The House of Blues in Anaheim became a sanctuary for metalheads as it played host to a night of unadulterated brutality. Friday’s gig featuring thrash metal legends Exodus, Fit for an Autopsy, Darkest Hour, and Undeath was a sonic assault that left the near-capacity crowd begging for more. The show was executed flawlessly and was what everyone needed after the long Thanksgiving holiday filled with food, friends, and festivities. One of my top 10 metal shows in 2023 and that’s saying something.
Kicking off the night was Undeath, a rising force in the world of death metal. Their setlist was a relentless barrage of guttural vocals, intricate guitar work, and pummeling drums. The band commanded the stage with an intensity that captivated the audience from start to finish. Tracks like “Lesions Of A Different Kind” and “Acidic Twilight Visions” showcased their ability to seamlessly shift between blistering speed and bone-crushing heaviness. Undeath left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Next up was Darkest Hour, a band that needs no introduction. With their melodic yet ferocious brand of metalcore, they ignited the crowd into a frenzy. Vocalist John Henry’s commanding stage presence and emotive vocals were a highlight of their performance. The band flawlessly executed their setlist, including fan favorites like “With a Thousand Words to Say But One” and “Amor Fati.” The crowd responded with mosh pits and devil horns in the air, echoing the passion that Darkest Hour brought to the venue.
Fit for an Autopsy took the stage and unleashed a sonic assault that shook the very foundations of the building. Their blend of crushing deathcore and introspective lyrics struck a chord with the crowd. Vocalist Joe Badolato’s guttural growls combined with the intricate guitar work of Patrick Sheridan and Tim Howley created an atmosphere of pure aggression. Songs like “The Sea of Tragic Beasts” and “Two Towers” had the crowd headbanging in unison, fueling the energy in the room to a boiling point.
Finally, the legendary Exodus took the stage, and the anticipation was palpable. The pioneers of thrash metal did not disappoint. Gary Holt’s lightning-fast guitar solos and Steve “Zetro” Souza’s unmistakable vocals ripped through the air like a whirlwind. The crowd erupted into chaos as the band tore through classics like “Bonded by Blood” and “The Toxic Waltz.” Exodus proved that after all these years, they still possess the raw power and energy that made them legends of the genre.
Bottom line, Friday’s gig at the House of Blues Anaheim was truly a night to remember. Each band brought their A-game, delivering blistering performances that left the audience in awe. The venue provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of metal, amplifying the intensity of the music by all these killer bands. If you’re a fan of heavy music, missing this gig would be a grave mistake. Be sure to catch it when they swing through your town this winter—you won’t be disappointed.
UNDEATH
DARKEST HOUR
FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY
EXODUS
