Mastodon Pummels The Palace
Happy October to ya!
Few days into spooky month, perfect time to hear some metal at a beautiful old theater. Got there about a half hour after doors opened, and dang, people were amped and ready to go. Lines already snaking through the venue almost all the way to the front of the stage. Shocker, I actually got a shirt this time. Twas 45 bucks, so a touch spendy, but love supporting such a creative and thrilling band. Maneuvered my way into the meat of the floor to secure a clutch spot before the opening support began.
The French post-black metal band Alcest opened things up to an already packed floor. Alcest received a very warm welcome from St. Paul. Been listening to this band for years and finally able to see them live and what a treat. Their style of music makes for a great audible experience. Flowing atmospheric guitars and melodies with clean vocals that paint peaceful landscapes in the brain mixed in with bits of black metal aggressiveness (harsh vocals, blast beats, tremolo picking, etc.).
It was such a relaxing and intricate dreamlike state most of their set. Easy to just close your eyes and drift in-between the notes. Since their songs tend to be a bit longer than the average, only played five over the course of a 40 minute set. Felt like you really got to know the band and their style, excellent choice of jams played including one of my favs to just groove to, “Écailles de lune - Part 2.” One of my favorite albums to walk in the woods to, or just have a good think, is “Division Bell” by Pink Floyd, and . Not most’s go-to from their catalog, noticed a lot of similarities and parallels. Wonder if there is any direct influence or if just a fun coicidence. Anyone not familiar with Alcest, I would highly recommend giving them a listen.
After a very cool haunted house sounding track playing during their setup, San Francisco’s Deafheaven was up next. These Bay Area boys formed in 2010. Not being super familiar with their catalog before they took the stage, wasn’t knowing what to expect. The band came on and ripped into “Doberman” for their first song like a bullet from a gun. Vocalist George Clarke had what can be best described as a hurricane’s worth of energy. Watching him vibrate and thrash around on stage in the strobes was a riot, beating his chest and leaping from every inch of the stage. The first pits of the night including a death wall sprang up. Deafheaven definitely got the crowd’s blood flowing. The band stuck to songs from their 2025 release “Lonely People with Power”. The one exception being a new song coming off a yet to be announced EP.
Even though the pit was pretty violent for most, a few more vulnerable fans were welcomed and protected by the folks enjoying the ruckus and swirl of chaos. Metal has a place for everyone, including you of course, dear reader. After a blistering six song set I think the Palace was nice and primed for the mighty Mastodon!
Now for the headliner, Mastodon. The juggernauts from Atlanta started right at 9pm. Not before of course Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” blasted from the Palace’s audio system. Talk about a band that invests in visual stimulation. Wow. Their massive visual screen in unlike anything I’ve seen yet. Crazy how high quality these things have become.
Drummer Brann Dailor was the first to emerge to a very loud welcome from those in attendance. After Brann and Company graced the stage they tore into “Barbarian’s Blood” from their new album “Marrow Deep”. This was followed by some older classics like “Crystal Skull”, “March of the Fire Ants” and “Megalodon”. Those who follow the band know they have gone through their share of tough times over the years. From some of the members going through personal loss and then losing original guitarist Brent Hinds to a horrible accident shortly after he exited the band. This has certainly not slowed the band down and they were firing on all cylinders tonight in St. Paul. Bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders sounded great. Extra shoutout to drummer Brann as I think drummers who can provide exceptional lead vocals while drumming the way he does is an incredible talent. Guitarist Nick Johnston has been a standout replacement for Brent. Certainly had big shoes to fill.
Mastodon touched on eight albums total during their set, no doubt leaving a lot of people pleased whether a newer or older fan. As stated before the visuals were a trip. Each song getting its own wild theme that led you on a journey born from only the wildest imagination.
For this North American run, halfway through the set Baroness frontman John Baizley joined the band for the remainder. John fits in perfectly. Taking on both some guitar and vocal parts, you would think he had been a long running member of the band. Could tell he was having a good time up there with the boys. Songs like “Curl of the Burl” (my personal favorite) and “The Czar” really highlighted John’s style that he brings into Baroness.
Just to make sure the fans were extra pummeled, Mastodon closed out with the banger “Blood and Thunder”. One of my fav songs. Mastodon has close ties to the Twin Cities from their early touring days. After their set Brann took a few minutes to tell a funny story when they were playing much smaller venues in Minneapolis (7th St Entry…). From 7th St to the Palace Theatre and beyond. Over the last 26 years Mastodon has really climbed their own Blood Mountain in a way and might even only be half way up.
