WASP – The Fillmore – Minneapolis MN – November 7th 2024

By Kyle Hansen 4 weeks ago

WASP live at The Fillmore in Minneapolis MN on November 7th 2024

Presented by Live Nation

Review  and photos by Kyle Hansen

An Armored Saint live concert is a thrilling experience for fans of classic heavy metal. Known for their energetic performances, tight musicianship, and memorable anthems, the band has built a reputation as one of the most respected names in the American metal scene. Armored Saint, fronted by John Bush (who is also known for his time as the lead vocalist for Anthrax), delivers a mix of old-school metal and high-octane live energy. Here’s what you can typically expect at an Armored Saint show:

Performance and Setlist

Armored Saint’s setlist is usually a balanced mix of their classic tracks and some of their newer material. Whether performing at festivals or in intimate venues, their setlist often includes hits from throughout their career, like:

  • “March of the Saint”
  • “Can U Deliver?”
  • “Reign of Fire”
  • “Nervous Man”
  • “Win Hands Down”
  • “Mess”

Fans will find themselves headbanging to Armored Saint’s signature blend of traditional heavy metal and thrash influences. The band’s sound leans toward the melodic side of metal, with catchy choruses and powerful guitar riffs that still pack a punch. Expect to hear a mix of tracks from their early albums like “March of the Saint” and “Symbol of Salvation”, as well as material from more recent efforts like “Win Hands Down”, showcasing the band’s ability to remain relevant and deliver exciting, fresh content without losing their classic metal essence.

Stage Presence and Visuals

Armored Saint is known for their no-frills, all-business approach to performing live, focusing heavily on the music rather than on elaborate stage theatrics. However, that doesn’t mean their shows are lacking in spectacle. The band’s stage presence is intense, with each member bringing their own energy to the performance. John Bush is charismatic and commands the stage, his powerful, distinctive voice cutting through the crowd and engaging the audience. His deep connection with the fans is evident, with him frequently addressing the crowd between songs.

The band’s performance feels grounded in their metal roots, with the energy from the stage feeding directly into the audience. While Armored Saint’s live show might not feature pyrotechnics or massive set designs, it’s clear they don’t need those gimmicks to captivate their audience. The focus is on the music and the connection with their fans.

Musicianship

Armored Saint is a band known for its incredible musicianship, and their live shows highlight that. The band’s lineup is incredibly tight, with each member contributing their individual talents. Notably:

  • John Bush: As mentioned, Bush’s voice is one of the key pillars of Armored Saint’s sound, and in a live setting, it’s even more impressive. His voice has a distinct grit to it, which makes even their most melodic tracks sound fierce and commanding.
  • Guitarists Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval: Both are accomplished guitarists, and their chemistry on stage is palpable. From dual harmonies to blistering solos, the guitars are always front and center, whether they’re delivering thrash-inspired riffs or more melodic leads.
  • Drummer Gonzo Sandoval and Bassist Joey Vera: Both Sandoval and Vera provide the backbone of Armored Saint’s sound, with tight rhythm sections that drive the band forward. Vera’s basslines, in particular, are a crucial element of their sound, often adding a layer of groove and punch to their metal foundation.

Their musicianship on stage translates into a tight, precise performance where every note and beat feels earned. The technical proficiency of the band combined with their passion for the material makes for a high-quality live show.

Crowd Interaction

Armored Saint is known for their solid rapport with the audience. John Bush often takes the time to interact with fans between songs, making them feel like a part of the show. His genuine appreciation for the crowd is evident, whether he’s acknowledging the long-time fans or expressing gratitude for new listeners. The crowd at an Armored Saint show is typically full of loyal followers who know every word to the band’s songs, and that connection between band and audience is a big part of the magic of an Armored Saint concert.

Despite the intensity of their performance, the band always seems to have time for some lighthearted moments. John Bush might crack a joke or share an anecdote, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared love of metal. Fans often sing along, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air.

