Metallica - U.S. Bank Stadium - Minneapolis MN - August 16th 2024

Metallica live in Minneapolis Minnesota on Augist 16th with special guests Five Finger Death Punch and Ice Nine Kills

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Ice Nine Kills put on an electrifying performance as the opening act for Metallica at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16th, 2024. The Boston-based band, known for their dynamic blend of metalcore, post-hardcore, and theatrical stage presence, brought the heat right from the start.

Stage Presence & Energy: Ice Nine Kills immediately captivated the audience with their high-energy stage presence. Frontman Spencer Charnas commanded the stage, effortlessly shifting between intense screams and melodic vocals, while the rest of the band delivered a hard-hitting, tight performance. The band’s theatrical flair, which has become a trademark of their live shows, was on full display, with dramatic lighting, atmospheric visuals, and a setlist full of crowd-pumping anthems.

Musical Performance: Opening with tracks from their 2023 album Welcome to Horrorwood, the band seamlessly blended new material with fan favorites from earlier releases. Songs like “Funeral Derangements” and “A Rash Decision” had the crowd headbanging and moshing within seconds. The band’s ability to blend catchy hooks with breakdowns and intricate guitar work stood out, with lead guitarist Dan Sugarman’s solos slicing through the air with precision. Drummer Patrick Galante was a powerhouse, keeping the tempo relentless and ensuring the band’s dynamic sound never faltered.

The crowd was particularly vocal during “The American Nightmare” and “Stabbing in the Dark,” with Ice Nine Kills’ blend of horror-themed lyrics and brutal yet melodic music resonating with Metallica fans who were already anticipating the headliners.

Crowd Interaction: Throughout the set, Charnas did a great job of engaging the audience, mixing humor with genuine appreciation for the fans. He even mentioned how surreal it was to open for Metallica, a band that has influenced so many. The crowd’s response was loud, especially for their more theatrical moments, and Ice Nine Kills did a great job of warming up the stadium for the massive Metallica show to follow.

Conclusion: Ice Nine Kills made the most of their time on stage, delivering an intense, memorable set that showcased their musical talent and theatricality. They may have been the opening act, but they certainly earned their moment in the spotlight, bringing their signature mix of metalcore aggression and horror-inspired theatrics to U.S. Bank Stadium. By the time they wrapped up, the crowd was more than ready for Metallica—but Ice Nine Kills had already left their mark.

Five Finger Death Punch (FFDP) brought their signature brand of heavy, radio-friendly metal to U.S. Bank Stadium as the opening act for Metallica on August 16, 2024. With an explosive performance and a setlist packed with crowd favorites, FFDP made a lasting impression on the massive stadium audience, setting the stage for the legends to come.

Stage Presence & Energy:

Right from the moment the band hit the stage, Five Finger Death Punch commanded attention. The production was massive, with bright, flashing lights, intricate video screens, and a solid pyrotechnic display that lit up the stadium. Frontman Ivan Moody, known for his charismatic yet no-nonsense stage persona, wasted no time engaging with the audience. His commanding presence, combined with the band’s brutal sound, set an intense tone for the evening.

The band—Moody, guitarists Zoltan Bathory and Andy James, bassist Chris Kael, and drummer Charlie Engen—brought relentless energy to every song, which resonated with the already excited crowd. They played like they had something to prove, even though they were tasked with warming up a stadium of Metallica die-hards.

Musical Performance:

Five Finger Death Punch’s set was a hard-hitting blend of their signature heavy grooves and anthemic choruses. Kicking things off with “Sham Pain” from their 2018 album And Justice for None, the band quickly locked in with the crowd, whose energy mirrored the band’s from the first note. The unmistakable guitar riffs of Bathory and James provided a sharp contrast to the more melodic vocal lines of Ivan Moody, which made the more aggressive moments stand out even more.

Fan favorites like “Bad Company,” “Lift Me Up,” and “Wash It All Away” were met with deafening cheers. The latter’s catchy chorus sent waves of energy through the crowd, creating an almost stadium-wide sing-along. There was a perfect balance of their heavier tracks, like “Under and Over It” and “Jekyll and Hyde,” which allowed the band to showcase their range—transitioning seamlessly from brutal, aggressive riffs to more melodic, anthemic moments.

