Prepare for Hell Tour
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
11/23/2014
Despite the stomach flu’s best efforts, I was able to sneak away to see Slipknot and Korn play a double-headlining set in Ft Wayne, IN right before Thanksgiving. Such a great opportunity to see two bands that have been doing this for 2 decades, and are still every bit as entertaining as they were in the late 90s. This would be my first Slipknot show since the release of their new album, which was the first album since a change in bassists (after Paul Gray’s death) and drummer (after Joey Jordison’s release from the band). Korn as the other headliner made the show solid top to bottom, and that’s all I need for an excuse to drive to Ft. Wayne and check out a new venue.
Opener: King 810
I hadn’t heard much about King 810, but knew that they were on a hot streak on festivals and the touring track, so was looking forward to giving them a shot. While their music was a bit harsh for me, they had a really fantastic and polished sound. Brutally punishing guitar and drum tracks, a thick bass line that held everything together nicely, and really decent stage presence. Their lyrics were particularly creative, and if you could get past the harsh whisper nature of them, really added to the uniqueness. I picked up their album after the fact, and I do think they have some real potential. However, that particular vocal style isn’t really my thing. Further research into the band portrays them as some thugs from Flint (810 area code) who have been arrested for beating the shit out of people at a show, and getting my ass beat at a show (or supporting thugs) isn’t really my thing either…but I can’t deny the sound. Let’s see where they end up.
First Headliner: Korn
As I said before, when you see Korn on a bill, you can book it. Jonathan Davis simply does not take shows off. At a spry 44 years old, he continues day in and day out to absolutely crush the stage. Korn has a lot of sentimental value for me, as their rise to prominence coincided with my teenage stupidity. This show was similar to those that I’ve seen before – recent Korn shows feature a bit more of their new electronica sound and a couple of different stage elements, however, it’s the same old Korn. Still playing the bagpipes, still hammering Freak on a Leash and Got the Life, and every bit as enjoyable as they ever have been. Loved it.
Second Headliner: Slipknot
I’ve written about Slipknot countless times before – and to this day I still believe they put on one of the greatest live shows around. My favorite part of watching them live is thinking about what this group of misfits has been through – both early in their career and more recently. Replacing Paul Gray and Joey Jordison is an astronomical feat, and doing this while still keeping the positive creative energy and the identity of the band in tact is a major accomplishment. Slipknot a rare breed in the world of Metal – so successful that their fame borders on mainstream – – exemplified perfectly by them essentially sweeping fan-voted Loudwire Music Awards by ridiculous margins in nearly every single category. I continue to love and support this band because they are so different than everything else, and yet so much the same as they were 10 years ago when I started listening to them. The best thing about them? Their live show.
This show was fantastic – matching every bit of energy, creative brilliance, and technical mastery that I’ve come to expect from Slipknot. I tried hard to focus on the newness of the show – new members, new album, new set, but at the beginning of the third song, when The Heretic Anthem hit, I was totally lost in the experience. I cursed myself at the end for not taking more notes, not doing more mental snapshots, but…then I realized….by my count, this is my 11th time seeing Slipknot…and they still totally consume me with their live show. What more can I say?
Roll that footage….