Sound Quality and Venue

The sound at an Armored Saint concert is typically loud and clear, with the guitars cutting through the mix and the drums driving the rhythms with force. Given the band’s history and veteran status, they’ve played in a variety of venues, from small clubs to large festival stages. In smaller venues, the sound is often more intimate, allowing fans to get closer to the action, while in larger venues or festivals, the power of their live performance really resonates.

The balance between clarity and raw power is something that Armored Saint has mastered over the years, and fans can expect a crisp and dynamic sound whether they’re seeing the band in a theater or at an outdoor event.

Overall Experience

An Armored Saint live concert is a celebration of classic metal. Their performances are known for being raw, high-energy, and technically impressive. Fans of traditional heavy metal with a thrash edge will find Armored Saint’s shows to be an exciting, visceral experience. The band’s commitment to the music, combined with their veteran presence and ability to connect with the audience, makes for a memorable show every time.

Whether it’s your first time seeing them or you’re a longtime fan, an Armored Saint concert is an immersive experience that highlights their skills as musicians and their passion for the genre. The authenticity and power of their live performances are a testament to their enduring legacy in the heavy metal world.

A W.A.S.P. live concert is often a thrilling, high-energy spectacle, particularly for fans of the glam metal era and hard rock. Known for their provocative stage presence and theatrical performances, W.A.S.P. consistently deliver a blend of showmanship and musicianship, with vocalist and guitarist Blackie Lawless at the helm. Here’s a general overview of what a typical W.A.S.P. live concert might include:

Performance and Setlist

W.A.S.P.’s setlist usually consists of a mix of their classic tracks from the 1980s and 90s, alongside some newer material. Expect to hear iconic hits such as:

  • “I Wanna Be Somebody”
  • “Wild Child”
  • “The Real Me”
  • “Blind in Texas”
  • “The Flame”

The band’s ability to cater to both old-school fans and newer audiences keeps the energy high throughout the performance. While some songs have become staples of their set, they do mix it up on occasion with deeper cuts, making for a dynamic show that appeals to die-hard fans. Plus we got the whole first album.

Stage Presence and Visuals

W.A.S.P.’s concerts are often marked by over-the-top visuals, including fiery pyrotechnics, dramatic lighting, and props that reinforce their rebellious, devil-may-care persona. Blackie Lawless has a history of theatrical, and sometimes controversial, performances. In the 1980s, the band’s shows featured blood-spurting props and elaborate set pieces. While they’ve toned this down over the years, there are still moments of dramatic flair that add to the spectacle. Blackie’s distinctive stage presence is central to their live experience — he often engages with the audience, delivers intense vocals, and showcases his unmistakable rock star charisma.

Musicianship

W.A.S.P.’s musicianship is tight, with solid guitar riffs, pounding drums, and a steady rhythm section. The band’s ability to blend hard rock with melodic elements makes for a dynamic live performance. Lawless, despite his sometimes controversial reputation, is known for being a skilled guitarist and a compelling frontman. The rest of the band generally complements him well, with energetic performances that keep the audience engaged.

Crowd Interaction

W.A.S.P. fans are often die-hard, and Blackie Lawless knows how to work a crowd. The energy in the venue is typically electric, with fans singing along, cheering, and participating in the performance. Lawless has a knack for making his audience feel like they’re part of the show, whether it’s through his occasional banter or his interactions between songs. He has a tendency to make the crowd feel included, which adds to the overall excitement.

Sound Quality and Venue

The sound at a W.A.S.P. concert can be hit or miss depending on the venue. While their music is well-suited to larger arenas and outdoor festivals, the acoustics in smaller venues may not always do justice to their thunderous sound. Still, for the most part, the band’s energetic performance is loud and clear, with heavy guitar riffs and powerful drums that resonate throughout the venue.

Overall Experience

A W.A.S.P. concert is an immersive, high-octane experience that appeals to fans of hard rock and heavy metal. The combination of Blackie Lawless’s magnetic presence, their extensive catalog of hits, and the intense, theatrical production make for a memorable live show. Whether you’re a long-time fan or seeing them for the first time, W.A.S.P. delivers an unforgettable, larger-than-life performance that often feels like a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll excess.

If you’re into classic heavy metal, W.A.S.P.’s live show is definitely something to experience.