Article & Photos by: Linda Carlson

Huber Heights, OH – It seemed only fitting that for a night of heavy death metal offerings, the southern Ohio skies were ripe for tornados and storms.  The lineup of the Metal Crushes All Tour 2024 could not have been more at home with wind, rain and lightning.

Despite the impending weather, the crowd was ready to immerse themselves in an evening of another kind of darkness.  Indeed, as a testament to their commitment to the genre and the bands, there were lines of fans 60-80 people deep (yes, I counted) at the venue’s merch booths during the early openers – these are dedicated fans.

First on stage was Frozen Soul, a Texas death metal band formed in 2018 fronted by Dallas Green (vocals), and rounded out by Michael Munday (guitar), Chris Bonner (guitar), Samantha Mobley (bass, and tattoo artist!) and Matt Dennard (drums).  Their six-song set was a strong opening to the night, including shivering titles such as “Encased in Ice,” “Arctic Stronghold” and “Crypt of Ice,” among others.

Next to hit the stage were death metal trailblazers Obituary, who have been delivering raging riffs to fans since the late 1980s.  The current lineup is comprised of founders John Tardy (vocals), Donald Tardy (drums) and Trevor Peres (rhythm guitar), joined by Terry Butler (bass), and Ken Andrews (lead guitar).  Their seven-song set was filled with the gut-wrenching rhythms the fans devoured.

Particularly anticipated (by the T-shirts in the audience and the cheers from the crowd) was Cannibal Corpse, formed in 1988 in Buffalo, New York.  Lead vocalist George Fisher has been with the band since 1995, who along with founding members Alex Webster (bass) and Paul Mazurkiewicz (drums) were joined by Pat O’Brien (lead guitar) and Rob Barrett (rhythm guitar) as the current lineup.

Cannibal Corpse’s “menu” of music offers visually vivid titles that find a home in death metal, such as “Inhumane Harvest,” “Stripped, Raped and Strangled” and “Hammer Smashed Face.”  These are not songs for the faint of heart, but their audience is clearly drawn to them.  Over the years, the band has faced political backlash and controversy for their songs and imagery.  Their fans, however, appreciate the art in the band’s work, and continue to enthusiastically support them.

As Amon Amarth’s stage crew prepped for the headliner’s curtain fall, the weather forecast went bleak, and the radar showed fast-moving swaths of red and yellow storm systems moving into the area.  Although a covered venue, it is open air and the wind could be seen by tree movements, and felt in the air.  It was almost as if the skies were amping up the anticipation for the headliner.

The curtain fell to terrific applause, and all concern about the weather seemed to evaporate.  Sweden’s melodic death metal Amon Amarth puts on an incredible show.  Gone is the Viking boat helm that iconically jutted into center stage in the past, and the stage is now wide open for easier movement of the band members.  Large Viking-inspired statues anchor the set on the sides, and the drum kit is elevated in the center atop a stylized Viking helmet.

The band is fronted by vocalist Johan Hegg, with Olavi Mikkonen (lead guitar), Ted Lundström (bass), Johan Söderberg (rhythm guitar), and Jocke Wallgren (drums).

Fans who weathered the storm experienced a full-throttled show:

• Run to the Hills (taped Iron Maiden, intro)
• The Pursuit of Vikings
• Tattered Banners and Bloody Flags
• Guardians of Asgaard
• Raven’s Flight
• Blood Eagle
• Deceiver of the Gods
• As Loke Falls
• Find a Way or Make One
• Put Your Back Into the Oar
• The Way of Vikings
• Heidrun
• War of the Gods
• Shield Wall
• Raise Your Horns
• Encore:
• Twilight of the Thunder God

The Metal Crushes All Tour 2024 continues stateside through May, and will then move to Europe in August.  Check the Amon Amarth website (link) for a show near you.

More photos from the evening’s performances can be viewed in the carousel below.