May 02, 2022 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0
By Christopher David
Following a stellar opening set by doomy Colorado outfit Khemmis, Sweden’s Opeth brought a set drenched in compelling, moody visuals to accompany their unique take on ‘70s-esque prog and hard rock. Delivering an seventy-minute set that ebbed and flowed from fleeting acoustic passages to lengthy epics showcasing the quintet’s depth (particularly set closer “Deliverance”), lead singer Mikael Akerfeldt provided dramatic context against a backdrop of burning churches and otherworldly creatures. Opeth’s current sound defies easy explanation; imagine King Crimson as a band from the early ‘80s New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, with touring drummer Sami Karppinen asserting himself as a solid anchor for the band’s often unexpected arrangements.
Atlanta’s Mastodon, currently basking in the success of 2021’s Hushed and Grim, brought a crushing set of tunes that highlighted just how far they’ve come in recent years. The new album’s theme of death and reflection fit nicely against a mish-mash of visuals that drenched the band in dark light; singer/guitarist Brent Hinds cut an imposing figure, and new tunes “Pushing the Tides” and “Teardrinker” were even darker and heavier live than on record. Mastodon’s lean toward prog-metal in recent years has expanded their sound in all the right ways, and while no stranger to Grammy nominations, their near flawless set at the Riv showcased a band at the peak of its powers.
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Opeth – Riviera Theater, Chicago, IL, April 28th, 2022 (setlist)
Hjartat vet vad Handen gor
Ghost of Perdition
Cusp of Eternity
The Devil’s Orchard
The Drapery Falls
In My Time of Need
Sorceress
Deliverance
Mastodon – Riviera Theater, Chicago, IL, April 28th, 2022 (setlist)
Pain With an Anchor
Crystal Skull
Megalodon
The Crux
Teardrinker
Bladecatcher
Black Tongue
Skeleton of Splendor
The Czar
Pushing the Tides
More Than I Could Chew
Mother Puncher
Gobblers of Dregs
Blood and Thunder
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