Nothing kicks off a Monday better than a killer show, and that’s what Chicago had in store. The Vic Theatre in Chicago was packed full with a swarm of rabid fans, for one of metal’s biggest and most diverse lineups of 2022.
Kicking off the evening was Unto Others. Sounding like the love child of The Cure and Danzig I was actually unfamiliar with them and was expecting something different. Playing in front of giant set pieces making the stage appear as a dark cemetery almost, the band kept the lights dark as they played to a crowd that was captivated by them. Intertwining so many different elements from heavy riffs, goth rock, and more into the mix, they blasted through their set showcasing why they will be a name that sticks around the genre for some time.
Next up was a band that needed no introduction. Busting right into a set that contained enough energy to power a city, Napalm Death showed why not only are they still a massive band, but why they are considered legends of the genre. It should be noted that even while busting out vocals that would be strenuous for even the most seasoned veteran Barney Greenway almost never stood still for more than a few seconds at a time. Running and dancing around like a madman Barney and the band blasted through a 16 song setlist with deadly accuracy. Seeing Shane Embury play at an insane speed up close as well, is something every metal fan should experience.
Finally though, it was time for the first of two co-headliners, Arch Enemy. The melodic death metal vets came out to a crowd eager to see them and they did not disappoint. Alissa White-Gluz leads the band and can command the crowd from any spot on stage with her presence. Vocally she is killing it and sounded even better than the previous two times I’ve seen them which I didn’t believe was even possible. You can’t talk AE though without talking about the team of Jeff Loomis and Michael Amott. Both top tier guitarists on their own, but together they create a masterclass that should be viewed by all. The entire band though is on a different level and clearly enjoying their time on stage. It was nothing but smiles from all there and their energy fed into the crowds and vice versa.
Switching over to a much darker side though it was time to close the night out with Poland’s own Behemoth. One of, if not the biggest band from their home country, the crowd was rabid for them singing every word to every song. Its great to see a band like this have such a large dedicated following.
Blasting through a 12 song set, it pretty much played as a greatest hits throughout their career. Covering every album, the band was on top form. While the music is heavy and dark, the band was having a great time on stage. Playing to the crowd and one another they delivered a performance akin to what the band has become known for.
