Two juggernauts in the metal world teamed up to do a co-headline tour. Mastodon and Gojira, along with supporting act Lornashore, took place Saturday, April 22nd, at the Arizona Financial Theater in downtown Phoenix.
Up first was powerhouse deathcore act Lornashore. This was my first time seeing them, and while I don’t particularly like deathcore, There are a few bands I do enjoy, and I’d have to say Lornashore is at the top of the list.
Gojira was up next, and the arena was just about filled to the brim. They brought in their massive stage production, along with confetti and pyrotechnics. Gojira has been making waves ever since they came onto the metal scene. They keep climbing the charts, and their live sound keeps expanding. Literally everyone I talked to who’s into metal always asks me if I’m in Gojira. From front to back, they’re an impressive band, live and on record.
It was finally time for Mastodon to take the stage. As the giant Mastodon banner dropped down, they went right into “The Wolf is Loose” off “Blood Mountain.”
Every time I see Mastodon, their stage production is taken to another level. The light show for this tour is absolutely insane. Mastodon really pulled out all of the LED screens and every laser they could find. Let me start by saying that I in no way condone drug use, but honestly, if you were on mushrooms or acid, you’d have one hell of a trip. This was one of the best stage productions I’ve seen since they played at Psycho Las Vegas 2021.
After all these years, Troy Sanders is still a maniac on stage. literally running all over, swinging his bass in every direction, all while holding down vocals! Brent Hinds has always been and will always be a guitar genius. His stage presence is something you can’t ignore or lose sight of with all the stage productions they have. Bill Kelliher is someone we should all look up to if we’re learning guitar. Even though he’s known as the rhythm guitarist, he shares the lead with Brent and has some amazing solos, showcasing his skills. Check out “Black Tongue.” Rounding out the group is Brann Dailor, who has to be one of the top five drummers in the world. Seeing him live is a whole experience in itself. Every hit is precise, his fills are fast and accurate, and how he does it while singing makes me have even more respect for the guy.
Mastodon has grown with each album, and their live performances have reached new heights. I highly suggest never missing them when they come through your city.
set list
The Wolf Is Loose
Crystal Skull
Megalodon
Divinations Andromeda
Sultan’s Curse
Fallen Torches
Pushing the Tides
More Than I Could Chew
Aqua Dementia
Steambreather
Iron Tusk
March of the Fire Ants
Mother Puncher
Circle of Cysquatch
Encore
Blood and Thunder
MASTODON
GOJIRA
LORNASHORE
