The thrash knights have conquered Switzerland – Cavalera live at the Z7 18.11

The heart of Switzerland pulsates with the raw energy of thrash metal as the legendary band Cavalera comes to Europe with their Morbid Devastation tour. With a rich history dating back to the roots of the genre, Cavalera has been a driving force in the thrash metal scene for decades. As fans gather in anticipation at the venue, the air is charged with excitement, and the atmosphere is set for an unforgettable night of headbanging, moshing, and the unmistakable roar of a band that has left an indelible mark on the history of heavy metal.

Incite

The first band of the evening is Incite, another American act that presents a blend of groove and thrash metal. Their performance was nothing short of a high-octane explosion of groove and thrash metal energy. From the moment they hit the stage, the band’s relentless intensity had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Front and center, Richie on vocals commanded the stage with a ferocious presence, engaging the crowd with every guttural growl and commanding lyric. At multiple times during the set, he climbed two amplifiers, at the risk of his own safety, just to jump back and headbang even harder than before. The band’s stage presence was equally matched by their musical prowess, delivering tight and powerful performances of their tracks. The crowd, swept up in the sonic maelstrom, reciprocated with a sea of enthusiastic cheers and a mosh pit that seemed to have a life of its own. Crowdsurfing also started early in the show, and this showed how dedicated and talented this ensemble was. On the last track, “WTF“, Richie asked everyone to rise their middle finger while chanting multiple times “Hey! Hey! Hey!”. Incite’s performance was a masterclass in high-adrenaline metal, leaving the audience exhilarated and hungry for more. In the realm of groove and thrash metal, Incite’s live show is undoubtedly a band to keep our eyes on!

Setlist:

1. Intro
2. Up In Hell
3. Fuck With Me (Wake Up Dead)
4. War Soup
5. Deadbeat
6. Lost Reality
7. Mental Destruction
8. Built To Destroy
9. Ruthless Ways
10. WTF

Photo: Silvio Colombo.

Cavalera

The clock strikes 21:20, and it is time for the long-awaited headliners to enchant and thrill the audience of Pratteln. Cavalera‘s performance was a masterclass in the timeless power of thrash metal, anchored in the historical significance of the band. While their stage presence might have been less dynamic compared to the opening group, Cavalera‘s performance was nonetheless a dynamite assault on ears, eyes and mind. The sheer weight of their iconic tracks like “Funeral Rites“, delivered with precision and raw energy, created an atmosphere that resonated with the audience on a profound level. The band’s historical value was palpable in every chord, every beat, and every impassioned lyric. As the founding members, Max and Iggor Cavalera, unleashed their sonic onslaught, the crowd became immersed in a journey through thrash metal’s evolution. The presence of plasma TVs and banners depicting the band’s logos and different images blended to create a profound connection to the roots of the genre, allowing the audience to revel in the authenticity of Cavalera‘s performance. For a classical music lover like myself, it was a nice touch the addition of the “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana to introduce “Morbid Visions“. The air pulsated with the unmistakable anthems that have defined generations of metalheads, creating a sense of unity and shared history among the fans. Cavalera‘s static yet potent stage presence served as a reminder that sometimes, the sheer power of the music and its historical significance is enough to captivate and enthral an audience, making their performance a true celebration of thrash metal’s enduring status in the world of music.

Setlist:

1. Bestial Devastation
2. Antichrist
3. Necromancer
4. Warriors Of Death
5. Sexta Feira 13
6. O Fortuna / Morbid Visions
7. Mayhem
8. Crucifixion
9. Show Me The Wrath
10. Funeral Rites
11. Empire of the Damned
12. Escape To The Void
13. Refuse / Resist
14. Troops of Doom

Photo: Silvio Colombo.