Metal Allegiance, the star-studded supergroup featuring metal heavyweights such as David Ellefson, Alex Skolnick, Mike Portnoy, and Mark Menghi, delivered a seismic performance at the Anaheim House of Blues on January 25. The band, known for its exceptional fusion of thrash, groove, and traditional heavy metal, crushed a 19-song set that torched a packed house deep in the heart of Orange County. This was by far the best show during the 2024 NAMM week and far exceeded expectations from both new and established fans alike.
The Metal Allegiance project (celebrating its landmark 10th Anniversary) stands as a testament to the enduring impact and influence of an amazing group of legendary musicians. With members hailing from iconic bands such as Megadeth, Testament, Dream Theater, Exodus and more, Metal Allegiance represents a convergence of immense talent, experience, and passion for metal music. This amalgamation of virtuosic musicianship and diverse influences infuses their live shows with an unparalleled dynamism and raw energy.
Thursday’s show kicked off with an electrifying performance by the San Diego-based band Quor. Despite being unfamiliar with their music, I was blown away by their captivating opening set, setting the stage for what was to come. Held Hostage then took the spotlight, delivering a scorching set that ignited the House of Blues. Prior to Metal Allegiance taking the stage for their 10th anniversary show, the supergroup Dieth, featuring vocalist Guilherme Miranda, drummer Michał Łysejko, bassist David Ellefson, and guest guitarist Jadran Gonzalez, delivered an awe-inspiring performance, seamlessly leading into the main event.
As the concert unfolded at the Anaheim House of Blues, Metal Allegiance wasted no time in igniting the stage with their explosive presence. The crowd was immediately engulfed in a sonic maelstrom as the band launched into their setlist with unrelenting force with “The Accuser.” Alex Skolnick and Andreas Kisser’s scorching guitar solos, coupled with Mark Menghi’s thunderous bass lines and Mike Portnoy’s drumming mastery, formed a formidable sonic foundation that reverberated throughout the venue.
The set featured a diverse array of tracks, showcasing Metal Allegiance’s ability to seamlessly traverse sub-genres within the metal spectrum. From bone-crushing thrash anthems to melodically rich compositions, the band exhibited a remarkable versatility that kept the audience captivated throughout the evening.. A standout moment for me included a haunting rendition of “Can’t Kill the Devil,” where the interplay between soaring melodies and crushing riffs created an enthralling sonic tapestry. Chuck Billy’s vocals were straight fire.
Metal Allegiance’s performance at the Anaheim House of Blues stood as a resounding triumph, exceeding the lofty expectations of fans and critics alike. The band’s mastery of their craft, coupled with an unwavering commitment to delivering an unforgettable live experience, solidified their status as torchbearers of modern metal. The concert served as a potent reminder of the enduring power of metal music and the unifying force it exerts over legions of devoted fans. Metal Allegiance is alive and well and their 10th anniversary show solidified their righteous spot on the altar of all things metal.
DIETH
HELD HOSTAGE
QUOR
