Godsmack celebrated the 25th anniversary of the release of their first album with an electrifying hometown show at the Bank NH Pavilion in Guilford, NH.
It has been 25 years since Godsmack‘s self-titled album debuted on the charts, marking a significant milestone in the band’s career. The album, known for its raw energy and powerful tracks, catapulted Godsmack to fame and established them as a formidable force in the rock and metal scene. With hits like “Whatever” and “Keep Away,” the album remains a staple for fans and a testament to the band’s enduring legacy. That legacy is alive and well as Godsmack kicks off a short string of dates rolling throughout the Northeast.
The first band up is Flat Black featuring Jason Hook, former guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch, on guitar. The lineup includes Wrex Horton on vocals, Rob Pierce on drums, and Nick Diltz on bass. As expected, their set was highly energized, boasting full-sounding guitar riffs that captivated their audience.
They opened their set with “It’s OK To Be Angry” from their brand new album Dark Side of the Brain, released on July 19th. The entire seven-song setlist set the tone for a high-energy night of rock and roll. A highlight was their rendition of “Burn MF” by Five Finger Death Punch, an instant crowd favorite that had fans singing along enthusiastically.
Nothing More took the stage next, and their recent album Carnel, released in June 2024, has already been making waves. The crowd’s enthusiasm for the new hits was palpable, with fans singing along to tracks like “If It Doesn’t Hurt,” “Angel Song” (featuring David Draiman of Disturbed), and “House of Sand” (featuring Eric Vanlerberghe of I Prevail).Jonny Hawkins (vocals), Mark Vollelunga (guitar), Daniel Oliver (bass), and Ben Anderson (drums) delivered a high-octane performance that showcased their energy and synergy. Hawkins, known for his signature body paint, used it to visually represent and emotionally connect with the music, adding a striking visual dimension to the show.
Midway through the set, Hawkins showcased his drumming skills, bringing an extra layer of excitement to the performance. His intense and ferocious drumming, including moments where he stood on his drums, complemented his powerful vocal range, which shifted seamlessly from soaring melodies to raw screams with impressive precision.
The band played fan favorites like “Go to War” and “Let ‘Em Burn” from their album The Stories We Tell Ourselves, and concluded their set with “This Is the Time (Ballast).” In a memorable finale, they left the stage to join the crowd at the rail, finishing the song surrounded by fans. It was a truly electrifying way to end their set.
Just after 9 PM, Godsmack took to the stage, greeted by a dramatic setup featuring imposing gargoyle statues with glowing red eyes flanking the stage, setting a powerful and moody tone. As the lights dimmed, the first notes of “When Legends Rise” filled the pavilion, and the band emerged with a commanding presence.Sully Erna (vocals), Tony Rombola (guitar), Robbie Merrill (bass), and Shannon Larkin (drums) launched into their set with a forceful energy that instantly captivated the audience. The gargoyles and elaborate stage design complemented the band’s dark, intense aesthetic, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.
Erna, with his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence, led the band through a powerful setlist spanning their impressive catalog. Songs like “I Stand Alone,” “Awake,” and “Voodoo” were delivered with the raw intensity and passion fans have come to expect from Godsmack. Each track was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, reflecting the band’s enduring connection with their audience.
The night featured many highlights, including the iconic drum-off between Erna and Larkin during “Batalla De Los Timbros.” Their enjoyment of the performance was evident as they laughed and smiled throughout the show. Erna spoke about how special it was to return to what is essentially a hometown show. Boston, where the band is from, is just a stone’s throw from Guilford, NH. He expressed his appreciation for the live show atmosphere created with instruments rather than computers and tracks, emphasizing that the occasional errors are what make live performances unique.
The evening took an emotional turn when a piano, adorned with a logo for The Scars Foundation, was rolled onto the stage. This charity, organized by Erna, focuses on addressing and supporting mental health issues. He reflected on the importance of having resources to help those in need, mentioning Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington. The night continued with a moving rendition of “Under Your Scars.”
As the concert neared its end, the band asked the crowd whether they wanted to hear “Rocky Mountain Way” or “Come Together” by The Beatles. “Come Together” was the clear crowd favorite, and it served as the final song before concluding the set with “I Stand Alone.”
The entire night was filled with energy, showcasing Godsmack’s ability to create music that continues to be cherished by fans 25 years later. Nothing More and Godsmack will hit the road again in September.
GODSMACKWebsite Facebook X
