Voivod – Varsity Theater – Minneapolis MN – March 1st 2024
Prong Live at Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN – March 1st, 2024
On the evening of March 1st, 2024, the Minneapolis metal scene was treated to a brutal, no-holds-barred performance by Prong, the legendary New York-based thrash/industrial metal band. Playing at [Venue Name], the intimate space set the stage for a raw, electrifying set that reminded fans why Prong has remained a staple of heavy music for over three decades.
Venue and Atmosphere:
The varsity was packed with an eager crowd, all anticipating the intensity that Prong is known for. The venue’s acoustics, though sometimes a bit muddy at the low end, worked well enough to capture the band’s sharp guitar tones and thunderous rhythms. The smaller setting created a more personal vibe, where the energy between the band and the crowd felt immediate and intense. The crowd was a mix of long-time fans and newcomers, but all were united in their appreciation for Prong’s unique blend of thrash, groove, and industrial elements.
The Performance:
Prong’s set was a textbook example of how to own a live show. Opening with their classic “Beg to Differ,” the band immediately set the tone, unleashing a wall of sound that had the crowd headbanging from the first note. Guitarist and frontman Tommy Victor led the charge with his signature blend of crunchy riffs and dynamic vocals, sounding as aggressive and precise as ever. The band played a solid mix of old and new material, pleasing both die-hard fans and those attending to see what Prong has been up to lately.
“Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck” was, unsurprisingly, one of the standout moments of the night. The crowd went wild during this iconic anthem, with everyone chanting along to the song’s infectious riff. The band seemed energized by the crowd’s enthusiasm, diving into a powerful rendition that proved they’re still masters of their craft.
Prong’s rhythm section, featuring Jason Christopher on bass and Aaron Rossi on drums, was tight, delivering a rock-solid backbone for the band’s thrash-inspired sound. The interplay between the drums and bass was especially impressive on tracks like “Unconditional” from their latest album, where the industrial beats meshed perfectly with Victor’s aggressive guitar lines.
While the show was a celebration of Prong’s legacy, it also highlighted their ability to stay relevant. Tracks from their more recent albums like State of Emergency and Zero Days fit seamlessly with their older material, showing how the band has continued to evolve without losing their edge.
Sound Quality:
Despite a few minor hiccups with the sound during the first couple of songs—where vocals were slightly buried under the heavy guitars—the mix quickly improved, allowing each element of the band’s sound to shine through. The live performance was loud and unrelenting, yet the mix allowed the sharp, cutting guitar work to come through clearly, which is essential for a band like Prong that relies on intricate riffs and precise timing.
Highlights:
The true highlight of the night came during “Whose Fist Is This Anyway?” when Victor invited the crowd to join him in shouting the song’s iconic line, “Prong’s gonna fuck you up!” It was a moment of pure, raw energy that reminded everyone in the venue why Prong’s music has remained a touchstone for the metal community.
Another standout moment was during “The Banishment,” a track from their 2022 album State of Emergency, where Prong’s industrial influences were on full display. The electronic elements and infectious grooves filled the venue, creating a unique atmosphere that set this song apart from the rest of the set.
Conclusion:
In the end, Prong delivered an absolutely solid performance that lived up to expectations. The band has been in the game for over 30 years, and it’s clear that they’ve only gotten better with age. They demonstrated why they are such an influential force in heavy music—delivering an electrifying set that mixed their past, present, and future with powerful precision.
If you’re a fan of hard-hitting, groove-laden thrash with industrial influences, then Prong’s live show is not to be missed. As they continue to evolve, it’s clear that they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Their Minneapolis performance proved once again that Prong is still one of the best in the business.
the legendary Canadian prog-thrash pioneers Voivod descended upon Minneapolis for a night of mind-bending musicianship and cosmic chaos. The band’s rare blend of intricate metal, avant-garde experimentation, and sci-fi influence created a sonic experience that felt like a journey into the unknown. Playing at The Varsity, a venue known for its intimate yet powerful atmosphere, Voivod’s performance was a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to continually evolve without losing the raw edge that defined their early years.
Venue and Atmosphere:
The Varsity was packed to the brim with fans of all ages, many of whom had come to witness the metal institution that is Voivod in an up-close and personal setting. The venue’s sound was solid, capturing the technical intricacies of Voivod’s music while still delivering the heavy, abrasive energy the band is known for. The crowd was a mix of die-hards, many of whom had followed Voivod’s journey since the 1980s, as well as newer fans attracted to their latest material.
