” tour at the Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord, CA and it was perfect night for fans of heavy metal!

The concert kicked off with an explosive set from Butcher Babies. The band blasted out of the gate with a full-on metal attack as they rocked tracks from their recent double album, “Eye For An Eye…” / “…’Til The World’s Blind,” with a couple of older songs thrown in for good measure. Their energetic performance helped set the tone for the evening and those who were early enough to catch them were not left disappointed. Some highlights from their set included: “Monsters Ball,” “Beaver Cage,” “Last December,” “Magnolia Blvd.,” and a cover of Saweetie’s “Best Friend.”

After Butcher Babies, it was time for Nonpoint to take the stage. The group helped hype up the crowd even further as they powered through an infectious set full of hair flying and fist pumping music. It was an electrifying performance from a band that always brings the heat at their live shows. Some highlights from their set included: “Victim,” “What A Day,” “Chaos And Earthquakes,” “Ruthless,” and “Bullet With A Name.”

As soon as Nonpoint were done, the crew started filling the stage with enough plastic wrap for a “Dexter” kill room in effort to make way for the intergalactic scumdogs in GWAR! The group put on a fun as hell performance as they doused fans with blood and other assorted fluids. It was a show filled with monsters, death, and dildos that will sure to leave a lasting memory on those who witnessed it. Some highlights from their set included: “Hail, Genocide!,” “Mother Fucking Liar,” “Let Us Slay,” “Fuck This Place,” “Berserker Mode,” and a cover of AC/DC’s “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It).”

After GWAR completed their onslaught, things were cranked up a notch with Coal Chamber. The “spookycore” act put on one of the strongest performances of the night with a dynamic display of stamina and aggression. The band’s Halloweeny vibes and their powerful stage presence made for nothing less than a killer show. Some highlights from their set included: “Loco,” “Fiend,” “Big Truck,” “Another Nail In The Coffin,” and “Sway.”

Once Coal Chamber finished up, it was time for the headliners, Mudvayne! The costumed nü-metal act put on a passionate performance with an intensity and precision that goes unmatched. Chad Gray was especially on fire with fierce vocals and uplifting stage banter that melted faces and raised the spirits of many “metal kids” through a group “psychotherapy session.” Some highlights from their set included: “Dig,” “Not Falling,” “Death Blooms,” “Dull Boy,” and “Happy?.”

All in all, it was an insane show and if you have a chance to attend one of the remaining dates, go! It’ll definitely be worth your time.