SHOW REVIEW: Killswitch Engage/Anthrax - 4/13 - House of Blues

I grew up in the 80's listening to all sorts of great, and not so great, music. Anthrax is one of those bands that just never gets old for me, though I am not a fan of the John Bush era. They truly deserve to be up there with the big 4 of that time.

I had a chance to see Anthrax for the first time headlining one of the days at the Tuska festival in Finland in 2014. They certainly did not disappoint. I had zero intention of getting in the circle pit, due to my state of intoxication. However, once Caught in a Mosh came on, spirits moved me and off I went. Luckily for me, my buddy Jared followed me in, unknown to me, and saved my ass, though he pushed me right back in after catching my footing again.

I have been a fan since early/mid-2000's of Killswitch Engage. I started following during the Howard era, but loved the early stuff with Jesse as well. I am certainly glad that Jesse is back. I liked the stuff Howard did with the band, however Jesse's voice is a better fit, for me anyway. Both albums so far have been stellar.

When I heard about the Killthrax tour, I had to go. I mean, c'mon. Killswitch AND Anthrax on the same night. Jesse AND Joey gracing us with their voices. That's a night chock full of goodness.

So, to be fair, there were two opening acts for this show, Code Orange and The Devil Wears Prada. Not being a fan of either, my brother and I stopped for dinner in Lakeland and missed all of Code Orange and most of TDWP. This wasn't a huge loss for us, but figured I'd point out they were on the tour.

Anthrax

Anthrax

This night, Anthrax was up first, as Anthrax and KSE would swap headlining duties city by city. Antrhax was fucking awesome as always. Opening with Among the Living and playing many crowd favorites such as I am the Law, Antisocial, and many more.

Charlie sporting the Stormtrooper mask

At one point in time, Charlie was sporting a new Stormtrooper mask while beating the skins during the set. Joey shows everyone how it's done interacting with the crowd and belting away. If you've never seen Anthrax live, you're missing out. 

Setlist:

1. Among the Living
2. Caught in a Mosh
3. Madhouse
4. Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't
5. I Am the Law
6. Breathing Lightning
7. Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)
8. Evil Twin
9. March of the S.O.D.
10. (Stormtroopers of Death cover)
11. Blood Eagle Wings
12. Antisocial
13. (Trust cover)
14. Indians

Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage

These guys just come out on fire! Adam is so full of larger than life energy, you cannot help but get swept up in the tide. Jesse knows how to captivate the audience and get everyone singing along. His live chops are certainly something to envy for other vocalists out there.

The stage setup was not quite as elaborate as Anthrax, but that took absolutely nothing away from the show whatsoever. Having more than a decade worth of albums behind them, they drew from every part of their history. Opening with Hate by Design, a worthy title for the world we live in today, to the Rock Band game favorite, My Curse, there were so many great tunes to sing along to, and we all did.

To get up on stage and give it all you've got for a short set is one thing. To do over an hour long set and still have the chops to keep it up with songs like Strength of the Mind and In Due Time take great stamina and endurance and Jesse still delivered.

The crowd was treated to Joey of Antrhax joining the KSE guys on stage for Dio's  Holy Diver. What a killer live rendition, not to mention what a way to end the show.

Setlist:

1. Hate by Design
2. Vide Infra
3. My Last Serenade
4. A Bid Farewell
5. Fixation on the Darkness
6. When Darkness Falls
7. Alone I Stand
8. The End of Heartache
9. Embrace the Journey...Upraised
10. Take This Oath
11. Rose of Sharyn
12. This Is Absolution
13. Beyond the Flames
14. My Curse
15. Strength of the Mind
16. In Due Time
17. Holy Diver (Dio cover)

All in all, this was such a great show. My first time seeing KSE, and I will see them anytime they come through the area.