Metalheads of Chicago packed the Radius down the side south of Chicago as Machine Head delivered a relentless, bone-crushing performance that left fans in a haze of adrenaline and sweat. From the opening notes of “Imperium,” it was clear that this show was going to be something to remember.
Setlist Highlights & Atmosphere
- Kicking off with “Imperium”, Machine Head set the tone immediately—a powerhouse of riff-driven aggression that had the crowd surging.
- The pummeling heaviness of “Ten Ton Hammer” brought an earth-shaking groove that reminded everyone why this track remains a live staple.
- “CHØKE ØN THE ASHES ØF YØUR HATE” hit like a wrecking ball, delivering blistering speed and Robb Flynn’s ferocious vocal attack.
- Emotions ran high as the band transitioned into “Now We Die” and “Catharsis”, giving fans both melody and chaos in equal measure.
- “Locust” proved why Machine Head remains masters of modern metal—its eerie, crawling build-up exploded into pure devastation.
- The classic sheer intensity of “Davidian” went down in spectacular fashion, sending the pit into overdrive with its anthemic chorus: Let freedom ring with a shotgun blast!
- To close it out, “Halo”. Not sure more needs to be said about this closer.
Crowd Energy & Performance
The energy was strong—Chicago’s metal community showed up in full force, with circle pits raging throughout the set. Flynn commanded the stage with his signature mix of guttural aggression and melodic finesse, while guitarist Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka delivered razor-sharp solos with precision. Jared MacEachern’s bass was thunderous, and drummer Matt Alston ensured every breakdown hit like a sledgehammer to the chest.
Final Verdict
Machine Head doesn’t just play music—they ignite a warzone of sound, passion, and unrelenting power. Chicago bore witness to a band that, after decades, still refuses to hold back. Whether you were thrashing in the pit or raising your horns in the air, this show was a testament to Machine Head’s longstanding dominance in metal.
–Philcore
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