Moody’s vocals were on point throughout, though his delivery was as intense as ever—whether growling through a heavy breakdown or showing off his more melodic side. His interactions with the crowd were a mix of humor and gratitude, acknowledging the significance of opening for Metallica. He even took a moment to share a personal story, further connecting with the audience.

Crowd Interaction:

One of the highlights of FFDP’s performance was their ability to engage with the audience, especially given the daunting task of warming up a stadium of Metallica fans. Moody encouraged the crowd to sing along and even got a few fans involved in chanting some of the band’s iconic lines. The audience was more than willing to reciprocate, creating a real sense of camaraderie between the band and the crowd.

The band’s set wasn’t just about playing music—it was a celebration. Between songs, they shared a few lighthearted moments with the audience, letting their personalities shine through. At one point, Ivan Moody dedicated “The Bleeding” to the fans, drawing a sea of raised fists and voices.

Setlist:

Lift Me Up
Trouble
Wash It All Away
Jeckyll and Hyde
The House of the Rising Sun
IOU
Wrong Side of Heaven
Never Enough
Welcome to the Circus
Under and Over It
The Bleeding

The selection of songs was a great mix of their most popular tracks, showcasing the band’s versatility in delivering both the hard-hitting, aggressive anthems and their more introspective, melodic material.

Production Value:

FFDP’s production was top-notch for an opening act. Large LED screens behind the band displayed dynamic visuals that matched the intensity of the music—everything from dramatic explosions to atmospheric clips that paired well with the band’s aggressive yet polished sound. Pyrotechnics were used at just the right moments, adding an explosive energy to tracks like “Under and Over It,” and their stage setup was visually striking, with larger-than-life banners and lights complementing the thunderous music.

Conclusion:

Five Finger Death Punch delivered a performance that was as powerful and bold as their reputation. While the task of opening for Metallica in a stadium this size could be overwhelming, FFDP held their ground and proved they have the muscle and talent to captivate even the most hardcore Metallica fans. From their impeccable musicianship to their ability to connect with the crowd, the band left a memorable impression and proved they were worthy of such a prestigious slot. By the time they wrapped up their set with “The Bleeding,” the crowd was amped and ready for Metallica to take the stage—but Five Finger Death Punch had certainly earned their place in the spotlight.

Metallica Concert Review: U.S. Bank Stadium (August 16, 2024)

Metallica’s performance at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2024, was nothing short of legendary. As one of the most iconic rock bands in history, Metallica’s ability to fill a massive stadium and deliver a performance of this caliber is a testament to their enduring appeal and unmatched skill as live performers. After the explosive sets from Ice Nine Kills and Five Finger Death Punch, the stage was set for Metallica to take fans on a journey through their storied career, and they did not disappoint.

Stage Presence & Energy:

From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear this would be a night to remember. The massive stadium was filled with anticipation as the band’s signature intro, the haunting notes of “Ecstasy of Gold” by Ennio Morricone, played over the speakers. As soon as the opening riffs of “Whiplash” kicked in, the crowd erupted. The entire stadium seemed to be vibrating with the power of Metallica’s presence, and frontman James Hetfield immediately commanded the crowd with his signature charisma.

Hetfield’s trademark growl and powerful vocals were in top form, while guitarist Kirk Hammett shredded through solos with the precision and flair he’s known for. Drummer Lars Ulrich was an absolute powerhouse behind the kit, driving the band’s high-energy set with relentless speed and precision. Robert Trujillo’s bass playing was thunderous, providing a solid foundation for the entire band.

The chemistry between the band members was palpable, as they seamlessly transitioned from song to song, their syncopated rhythms and headbanging riffage creating an electrifying atmosphere. It was clear that Metallica wasn’t just performing for the crowd—they were feeding off of the crowd’s energy as much as the fans were feeding off theirs.

