Aftershock 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of attending Aftershock 2024, held from October 10th to 13th at Discovery Park in Sacramento, California. As one of the premier rock and metal festivals on the West Coast, Aftershock delivered an unparalleled experience with a lineup that boasted over 130 acts, including heavyweights like Slayer, Slipknot, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, and Disturbed.
The festival's organization was top-notch, ensuring smooth entry procedures that minimized wait times, allowing attendees to quickly immerse themselves in the musical festivities. Opting for the VIP experience proved to be a wise decision; the exclusive areas offered comfortable seating, premium viewing spots, and a diverse selection of gourmet food and beverages, enhancing the overall enjoyment. The meticulously planned layout of the festival grounds facilitated easy navigation between stages, merchandise booths, and amenities, ensuring that the massive crowds could move seamlessly without feeling congested.
Day 1: October 10, 2024
The festival's inaugural day set a high standard, featuring a diverse array of performances that catered to various facets of the rock and metal spectrum.
Biohazard kicked off the day's heavy-hitting lineup with their signature hardcore energy. The Brooklyn-based band delivered a powerful set, featuring tracks like "Punishment" and "Shades of Grey," igniting the crowd's enthusiasm. Their raw, unfiltered sound served as a perfect catalyst for the day's ensuing acts.
Static-X followed, bringing their unique blend of industrial metal to the stage. The band's performance was a tribute to their late frontman, Wayne Static, with vocalist Xer0 delivering commendable renditions of classics like "Push It" and "I'm with Stupid." The pulsating rhythms and electronic elements had the audience entranced, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
Drain injected a surge of youthful energy into the festival with their hardcore punk set. Hailing from Santa Cruz, the band delivered high-octane performances of songs like "Sick One" and "Hyper Vigilance," inciting fervent mosh pits and crowd surfing. Their unrelenting pace and palpable enthusiasm resonated with the audience, marking them as a standout act of the day.
Cypress Hill introduced a dynamic shift with their fusion of hip-hop and rock. Opening with "I Ain't Goin' Out Like That," they seamlessly blended genres, captivating both hip-hop enthusiasts and rock purists. The inclusion of "Rock Superstar" was a highlight, bridging the gap between their traditional sound and the festival's rock-centric theme.
Halestorm's performance was nothing short of electrifying. Frontwoman Lzzy Hale's commanding presence and powerful vocals shone on tracks like "Love Bites (So Do I)" and "I Miss the Misery." The band's synergy and polished musicianship were evident, delivering a set that was both emotionally charged and technically impressive.
Pantera's reunion was a monumental moment for many attendees. With Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante joining original members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, the band paid homage to their legacy with ferocious renditions of "Walk" and "Cowboys from Hell." The performance was a testament to their enduring influence in the metal community.
Hawthorne Heights brought a dose of emo nostalgia to the festival. Performing hits like "Ohio Is for Lovers" and "Saying Sorry," they connected deeply with fans who had followed them since the early 2000s. The emotive lyrics and melodic riffs provided a poignant contrast to the day's heavier acts.
Filter delivered a solid performance, with frontman Richard Patrick leading the charge on songs like "Hey Man Nice Shot" and "Take a Picture." Their industrial rock sound resonated with the crowd, and the band's energy was palpable throughout their set.
Till Lindemann's solo performance was a subject of considerable controversy. Known for his provocative artistry, the Rammstein frontman's set was laden with graphic visuals that many, including myself, found unsettling. Given the ongoing controversies surrounding him, it was questionable whether he deserved such a prominent slot in the lineup. The performance left a divisive impression, with some appreciating the shock value, while others, like myself, felt it detracted from the festival's overall atmosphere.
The pinnacle of Day 1 was undoubtedly Slayer's headlining performance. As a longtime fan, securing a front-row spot was a dream come true. Slayer’s headlining set on day one of Aftershock was nothing short of legendary. As one of the defining bands of thrash metal, this performance was one that fans had been waiting for, and they did not disappoint. From the moment the stage went dark and the eerie intro of "Delusions of Saviour" played, the tension in the air was electric. The first few notes of "Repentless" hit like a freight train, and suddenly, the pit erupted into absolute chaos. The energy was unmatched, and being front row for it was an experience I’ll never forget. Seeing Tom Araya, Kerry King, and the rest of the band tearing through their set with such precision and aggression felt like witnessing thrash metal in its purest form.
They didn’t let up for a second, transitioning into classics like "War Ensemble," "Mandatory Suicide," and "Postmortem" with the kind of brutal efficiency that only Slayer can deliver. Each riff, each drum fill, and each guttural scream carried the weight of decades of metal history. The mosh pits were relentless, with wave after wave of bodies crashing into each other, driven by the sheer force of Slayer’s music. Araya's signature stare-down between songs added to the intensity, and the band’s stage presence was as menacing as ever. The lighting and pyro effects only enhanced the hellish spectacle, with bursts of fire punctuating the most intense moments of their set.
