HUNTINGTON, WV- Thrash metal stalwarts Megadeth brought their “Destroy All Enemies” tour to the newly christened Marshall Health Network Arena in Huntington, WV, drawing an eager crowd of die-hard fans. Led by the legendary Dave Mustaine, the band delivered a performance that paid homage to their decades-long career while remaining fresh and exciting. Fans came out in droves to celebrate a band whose music has stood the test of time, solidifying Megadeth’s place among the genre’s “Big Four” for the last 40 years. It was clear from the outset that the night would be special.
In a triumphant display of endurance, Megadeth proved that age has no bearing on rock ‘n’ roll. Their high-energy performance was electrifying, demonstrating why they continue to be a relevant force in metal music. Joining them were some of the finest support acts, including All That Remains and Mudvayne, making for a dynamic lineup that kept the audience fully engaged. The crowd buzzed with excitement and anticipation long before the lights even went down, primed for the metal onslaught to come.
The evening opened with Massachusetts-based metal band All That Remains, who gave a short but highly impactful seven-song set. Armed with powerful rhythms and intense vocals from singer Phillip LaBonte, the band immediately immersed the crowd in a melodic metal onslaught. Not resting on the laurels of their twenty-plus-year career, the current lineup set out to prove they are just as fresh and powerful as ever. Lead guitarist Jason Richardson, who replaced the late Olí Herbert, showcased his musical prowess and honored Herbert’s legacy by flawlessly performing his riffs. Drummer Anthony Barone, guitarist Mike Martin, and bassist Aaron Patrick rounded out the lineup, proving that they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Opening with “Now Let Them Tremble,” the band ripped through a setlist that included “Chiron,” “This Calling,” “Six,” and “Two Weeks.” Their stage show was top-notch as they delivered their brand of metal to an enthusiastic crowd that ate it up, while the band engaged with fans, covering every corner of the stage. Although serving as an opening act, they delivered a performance that could easily be considered headliner-worthy.
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As Mudvayne commenced their performance with remarkable vigor, the crowd became even rowdier, filled with anticipation. Mudvayne, the embodiment of the Nu-Metal genre, has made several appearances as both a direct support band and a headliner in recent years. They turned up the heat with their hard-hitting sound and theatrical stage presence. Adorned in striking face paint and sci-fi-inspired masks, they delivered a series of crowd-pleasing hits.
Singer Chad Gray stalked the stage, delivering his pitch-perfect, aggressive yet melodic vocals. His “sad clown” makeup beneath a bloodied eye mask, which also hid a bullet hole in his forehead and creepy white contacts, added to his intense stage presence. Guitarist Greg Tribbett prowled the stage in a steampunk mask with red and black face paint and dreadlocks, adding robotic movements to his performance. Bassist Ryan Martinie, resembling a Shaolin monk with a colorful design over his right eye, attacked his 5-string bass with martial artist-like movements. Along with drummer Matthew McDonald and rhythm guitarist Marcus Rafferty, the band effortlessly drew the crowd into their world of music and characters.
Mudvayne wasted no time, instantly erupting into their first song, “Dig.” The crowd was fully invested in what the band was offering, and no one wanted to miss a moment. They continued with several fan-favorite tracks, including “Not Falling,” “Fall to Sleep,” and “Fish Out of Water,” before closing with “Happy?”—all delivered with the same high energy that marked the beginning of their set. Mudvayne proved they are not just a metal band but a remarkable force in heavy musicianship, offering a live experience unlike any other.
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Finally, the stage was set for the headliners. A red curtain was raised as a character dressed as a plague doctor wheeled a cart full of body parts to center stage, shouting “BRING OUT YOUR DEAD!”—a fitting prelude to the opening song. As the music swelled, the curtain dropped, revealing the band and, most notably, Dave Mustaine perched on drummer Dirk Verbeuren’s riser, playing the opening riff to “The Sick, the Dying, and the Dead.” At 62, Mustaine’s energetic performance was a pleasant surprise, as he kept pace with the younger members of the band throughout the show. Joining Mustaine were former White Lion bassist James Lomenzo and Finnish guitarist Teemu Mantysaari, whose shredding bordered on virtuosity. Together, they played with vigor, proving that age has not dulled their edge.
Megadeth delivered an all-killer, no-filler setlist packed with mandatory classics like “Sweating Bullets,” “Hanger 18,” “Angry Again,” and “She-Wolf.” Of course, no Megadeth set would be complete without their iconic tracks “Symphony of Destruction” and “Peace Sells,” which they played effortlessly. Having never seen Megadeth in their heyday, witnessing them live at full capacity felt like a special treat. Alongside newer tracks and deep cuts that don’t get played on every tour, they laid down an exuberant display of thrash metal mastery. In the realm of the “Big Four,” Mustaine stands out not only as an iconic guitarist and lyricist but also as a founding member of Metallica. After his departure from Metallica, Mustaine swiftly established Megadeth, making him the only guitarist to contribute to the formation of two legendary bands.
Though Megadeth’s current lineup may not be the original, the band remains a relevant force in today’s chaotic society. Their lyrics are as poignant and germane as ever. With that in mind, the band shot straight into a boisterous rendition of “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due,” closing the night to an enthusiastic crowd. The tour runs through the end of September, giving fans on the East Coast a few more chances to catch this legendary band live. Make plans to go if they’re playing near you.
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