Mastodon at the Worcester Palladium

I am long overdue on this post, but it has taken me 2 solid weeks to recover from the face-melting show Mastodon put on at the Worcester Palladium on May 16, 2014. Upon arriving in Worcester, it was clear that a metal band was in town. Black t-shirts and Dr. Martens were littering the streets surrounding the Palladium, and the line leading in to the venue was, in my exaggerated perception, a mile long. The rain and warm temperatures mixed with the industrial surroundings and crowd made this a scene straight out of an Iron Maiden music video. I knew there was no chance of getting in to see opening bands Kvelertak and Gojira (much to my dismay), so I opted on the bar across the street. The crowd there was strictly people that had the same idea as me. You know, and Mastodon lead-singer, Bret Hinds. (!!!!) I made my way in to the Palladium right as Mastodon was taking the stage in strong and stoic fashion and launched right in to “Hearts Alive” from 2004’s Leviathan. Despite the (again, my exaggerated perception is important to note here) 200 degree with humidity conditions, Mastodon graced fans with nearly 2 hours of mind-blowing metal that you only see from seasoned pros. Favorite moment of the show? When everything wrapped up, Mastodon drummer, Brann Dailor, skipped the typical “WORCESTER! You guys are by far the BEST crowd we’ve seen!” speech and spent 2 minutes sincerely thanking everyone and recounting his favorite memories from previously playing in the city. Coulda sworn I saw some pretty burly dudes get a little misty. For those of you who were there: well done. For those of you who weren’t? DO BETTER.