Featuring: Megadeth, Lamb of God, In Flames
BOK Center, Tulsa, OK
There seems to be a new trend of really stretching the limits of compatible subgenres of metal for the sake of co-headlining tours, especially for veterans of the scene. Let me tell you. I’m here for it. You should be too.
The BOK (Bank of Oklahoma) Center is a beautiful venue in a downtown area that is very manageable for pedestrians. I highly recommend visiting Tulsa for a show at either this venue, Cain’s Ballroom, or the Tulsa Theater (formerly known as the Brady). Get there early and walk to one of downtown Tulsa’s many quirky and interesting cafes, bars, or coffee shops. We spent the afternoon at Chimera, which is all three of those things.
I think many of us have forgotten how important In Flames is to melodic death metal. If someone were to ask me to show them a solid example of good Melo-death, one of the first albums I’d reach for is 1999’s Colony. You wouldn’t know they were such long-time vets – they invade the stage with a youthful energy that is as explosive and captivating as bands with half as many years under their belts. Their set was career spanning, covering many different phases of the band, and honoring fans of each of their many eras.
After In Flames, metalcore pioneers Lamb of God assailed the audience. This was one of the most fun performances I’ve seen in a good while. Frontman Randy Blythe whipping around his gargantuan dreadlocks is really something you have to see in person. Not to mention – I would defy any guitar player to spread their feet further apart than guitarist Will Adler while still riffing like a boss. Lamb of God makes use of as many aspects of great live shows as they can, including thrilling light shows and some of the most elaborate pyrotechnics I’ve seen this side of Rammstein.
Megadeth is a member of the Big Four. If you don’t know what that is, please stop reading this and Google it. Dave Mustaine is literally a living legend – too rock n’ roll for Metallica – and it’s surreal to see him in person. He is still a charismatic frontman, full of coolness and rebellion, but now with just a touch of adulthood in his demeanor. Megadeth is one of those bands that, if you’re not a die-hard, you might not even realize how many classic songs you know. Anthem after anthem, Megadeth’s set was exciting, but felt just a little too short. But time flies when you’re having fun, and living slow just isn’t Megadeth’s style.
This summer, lamb of God is hitting the festival circuit. Do yourself a favor and catch them.
-JR