REVIEW: Megadeth / Mudvayne / All That Remains @ MVP Arena, 9/10/2024

Review by Jesse Skinner.

Photos By: Rachael Skinner

On Tuesday, September 10, the iconic thrash metal band Megadeth graced Albany’s MVP Arena as part of their Destroy All Enemies Tour, featuring the progressive nu-metal pioneers Mudvayne and the metalcore titans All That Remains.

Originating from Massachusetts, All That Remains commenced the evening with their powerful rhythms and the intense vocals of frontman Phillip Labonte. As Labonte took the stage, the entire band immersed the audience in a melodic metal onslaught. Lead guitarist Jason Richardson, who succeeded the late Oli Herbert, not only demonstrated his exceptional musicianship but also honored Herbert’s legacy by flawlessly performing his riffs on the crowd’s favorite tracks. Although All That Remains served as the opening act, they delivered a performance that could easily be considered worthy of a headlining position.

Hailing from Illinois, the Grammy-nominated heavy metal band Mudvayne commenced their performance with remarkable vigor. Adorned in striking face paint and a sci-fi-inspired mask, they delivered a series of crowd-pleasing hits. Guitarist Greg Tribbett made a dramatic entrance, donning an open skull mask that revealed brain matter and cosmic dreadlocks as he traversed the stage. The guitar section was further enriched by the addition of Marcus Rafferty. The rhythm section, featuring Ryan Martinie and Matthew McDonough, showcased an impressive display of rapid double bass and thunderous basslines. Chad Gray, the lead vocalist, captivated the audience with his theatrical, possessed persona, complete with a bullet wound effect on his head. He took a moment to emphasize the historical significance of witnessing a band like Megadeth live, acknowledging their role as one of the “Big Four” and their influence on iconic 90s bands, including Mudvayne. This legacy of “passing the torch” ensures the vitality of metal for future generations. Mudvayne concluded their set with the same high energy that marked its beginning, proving themselves not merely as a metal band but as a remarkable force in heavy musicianship, delivering a live experience unlike any other.

American Grammy Award-winning thrash metal pioneers Megadeth electrified the audience with a powerful performance. The band relentlessly delivered one classic song after another, with leader and founder Dave Mustaine at the forefront, wielding his new Gibson Flying V guitar and showcasing his signature bouncing red hair. As Mustaine stepped back from the microphone, the audience enthusiastically joined in, singing along to beloved tracks such as “Tornado of Souls.” In the realm of the Big Four, Mustaine stands out not only as a guitarist but also as a founding member of Metallica, another prominent band in this elite group. Following his departure from Metallica, Mustaine swiftly established Megadeth, making him the only guitarist among the Big Four to have contributed to the formation of two of these legendary bands. He even resurrected some classic thrash from the archives, performing “The Mechanix,” a song that bears resemblance to a Metallica track, yet Mustaine, as the original creator, demonstrated the rightful way to perform it. Finnish lead guitarist Teemu Mantysaari executed each song flawlessly, as if they were his own. Bassist James Lomenzo radiated energy on stage, maintaining a broad smile throughout the performance. Belgian drummer Dirk Verbeuren ensured impeccable timing among the musicians, resulting in one of the most outstanding live shows ever witnessed at the MVP Arena. Megadeth exemplified what a heavy metal concert should embody, concluding the evening with an encore of their iconic track “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due,” leaving the stage on a triumphant note.

Megadeth are on tour with Mudvayne and All That Remains until the end of September concluding, in Nashville Tennessee on the 28th.

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