Mastodon and Eagles of Death Metal Roar in Michigan

2017-10-13

Story and photos by Anne Erickson

Review + photos: Mastodon topped a captivating progressive metal bill in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Atlanta metallers Mastodon make the kind of heavy, loud and complex music that one would expect from a band named, well, Mastodon. The four-piece outfit has a sludgy, doom-y, adventurous take on progressive metal, and that unique mix makes their live shows a truly captivating experience.

Mastodon is on the road with two equally epic acts, Eagles of Death Metal and Russian Circles, and the trek made a stop in Grand Rapids on Wednesday (Oct. 11).

Metal fans at the packed club venue were treated to a headlining set of intricate, near-hypnotic music from the band’s latest album, “Emperor of Sand,” and beyond.

Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher all contribute vocals to Mastodon’s music, but over the past few years, Sanders has stepped it up to take on more of the vocal duties. From “The Last Baron” to “Divinations,” the band’s 19-song set gave audience members a hefty dose of all that is Mastodon.

Eagles of Death Metal went on before Mastodon and following an opening set from the instrumental Russian Circles. The crowd exploded with excitement when frontman Jesse Hughes leaped onto the stage, soon donning a cape — one of his signature favorite things — given to him by an audience member.

Throughout the 30-minute set, Hughes and the Eagles of Death Metal crew rocked out to their own bouncy, blues-based songs and even a cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream.”

View concert photos from the evening below.

Mastodon in Grand Rapids on October 11, 2017. Anne Erickson

Mastodon in Grand Rapids on October 11, 2017. Anne Erickson

Mastodon in Grand Rapids on October 11, 2017. Anne Erickson

Mastodon in Grand Rapids on October 11, 2017. Anne Erickson

Eagles of Death Metal in Grand Rapids on October 11, 2017. Anne Erickson

Eagles of Death Metal in Grand Rapids on October 11, 2017. Anne Erickson

Eagles of Death Metal in Grand Rapids on October 11, 2017. Anne Erickson

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.