As the night progressed, they brought out heavier and faster cuts like "Disciple" and "Hate Worldwide," keeping the crowd engaged at every turn. But it was the closing trio of "South of Heaven," "Raining Blood," and "Angel of Death" that truly cemented this as one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever seen. The opening notes of "South of Heaven" sent chills down my spine, and as soon as "Raining Blood" kicked in, I was headbanging nonstop. By the time "Angel of Death" hit, it was pure madness—crowd surfers, circle pits, and an overwhelming sense of catharsis that only Slayer can bring. When the final note rang out and the band walked off stage, the only thing left in the air was the ringing in my ears and the realization that I had just witnessed metal history.
Day 2: October 11, 2024
The second day of Aftershock continued the momentum with a diverse lineup that showcased both emerging talents and established heavyweights.
Code Orange set an aggressive tone early in the day. Their experimental approach to hardcore, blending elements of industrial and metal, was evident in tracks like "Forever" and "Underneath." The band's unorthodox song structures and intense stage presence challenged the audience's expectations, making for a compelling performance.
L.S. Dunes, a supergroup featuring members from My Chemical Romance and Coheed and Cambria, delivered a set that was both fresh and nostalgic. Their unique blend of post-hardcore and alternative rock was showcased in songs like "Permanent Rebellion" and "2022." The chemistry among the band members was palpable, resulting in a performance that resonated with fans of their respective original bands.
Marky Ramone brought a touch of punk rock history to the festival. As the legendary drummer of the Ramones, his set was a tribute to the punk pioneers, featuring classics like "Blitzkrieg Bop," "I Wanna Be Sedated," and "Rockaway Beach." Even though he's the only surviving member from the band's later years, he carried the spirit of the Ramones well, delivering a high-energy performance that had the crowd chanting along. His backing band was tight and brought a raw energy that complemented his signature drumming. While the set wasn't flashy or elaborate, it didn't need to be—this was pure, stripped-down punk rock at its finest. The audience responded with constant movement, moshing, and singing every word. It was a fantastic mid-day set that reminded everyone just how much the Ramones shaped modern rock.
Mastodon took the stage next, bringing their signature progressive metal sound to Aftershock. Their setlist leaned heavily into their more atmospheric and technical tracks, with songs like "Blood and Thunder," "Megalodon," and "Teardrinker" mesmerizing the crowd. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend heavy riffs with intricate melodies was on full display, and their tight musicianship made for one of the most impressive performances of the day. The massive soundscapes they created transported the audience, and their set had a hypnotic quality that set them apart from the rest of the lineup. Mastodon is a band that doesn’t rely on gimmicks or excessive crowd interaction; instead, they let the music speak for itself, and the audience was fully engaged from start to finish.
Rise Against followed, delivering a politically charged and emotionally resonant performance. Frontman Tim McIlrath’s impassioned vocals shined on anthems like "Prayer of the Refugee," "Savior," and "Give It All." The band's set was a reminder of why punk rock still has a place in modern music, with lyrics that tackled social issues and injustices while keeping the crowd energized. The singalongs were deafening, particularly on "Swing Life Away," which had the entire audience swaying with their phone lights in the air. The connection between the band and the fans was undeniable, making this one of the most unifying performances of the night.
Five Finger Death Punch brought their signature brand of groove-heavy modern metal to the festival, drawing one of the biggest crowds of the day. Ivan Moody’s commanding stage presence kept the energy high, as the band ripped through hits like "Wash It All Away," "Bad Company," and "Jekyll and Hyde." While their music can be polarizing in the metal community, their live show is undeniably engaging. The band made sure to interact with the audience frequently, hyping up mosh pits and leading massive singalongs. Their aggressive, military-influenced aesthetic played well with the crowd, and while their set didn’t break new ground, it was one of the most intense of the night.
Evanescence brought an entirely different energy to the evening, delivering one of the most emotionally powerful sets of the festival. Amy Lee’s voice was breathtaking, cutting through the night air with haunting precision. Songs like "Going Under," "Call Me When You're Sober," and, of course, "Bring Me to Life" were massive singalongs, and the audience was completely captivated. The band’s gothic and symphonic elements created a beautiful contrast to the heavier acts on the bill, and their stage presence was ethereal. Lee’s piano-driven rendition of "My Immortal" was a particularly special moment, reducing some audience members to tears.
Closing out the night was Slipknot, who delivered an absolutely chaotic and ferocious set. From the moment the first notes of "People = Shit" hit, the energy in the crowd exploded. Corey Taylor commanded the stage like a man possessed, whipping the audience into a frenzy. They tore through a blistering setlist featuring "Wait and Bleed," "Psychosocial," and "The Heretic Anthem," complete with their signature theatrical stage setup and pounding percussion from their multiple drummers. The pits were relentless, and it was easily one of the heaviest sets of the entire festival. Closing with "Spit It Out" and the classic jump routine had the entire festival site shaking. Slipknot once again proved why they’re one of the most dominant forces in metal.