Setlist:

Metallica’s setlist was a masterclass in their ability to blend their extensive catalog, mixing classics with newer material in a way that kept the energy high and the crowd engaged. They knew exactly how to balance fan favorites with deeper cuts, ensuring that long-time fans and newer listeners alike were satisfied.

The setlist included a mix of songs from their entire career, from the thrash anthems of their early years to the more polished, melodic material of their recent albums. Highlights included:

“Whiplash”: The opening salvo that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The speed and intensity of this early classic set the tone for the night.
“One”: The lights dimmed for this haunting, atmospheric track, and the eerie intro made way for a crushing rendition of one of their most iconic songs. The powerful imagery of the song was matched by an incredible light show that drew the audience into its dark, war-torn world.
“Enter Sandman”: As the song that helped propel Metallica into mainstream superstardom, “Enter Sandman” was a crowd sing-along moment. The huge stadium was filled with fans chanting the lyrics in unison as the song’s unforgettable riff blared from the speakers.
“For Whom the Bell Tolls”: The ringing of the bell and the subsequent riff sent a surge of energy through the stadium, with fans raising their fists and singing every word. The song’s iconic bassline was felt throughout the entire venue.
“Seek & Destroy”: A crowd favorite, “Seek & Destroy” had the entire stadium headbanging and moshing in time with the music. The track’s anthemic chorus created a sea of raised fists in the air.

They also included several songs from their more recent albums, like Hardwired… to Self-Destruct and 72 Seasons, with tracks like “Moth Into Flame” and “Lux Æterna” being particularly well-received. These songs, while newer, felt right at home alongside the classics, proving that Metallica’s songwriting and musicianship are still as sharp as ever.

Visuals & Production:

The production value of Metallica’s show was next-level. The band was bathed in intense lighting, with massive LED screens showing close-ups of the band members during solos, headbangs, and moments of interaction with the crowd. The visuals complemented the music perfectly, with stunning imagery that matched the intensity of their songs. For songs like “One” and “Master of Puppets,” the screens displayed dramatic, war-torn visuals and psychedelic animations that made the music feel even more immersive.

Pyrotechnics, fire, and smoke were used to spectacular effect, particularly during “Fuel” and “Creeping Death,” when explosions and flames punctuated the high-energy moments. The sound was crystal clear, with every note, every riff, every beat ringing through the stadium with clarity and power.

Lars Ulrich’s drum kit was elevated on a massive platform that rotated as he played, giving the audience a 360-degree view of the action. The lighting rig was equally massive, with hundreds of moving lights creating intricate patterns and shapes, adding to the spectacle.

Crowd Interaction:

James Hetfield’s interaction with the audience was another highlight. He frequently engaged the crowd, encouraging them to sing along, clap their hands, and shout along with him. He took several moments to acknowledge the fans, thanking them for their loyalty and sharing the excitement of being back on stage. Metallica’s connection with their fans was palpable, and it was clear that the band appreciated the massive outpouring of energy from their supporters.

Hetfield even took a moment to acknowledge the other bands on the bill, expressing gratitude for opening acts Ice Nine Kills and Five Finger Death Punch. He also shared a brief, heartfelt speech about the power of music and the unity it creates, reminding everyone in the crowd that the night was about more than just the band—it was about the collective energy of everyone in the stadium.

Encore:

The encore was a full-throttle affair, starting with “Battery” and climaxing with a truly epic rendition of “Nothing Else Matters.” The band closed out the show with “Enter Sandman,” and it was clear that this classic was the perfect way to end a performance of this magnitude. The crowd was electric, singing along and chanting the iconic “Exit light, enter night” as the stadium was filled with confetti and pyrotechnic blasts.

Conclusion:

Metallica’s performance at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2024, was a triumphant reminder of why they are one of the greatest rock bands of all time. From the intensity of their musicianship to their undeniable connection with the audience, the band delivered a show that will be remembered as one of the highlights of their storied career. They proved that, even after all these years, they are still a force to be reckoned with—and they’ve certainly earned their place as one of the most enduring and influential acts in rock history.

Whether you’re a diehard Metallica fan or someone who’s just getting into their music, this show was a masterclass in live performance—one that will leave a lasting impression on all who were lucky enough to witness it.