Metal Concerts: A Visual Storytelling Adventure
Heavy metal, as much as any other music form, thrives in a live setting. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard someone describe a band as “better live than on CD.” Metal just makes sense when you pair it with the bold, often ritualistic trappings of a live setting. I’m certain that each and every one of us can think back to a particular show that stands out to us and pick out a visual element that left a lasting impression on you. It may have been the way the lights silhouetted the band during a certain song. It may have been the masked chainsaw-wielding surgeon who seemingly threatened your well-being. It may have been the giant alien phallus that sprayed you with goo. Whatever it was, it suited the music perfectly and rooted itself in your memory.
In celebration of those live triumphs, I reached out to our little Facebook community and asked them to share with me some of their favorite pictures from metal shows they’ve attended. Note than none of these photos are professional. Many were shot on cell-phones at a sizable distance. Some of them are from house shows or intimate venues. All of them are important and tell a story of the music we love.
Meshuggah (January, 2012) – W.
Baring Teeth (December, 2014) – W.
Sanctuary – Dee Snarl
Watain – DeadButtDreaming
Misfits – Dee Snarl
Nine Inch Nails – Dee Snarl
Anciients – Celtic Frosty
Neurosis – Celtic Frosty
Portal – Celtic Frosty
Judas Priest – Celtic Frosty
King Diamond (2014) – 365 Days of Horror
Slayer – Pagliacci
Agalloch – Pagliacci
Mastodon – Pagliacci
Ghost – Stanley
The Ocean – Pagliacci
Kvelertak – Stanley
Cult of Luna – Stanley
Carcass – Stanley
The Black Dahlia Murder – Stanley
Opeth – Pagliacci
Alcest – Pagliacci
Anathema – Pagliacci
Abigail Williams – Pagliacci
Ancient VVisdom – Pagliacci
Morbid Angel – The God Emprah
Royal Thunder – Pagliacci
Russian Circles – Matt
Black Table – Matt
Machine Head (2015) – Alice
Soundgarden – Dee Snarl
Deafheaven (June, 2014) – slipjackthewanderer
Gwar (September, 2009) – W.
Natur (2014) – Simon Phoenix
Deathhammer (2014) – Simon Phoenix
Sadistic Intent (2014) – Simon Phoenix
Do you have a photo that reminds you of a great show? Share it in the comments below!
(All Photos VIA Their Owners. Main Photo VIA Celtic Frosty)