The energy in the venue was palpable from the start. Voivod’s set created an aura of anticipation, building to an explosive release that reflected the band’s enigmatic and exploratory musical style. The crowd fed off of the band’s energy, their intricate compositions challenging and thrilling listeners in equal measure.
The Performance:
Opening with the dissonant, otherworldly tones of “The Prow” from their latest album Synchro Anarchy, Voivod immediately proved they still have the capacity to push boundaries. The track’s complex time signatures and eerie, futuristic feel set the stage for what was to be an unforgettable night. Guitarist Dan Mongrain, whose technical proficiency and unique style are integral to Voivod’s sound, absolutely shredded through the material, recreating the band’s iconic sound while adding his own touch.
Bassist Rocky George and drummer Michel “Away” Langevin—the two remaining original members—provided a solid, tight foundation, while Sly’s vocals soared through the heavy atmosphere with a distinct, almost alien quality. The sound was often mind-bending, with a dense, layered complexity that constantly kept listeners on their toes. Voivod’s music has always been difficult to categorize, and their live show was no different. From thrashy, skull-crushing riffs to moments of atmospheric, almost ambient calm, the band created a journey through the cosmos and beyond.
“Nuclear War” and “Fall” were highlights that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The band’s ability to switch seamlessly between heavy, thrash-driven sections and prog-rock noodling was nothing short of mesmerizing. The inclusion of fan favorites like “Tribal Convictions” and “Holographic Thinking” allowed the band to connect with both long-time fans and newer listeners, blending their old-school sound with the newer, more experimental direction seen in their recent albums.
The setlist was a perfect balance of classic tracks and newer material. From their early thrash classics like “Ravenous Medicine” to tracks from their more recent offerings, including The Wake and Synchro Anarchy, Voivod showed that they are far from just a nostalgia act. They continue to push boundaries, not just within the realm of metal, but in the world of progressive music as a whole.
Sound Quality:
The sound mix was generally excellent, with the venue’s acoustics helping to amplify the band’s dense, complex sound. At times, the bass-heavy elements of Voivod’s music could be a bit overpowering, but for a band like Voivod—who use intricate bass lines to weave their sonic tapestry—it’s an essential part of their overall sound. The vocals were crisp and clear, with the layered harmonies between Mongrain’s guitar work and Langevin’s percussive backdrop helping to bring out the nuances of the band’s dense compositions.
The band’s sound was abrasive when it needed to be, but also dynamic enough to provide space for quieter moments, such as the ethereal intro to “The End of Dormancy.” This dynamic range helped to create a varied listening experience, with the music constantly shifting in tone, tempo, and texture, just as Voivod’s legacy demands.
Highlights:
The true highlight of the evening came during the epic “Astronomy Domine,” a track from their recent The Wake album. It’s not often that a metal band can invoke such a complex atmosphere while still delivering a heavy, headbanging experience, but Voivod made it look effortless. The band’s chemistry was apparent, with each member adding their own distinct flavor to the overall sound. Mongrain’s precision on guitar was mind-blowing, particularly during the soaring solos, while Away’s drumming and Rocky’s basslines provided the intricate pulse that kept everything grounded.
Another memorable moment came when the band played a rare live version of “Voivod,” from their seminal Killing Technology album. The crowd roared with approval as the band effortlessly transitioned through the song’s shifting tempos, creating a sense of chaos and order at once. It was a reminder of how Voivod helped shape the landscape of thrash and progressive metal over the years.
Conclusion:
Voivod’s live performance on March 1st, 2024, proved once again that they are one of metal’s most forward-thinking and original bands. Their blend of progressive, thrash, and avant-garde elements has set them apart for decades, and their ability to innovate without compromising their legacy is something few bands can match.
The Minneapolis crowd was treated to a masterclass in musicianship and progressive metal, as Voivod weaved through decades of complex, genre-defying material with ease. From the ferocious energy of their thrash roots to the mesmerizing atmospheres of their more recent works, this concert showed that Voivod are not just surviving—they are thriving.
If you get the chance to see them live, don’t miss out. Their shows are a rare chance to witness a band that continues to redefine what metal can be, pushing the boundaries of sound, structure, and performance with each passing year.
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