Megadeth’s Destroy All Enemies Tour Hits Hard at the Pine Knob Music Theatre
On a cool evening at Pine Knob Music Theatre, Megadeth delivered a performance that was anything but calm. Out on their Destroy All Enemies tour, the band demonstrated why they remain one of the most enduring and influential acts in metal. Over 95 minutes, Megadeth unleashed a 16-song set that spanned their decades-long career, showcasing a blend of old classics and newer material, all executed with the precision and intensity that the band is acclaimed for.
From the opening guitar riffs, it was clear that the band had come to make a statement. The gauntlet was dropped as legendary outfit launched into “The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!”, a track from their most recent album, setting a foreboding tone right from the start. The song’s heavy, driving riffs cut through the night air, and its apocalyptic themes felt like a fitting opening for a band whose lyrics have often grappled with societal collapse. Dave Mustaine’s snarling delivery underscored the urgency of the song, while recent addition Teemu Mantysaari’s intricate guitar work added a level of sophistication that elevated the overall composition.
The high octane momentum continued with “Dread and the Fugitive Mind,” which showcased the band’s ability to combine complex musicianship with a relentless groove. Mantysaari’s solos intertwined effortlessly with Mustaine’s more angular riffs, creating a dynamic contrast that kept the near capacity crowd on its feet throughout the night. The rhythm section of James LoMenzo on bass and Dirk Verbeuren on drums was rock solid, providing the thunderous foundation on which the rest of the performance was built.
“Wake Up Dead” followed, a thrash anthem from their Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? era. The rapid-fire tempo and relentless, driving riffs pushed the energy in the crowd to new heights. Verbeuren’s drumming was particularly noteworthy here, as he navigated the song’s intricate time changes with ease, never sacrificing power for precision. Meanwhile, LoMenzo’s bass lines added a muscular undertone that gave the song its propulsive drive.
One of the high points of the night came early with “Hangar 18,” a staple of Megadeth’s live shows. The interplay between Mustaine and Montessori was mesmerizing as they traded solos, each one building in complexity and intensity. The song’s stop-start structure, punctuated by blistering lead work, demonstrated Megadeth’s technical prowess, while the crowd’s roars of approval showed just how beloved this track remains.
Megadeth didn’t slow down as they moved into “Washington Is Next!”, a politically charged song that seemed to resonate deeply in the current climate. The song’s galloping rhythm and sharp, biting lyrics provided a moment of reflection amid the chaos. Mustaine’s delivery was pointed and forceful, driving home the song’s message without ever losing the aggression that has long defined the band’s sound.
“Angry Again” brought a slight change in tone, with its more groove-oriented structure offering a moment of rhythmic variety. LoMenzo’s bass playing took center stage here, anchoring the song with a deep, pulsing line that gave it a menacing quality. The song’s relatively straightforward arrangement contrasted with the more intricate compositions that surrounded it, but its infectious energy kept the crowd fully locked in.
“Sweating Bullets” followed, offering one of the more theatrical moments of the night. The song’s spoken-word verses, delivered with Mustaine’s signature sneer, created a palpable sense of tension before exploding into the chorus. It’s a track that walks the line between absurdity and intensity, and Megadeth’s execution was pitch-perfect.
As the night progressed, the band continued to deliver hit after hit. “Countdown to Extinction” and “Skin o’ My Teeth,” both hit hard, with their driving tempos and razor-sharp riffs cutting through the night air, permeating high above “The Hill” on top. Mantysaari driving solo during “Tornado of Souls” was a standout moment, as he paid homage to the song’s original guitar work while also injecting his own style into the performance. The crowd responded in kind, with fists in the air and heads banging in unison.
“We’ll Be Back,” another recent addition to the setlist, showed that Megadeth is still capable of writing songs with the same ferocity that defined their early work. The relentless speed and aggression of the track proved that the band is not content to rest on their laurels, but rather continues to push the boundaries of their sound, re-enforcing their position as one of the “Big Four” of the metal genre.
As the main set drew to a close, the band launched into “Peace Sells,” one of their most iconic songs. The bassline that opens the track was instantly recognizable, and the crowd erupted in response. LoMenzo’s playing was spot on, and Mustaine’s delivery of the song’s sneering lyrics felt as relevant as ever. The song’s blend of social commentary and musical aggression served as a perfect encapsulation of Megadeth’s enduring appeal.
The encore began with “Symphony of Destruction,” a track that has become synonymous with Megadeth’s live shows. The crowd sang along to every word, and the band fed off that energy, delivering a performance that was both tight and ferocious. Once again Mantysaari’s scintillating guitar work was a highlight, his solos cutting through the driving mix with precision and flair.
Finally, the band closed the night with “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due,” a song that encapsulates everything that makes Megadeth one of the greatest metal bands of all time. The song’s complex structure, shifting between blistering thrash and melodic passages, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Mustaine’s snarling vocals and expressions, combined with the intricate interplay between the band members, brought the night to a fitting climax.
In the end, Megadeth’s performance at Pine Knob was a masterclass in metal. Their ability to seamlessly blend technical proficiency with raw energy and aggression left no doubt that they remain at the top of their game. From the opening notes to the final encore, the band delivered a relentless, exhilarating show that left no doubt they still are a top tier player in the ever changing world of metal.
