Mayhem Fest Day 1

Mayhem Fest's 5th year in existence got off to a huge start, 26,100 plus fans in attendance, the largest Mayhem Fest yet. There is little doubt that this years lineup had much to do with the attendance boost.

Band's like As I Lay Dying and Whitechapel treated fans to new material as well as classic favorites sending the crowd into a tornado-like circle pit devouring everything in its' path.

Motorhead, led by frontman Lemmy Kilmister, might play heavy Rock & Roll but the fans didn't care for second. Many in the crowd admitted they were getting their Motorhead cherry popped and what better place than Mayhem Fest. The force that this band is still able to exert is undeniable. It was non-stop classics belted out to the crowd. Hits like "Bomber," "Ace of Spades," and "Overkill" made sure the crowd had little room to stop shouting the words back at the stage.
Motorhead photos courtesy of Jonathan Heier

There was a definite rivalry in the crowd between Slayer fans and Slipknot fans, but when each band took the stage, I saw the other fans moshing just as hard. Slayer is one of those bands that can never have a bad show. They might not have the most energy on the Mayhem Fest lineup but hell, they are Slayer. Exodus guitarist Gary Holt filled in for a still recovering Jeff Hanneman. It still amazes me how dedicated and loyal Slayer fans are. If there was a phrase to sum up Slayers set, it would have to be 'Show no mercy!'
Slayer photos courtesy of Jonathan Heier

Those in attendance knew the significance of Slipknot's set. It was the first time in two years that band had played for U.S. fans without late bassist Paul Gray. Looking over my shoulder was a sea of cellphones being held up as the band took the stage. The band quickly showed why they are the headliners as chaos engulfed the stage and 26,105 concertgoers in unison.
Slipknot photos courtesy of Jonathan Heier

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Tags:  Mayhem Fest, Slipknot   

Jason Fisher    July 01, 2012