With the blistering Californian sun creating temperatures of up to 32 degrees c, the leafy location in Discovery Park with its copious shaded areas proved the perfect location to stage the monster event. And with over one hundred 120 performing across five stages, there was something for everyone as Aftershock 2024 kicked off.
With the likes of nu metal revivalists Silly Goose, and gritty grungers Return to Dust greeting the earliest arrivals onsite as the gates opened, Thursday's (10th October) highlights included the reunited Pantera, and of course, the unmissable return of Slayer for one of only a brace of shows this year.
Led by the combustible Al Jourgensen, Ministry's pummelling set was as punishing and uncompromising as the man himself. With a playlist that featured the likes of 'Just Stop Oil', and of course 'Jesus Built My Hotrod', their post apocalyptic industrial boom proved that the band has lost none of its awesome shock.
Not mincing his words, Biohazard's Evan Seinfeld declared; "Aftershock, this is the best fuckin' shit ever!" Reunited with their original line-up, the Brooklyn bruisers brought out Cypress Hill's Sen Dog for a surprise run through 1994 team up 'How it Is'. Speaking to eonmusic after the event, the rap icon confessed; "shit man, we've not done that in years!"
Over on the Shockwave stage, Halestorm were burning up, with an combustible set that drew one of the biggest crowds of the day. "Aftershock, man you are so hot right now!", declared birthday girl Lzzy Hale. Taking in the incredible vibe, the singer said; "this is so much more than me just playing a gig; this is me reaching out to you, you reaching out to me, and we get to celebrate that togetherness tonight".
With all four members taking to the front of the stage for a tribal drum solo, all that remained was the always glorious 'The Steeple' to see out their perfect performance.
With Wylde's tasteful nod to the late Dimebag Darrell with his guitar's 'Dean From Hell' inspired paint job, to Benante's bass drum heads which featured portraits of Dime and and brother Vinnie Paul, this celebration remains a faithful, and classy tribute to the fallen brothers.
And boy, were they missed. Opening with a video montage that told their history, the anticipation for the return of one of the most iconic acts in metal, was palpable. And as the huge curtain adorned with the band's logo dropped, and the opening notes to 'South of Heaven' began, it was a genuine goosebumps moment.
With deep cuts 'Reborn' and 'Blood Red' - an underrated catalogue gem - following, it was clear that despite being laid to rest in 2019, Slayer have barely aged a day or missed a beat since then, with the band in ferociously excellent form.
In his typical chucklesome, nonplussed mood, singer Tom Araya greeted the arena, asking; "how're you guys doing? You guys ready to have some fun?", to a huge roar from the capacity crowd.
Going on to play a whopping six tracks from 'Seasons in the Abyss', from the epic 'War Ensemble' to dark masterpiece 'Dead Skin Mask' and rarity 'Temptation', as well as 'South of Heaven' gem 'Mandatory Suicide',
an incendiary 'Hell Awaits', and main set closer 'Reign in Blood', Araya, Kerry King, Paul Bostaph and Gary Holt can rest easy on their legacy, whatever the future holds.
Hinting that the band might not quite be ready to return to a state of suspended animation just yet, Araya cryptically signed off saying; "thank you very much. We really appreciate you guys being here. Maybe we'll see you again..."
Aftershock 2024 continues on Friday 11th October, when Slipknot head up a bill that also features Mastodon celebrating the 20th anniversary of 'Leviathan' by performing it in its entirety, as well as Evanescence, Dropkick Murphys, and more.