Home Gigs Gig Review : A Night of Pure Thrash: Kerry King at The Rave, Milwaukee WI

Gig Review : A Night of Pure Thrash: Kerry King at The Rave, Milwaukee WI

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Review & Photography by Nathan Vestal for MPM

On January 28, 2025, thrash metal enthusiasts gathered at The Rave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for an electrifying night with the legendary Kerry King. Known for his unparalleled guitar work with Slayer, King did not disappoint, delivering a performance that was both powerful and unforgettable.

The Rave, located in the heart of Milwaukee, is a renowned venue that has hosted countless legendary acts over the years. Its unique layout, featuring multiple levels and an expansive main hall, allows for an intimate yet electric concert experience. On this particular night, the venue was packed with enthusiastic metalheads, eager to witness Kerry King, Municipal Waste and Alien Weaponry in action.

The stage was adorned with elaborate lighting and powerful sound equipment, setting the scene for the sonic assault that was about to unfold.

Alien Weaponry

Alien Weaponry delivered a commanding performance at The Rave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as part of a tour supporting Kerry King, with Municipal Waste also on the bill. The New Zealand-based trio, known for their unique fusion of thrash metal and Māori cultural elements, set the tone for an electrifying evening.

The band opened with the drummer performing a traditional Māori haka then the band instantly crashed into “Raupatu,” immediately captivating the audience with their signature blend of aggressive riffs and traditional Māori rhythms. The energy in the venue was unmistakable as they transitioned into “Holding My Breath,” a track that highlights their ability to meld melodic elements with heavy instrumentation.

A standout moment was the live debut of “Mau Moko,” a single from their forthcoming album Te Rā, set to release on March 28, 2025. The song delves into the significance of traditional Māori tattoos, known as moko, and their cultural revival. Bassist and lyricist Tūranga Porowini Morgan-Edmonds has emphasized the importance of this track in celebrating Māori heritage and resilience.

The performance continued with “Rū Ana Te Whenua,” a fan favorite that ignited vigorous headbanging and mosh pit activity. They concluded their set with “Kai Tangata,” leaving the crowd in awe of their musical prowess and cultural storytelling.

The audience’s response to Alien Weaponry was overwhelmingly positive. Fans were particularly enthusiastic about the inclusion of “Mau Moko,” appreciating the band’s commitment to sharing their cultural heritage through music. The charged energy in the venue had concertgoers fully engaged throughout the performance.

Alien Weaponry’s performance at The Rave was a testament to their growth as musicians and cultural ambassadors. Their seamless integration of thrash metal with Māori traditions offers a refreshing and impactful experience in the metal scene. As they continue their tour with Kerry King and Municipal Waste, fans can look forward to further compelling performances that honor their heritage while delivering unrelenting metal energy.

Municipal Waste (will f**k you up)

The iconic thrash metal band Municipal Waste took the stage and delivered a blistering performance that left fans exhilarated and craving more. Municipal Waste exploded onto the stage with their signature track “Garbage Stomp.” From the very first note, it was clear that the band was here to deliver an unforgettable performance. Frontman Tony Foresta commanded the stage with his charismatic presence and powerful vocals, while guitarists Ryan Waste and Nick “Nikropolis” Poulos shredded through riffs with precision and ferocity. Bassist Philip “Landphil” Hall and drummer Dave Witte provided the relentless backbone to their sound, driving the intensity to new heights.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the performance of “Breathe Grease,” a track from their acclaimed album “Slime and Punishment.” The song’s infectious chorus and relentless tempo had the entire audience chanting and moshing with unbridled enthusiasm. Another highlight was the inclusion of “The Art of Partying,” a humorous and high-energy anthem that perfectly encapsulates the band’s party-centric ethos. The band’s ability to blend humor with aggressive thrash made for a unique and entertaining experience.

The crowd interaction was another key element that made this concert unforgettable. Foresta frequently engaged with the audience, sharing anecdotes and jokes between songs. At one point, he reminisced about playing the Milwaukee Metal Fest ’24 and the crowd throwing trash cans in the mosh pit.  This sense of humor and connection is a hallmark of Municipal Waste’s live shows, creating a sense of community and shared experience among fans.

As the final chords of “Born to Party” rang out and the band took their bow, it was evident that Municipal Waste had delivered a performance for the ages. Their blend of relentless thrash, infectious humor, and genuine connection with the audience resulted in a concert that will undoubtedly be remembered by all in attendance. The Rave proved to be the perfect venue for such a high-octane show, enhancing the overall experience with its unique ambiance and excellent acoustics.

Kerry King

As the lights dimmed and the crowd’s roar reached a climax, Kerry King, the legendary Slayer guitarist, took the stage with his signature BC Rich guitar in hand. The crowd welcomed the impressive band comprised of talented musicians with roaring applause.

From the first riff, it was clear that the audience was in for a treat. Phil Demmel of Machinehead played dynamic solos on his Jackson guitar and provided a harmonious complement. Mark Osegueda of Death Angel belted out powerful vocals to seamlessly bridge the band’s new material with the legacy of Slayer.

The band’s cohesion was evident, with additional members Bassist Kyle Sanders of Hellyeah and drummer Paul Bostaph of Slayer contributing to a tight and impactful performance.  

The setlist was a masterful blend of Slayer classics and new material, showcasing King’s virtuosity. His solos were executed with precision, and his stage presence commanded attention.

When the band launched into “Where I Reign” from their debut solo album From Hell I Rise, it was evident that King’s signature aggressive guitar work remained as potent as ever. Tracks like “Rage”, “Trophies of the Tyrant”, and “Residue” showcased his evolution as a songwriter, blending intricate solos with crushing riffs. Interspersed covers of Slayer classics such as “Repentless”, “Disciple”, and the iconic “Raining Blood” each elicited thunderous reactions from the crowd.

A notable highlight was the inclusion of Iron Maiden covers “Purgatory” and “Killers”, demonstrating Kerry King’s versatility and paying homage to metal legends.

Throughout the 85-minute performance, Kerry King’s commanding stage presence was undeniable. Their interactions with the audience, combined with the band’s tight musicianship, created an immersive experience.

The lighting and stage design complemented the music perfectly, with synchronized strobes and visuals enhancing the intensity of each song.

The audience’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Fans, both young and old, were seen headbanging, moshing, and singing along to every word. The atmosphere was electric, with a physical sense of community and shared passion for the music.

Kerry King’s performance was a night to remember. Their blend of technical skill, stage presence, and genuine connection with the audience made for an unforgettable experience.

For those in attendance, it was a powerful reminder of why the members of Kerry King remain towering figures in the world of metal. As the final notes faded and the crowd dispersed, one thing was clear: Kerry King had once again solidified their place as true metal legends.

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