Day 3: October 12, 2024
Day three started on a high note with Saosin bringing their post-hardcore melodies to the festival. Their set was a dream for longtime fans, with Anthony Green’s soaring vocals making "Seven Years" and "Voices" stand out as highlights. Their dynamic shifts from soft, emotional moments to intense breakdowns made their set a refreshing change of pace. The crowd engagement was strong, particularly on "You're Not Alone," where thousands of voices sang along in unison.
Body Count, fronted by Ice-T, came out swinging with their aggressive rap-metal hybrid. Songs like "Talk Shit, Get Shot" and "Cop Killer" had the audience moving from the start, while Ice-T’s larger-than-life personality made the set even more engaging. The band’s mix of hardcore, thrash, and hip-hop elements made them one of the most unique acts of the day. Their politically charged lyrics hit hard, making their performance as thought-provoking as it was heavy.
Judas Priest was nothing short of legendary. Rob Halford’s vocals were still jaw-dropping after all these years, and their set was a masterclass in classic heavy metal. "Painkiller" was a highlight, with Halford’s piercing screams cutting through the crowd. "Breaking the Law" and "You've Got Another Thing Comin’" turned into massive singalongs, and the twin guitar attack of Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner was electrifying. Seeing Judas Priest live is a reminder of why they are one of the most influential metal bands of all time.
Anthrax brought thrash energy back to the forefront with a set that included classics like "Caught in a Mosh," "Madhouse," and "Indians." Their energy was infectious, with Joey Belladonna running across the stage non-stop. The mosh pits were some of the most intense of the day, proving that even after decades in the business, Anthrax still knows how to bring the chaos.
Breaking Benjamin provided a more melodic but still powerful set as the night went on. Their emotionally charged songs like "The Diary of Jane," "So Cold," and "Breath" had the audience fully engaged, with fans singing at the top of their lungs. The band’s live sound was incredibly tight, and their atmospheric lighting and visuals added an extra emotional weight to the performance.
Closing out day three was Iron Maiden, and they proved exactly why they’re one of the greatest metal bands of all time. There are very few bands that can match the sheer theatricality and musicianship that Maiden brings to the stage, and this performance was a testament to their status as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. From the very first moments of "Aces High," with the massive Spitfire plane hanging above the stage, it was clear that this was going to be something truly special. The entire crowd was immediately engaged, singing every word as Bruce Dickinson ran across the stage like a man half his age. His vocals were flawless, hitting every high note with ease, and his energy was absolutely infectious.
The setlist was a dream for any Maiden fan, with a perfect blend of deep cuts and fan favorites. Songs like "2 Minutes to Midnight," "Revelations," and "The Wicker Man" had the crowd in a frenzy, while the massive singalongs during "The Trooper" and "Fear of the Dark" were pure magic. Seeing thousands of fans waving their arms and chanting along to "Fear of the Dark" under the festival lights was a surreal experience—one of those moments that reminds you why live music is so special. Steve Harris' bass work was thunderous, driving the band forward with his signature galloping rhythms, and the triple-guitar attack of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers was simply mesmerizing.
Maiden’s stage production was next level, featuring elaborate backdrops, pyrotechnics, and, of course, multiple appearances from their mascot, Eddie. One of the highlights of the night was "The Number of the Beast," complete with massive flames shooting into the sky, creating a truly hellish atmosphere. The crowd was absolutely locked in, screaming every lyric with pure adrenaline. Dickinson’s theatrical presence added so much to the performance, from wielding a massive sword during "The Trooper" to donning a tattered robe for "Hallowed Be Thy Name."
As the night came to a close, they ended their set with "Run to the Hills," and the energy in the crowd reached its peak. Everyone was singing, fists in the air, embracing the final moments of an incredible show. As the band took their final bows and the fireworks went off above the stage, it was clear that Iron Maiden had just delivered one of the most epic performances of the entire festival. No matter how many times you see them live, they never fail to amaze, and this was no exception. Their ability to bring such an immersive and high-energy show after decades in the industry is nothing short of remarkable.
If this ends up being one of Maiden’s last major tours, they are certainly going out on top. This was a performance that solidified their legacy and reminded everyone why they are one of the most beloved bands in heavy metal history.
Day 4: October 13, 2024
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the final day of Aftershock due to personal health issues. While I was disappointed to miss out on the last round of incredible performances, the three days I did attend were absolutely unforgettable. From thrash legends to modern metal powerhouses, Aftershock 2024 delivered an experience that was worth every second. The festival’s organization, lineup, and overall atmosphere made it one of the best music events of the year.
If Aftershock continues to bring in this level of talent and keeps the incredible VIP experience, it will remain a must-attend event for any rock or metal fan. Here’s to hoping for an equally killer lineup in 2025!
