Machine Head - Fillmore - Minneapolis MN - May 4th 2025

Live Nation presents Machine Head with special guests In Flames, Lacuna Coil and Unearth on May 4th 2025

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Unearth’s live show is less of a performance and more of a battleground. From the moment the band stormed the stage, the energy was unrelenting. Kicking things off with “My Will Be Done,” they wasted no time plunging the crowd into chaos — a sea of headbanging, moshing, and unfiltered catharsis.

Trevor Phipps’ vocals tore through the mix like a buzzsaw, perfectly layered over the wall of sound from Buz McGrath’s relentless riffing. Despite lineup changes, the band hasn’t lost a step. Their tightness as a unit is impressive, especially in newer tracks like “The Wretched; The Ruinous,” which blend technical precision with the raw aggression fans have loved since The Oncoming Storm.

Classic cuts like “Giles” and “This Lying World” reminded everyone why Unearth is a cornerstone of metalcore. There’s a perfect balance between groove and chaos, breakdowns and melody — and the pit responded accordingly.

Stage presence remains one of their strongest suits. There’s no over-the-top production — just amps, sweat, and pure metal fury. You feel every riff in your chest, every scream in your gut.

In a genre where trends come and go, Unearth has stayed true to their core without sounding stagnant. Their live show proves they’re not just surviving — they’re thriving.

Rating: ★★★★☆
(4.5 if the venue’s sound mix is on point)

When Lacuna Coil takes the stage, it’s more than just a show — it’s an atmosphere. Bathed in deep red lights and fog, the Milan-based gothic metal veterans make a commanding entrance, their aesthetic blending theatricality with sincerity. As the opening notes of “Layers of Time” rumble through the venue, the audience is immediately pulled into the band’s world — one where darkness and defiance coexist in perfect harmony.

Cristina Scabbia is, as always, a magnetic force. Her vocals are not just technically flawless — they’re emotionally charged, switching from haunting melodies to soaring choruses that envelop the crowd. Andrea Ferro brings a grounded, aggressive counterbalance, and their chemistry onstage remains one of Lacuna Coil’s greatest strengths.

The setlist spans their evolution — from the ethereal vibes of Comalies with songs like “Swamped XX,” to the heavier, groove-laden edge of Black Anima and Delirium. Fans old and new are fed, with standout moments like “Blood, Tears, Dust” igniting the crowd into a unified chant.

What makes a Lacuna Coil show special isn’t just the music — it’s the connection. Between songs, Cristina speaks directly to the audience, emphasizing themes of resilience, identity, and not being afraid to embrace your shadows. That energy resonates; it’s intimate and empowering, even in a packed hall.

The band’s visuals — masks, body paint, minimalist backdrops — never distract. Instead, they enhance the cinematic quality of the performance. And while they don’t rely on pyrotechnics or big-budget gimmicks, the emotional weight and performance precision more than deliver.

Final Verdict:
Lacuna Coil doesn’t just perform — they immerse you. Whether you came for the heavy riffs or the soaring choruses, you’ll leave feeling seen, heard, and energized.

Rating: ★★★★½☆
A cathartic, high-impact experience from one of metal’s most emotionally intelligent acts.

Machine Head doesn’t warm up an audience — they ignite it. The moment Robb Flynn and crew storm the stage, it’s all fire and fury. Kicking off with “Imperium,” the crowd instantly erupts into a frenzy of fists, hair, and guttural shouts. It’s not just a concert; it’s a declaration of war against silence.

Machine Head’s live presence is commanding. Robb Flynn is equal parts frontman, preacher, and battle commander, leading his metal army with absolute control. His mix of clean vocals and roars hits with precision, and his speeches between songs – usually about unity, defiance, or the state of the world – are heartfelt without veering into cliché.

The band’s dual-guitar attack (depending on the lineup) is relentless, with chugging riffs from “Davidian” and the punishing groove of “Ten Ton Hammer” shaking the foundation. Their newer material, like tracks from ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN, blends melody and brutality, keeping the set both dynamic and emotionally potent.

Fans don’t just sing along — they scream every lyric like it’s life or death. Whether it’s the extended solo in “Halo” or the pit-splitting chaos of “From This Day,” Machine Head shows don’t just entertain — they unify. It’s common for Flynn to stop mid-show, have the house lights raised, and speak directly to the crowd, reinforcing a sense of shared identity and loyalty that’s rare in modern metal.

The band often plays long sets, sometimes over two hours, with zero filler. That endurance, and the passion behind every song, makes Machine Head’s concerts feel more like rituals than gigs.