Metallica Ignites Boston with Mammoth WVH and Pantera

The first night of Metallica’s August 2023 M72 World Tour stop delivered an unforgettable experience, showcasing the band’s enduring power and legendary presence. Openers Mammoth WVH and Pantera set the tone for an electrifying evening.

Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH opened the night, demonstrating a tight, energetic set with songs like “Distance” and “Don’t Back Down,” which showcased Wolfgang’s musical range and emotional connection with fans. The band’s performance left the audience warmed up and ready for the night ahead.

Pantera followed with a ferocious set that felt like a revival of metal’s golden era. Tracks like “A New Level,” “Walk,” and “I’m Broken” were executed with precision and intensity.

Although the lineup includes only half of the original members, Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, joined by Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, paid a heartfelt tribute to the Abbott brothers. The band’s performance was a nostalgic journey for older fans and an awe-inspiring introduction for younger ones.

Metallica took the stage to rapturous applause, opening with their classic “Creeping Death.” From the moment the crowd chanted “DIE!” in unison, the stadium buzzed with energy. The band delivered a balanced setlist, pulling from their vast catalog, including new tracks like “If Darkness Had a Son” and classics such as “Sad But True” and “Master of Puppets.” A standout moment came during “Orion,” with the band honoring their late bassist, Cliff Burton.

The in-the-round stage design brought a unique dynamic, with Lars Ulrich’s

rotating drum setups and the band members moving across different quadrants of the stage. While visually stunning, the sound quality varied depending on the location in the venue, which is a common challenge with such setups.

Metallica closed the night with “Seek & Destroy” and “Master of Puppets,” leaving the crowd exhilarated and eager for more. The band’s ability to connect with fans of all ages highlighted why they remain at the pinnacle of the metal scene.