August 5, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
Review & Photography by Estelle Massry
Five Finger Death Punch brought their 2024 tour to a sold out crowd at PNC Bank Arts Center on a hot and humid Monday night in NJ. The audience, a diverse mix of long-time fans and new listeners, was buzzing with enthusiasm. The crowd was a mix of goths, metalheads, and curious newcomers, all eagerly anticipating the main event.
The evening kicked off with Emo rock group The Funeral Project. They put on a fun theatrical live show. Lead singer Lee Jennings was full of energy and has a huge stage presence. Acclaimed as one of Alternative Press’ “100 Bands You Need to Know,” and you clearly understood why the minute they hit the stage.
Next up was Slaughter to Prevail, a Russian deathcore band from Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast. They are currently based in Orlando, Florida. The band’s overall commanding stage presence and iconic masks really pulls you in immediately. Lead singer, Alex the Terrible has the ability to morph his voice into something quite unworldly. A very intense entertaining performance.
Manson, the self-proclaimed “God of F***,” made a dramatic entrance as the curtain dropped, emerging from the shadows amidst a cloud of smoke. His presence was immediately commanding, clad in his signature dark, gothic attire, and his makeup as striking as ever.
This is Marilyn Manson’s first tour in almost five years. Manson’s career was put on pause the last few years due to a high number of legal cases involving serious allegations of sexual abuse. His band, featuring longtime drummer Gil Sharon and guitarist Tyler Bates have returned to the fold. Bassist Piggy D. (formerly of Rob Zombie) and current Code Orange guitarist/co-vocalist Reba Meyers have joined this tour. They provided a tight, explosive musical foundation that perfectly complemented Manson’s vocal delivery and stage antics.
Manson’s vocal performance was powerful and haunting, his voice resonating through the venue with an intensity that held the audience captive. He prowled the stage with a theatrical flair, often interacting with the crowd in his unique, provocative manner.
The setlist was a well-balanced mix of classic hits and newer material. Songs like “The Beautiful People,” “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” and “The Dope Show” had the crowd up on their feet singing along. The night was a dark, thrilling journey through Manson’s twisted world, leaving fans both old and new eagerly anticipating his next return to the stage.
When Five Finger Death Punch finally took the stage, the atmosphere erupted with electrifying energy. Ivan Moody, the band’s charismatic lead vocalist, commanded the stage with his raw and powerful voice. His connection with the crowd was undeniable and a highlight, as he frequently engaged with fans and rallying the audience with his infectious energy. His performance was raw and intense, as he deftly switched between aggressive growls and melodic choruses. Zoltan Bathory’s guitar work and rock star charisma was nothing short of spectacular, delivering crushing riffs that left the crowd in awe. Chris Kael on bass and Charlie “The Engine” Engen on drums provided a thunderous rhythm section that kept the momentum going strong throughout the night. Andy James, the more recent addition to the band, proved his mettle with flawless execution and electrifying energy.
The setlist was a well-curated mix of their biggest hits and newer material, pleasing both longtime followers and recent fans. Songs like “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Wrong Side of Heaven,” and “Wash It All Away” were met with roaring approval. The stage production was equally impressive, featuring dynamic lighting & lasers that enhanced the overall experience. As the final notes of their encore rang out, the audience erupted in cheers, a fitting end to an electrifying night.
For more info please visit http://www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com
Setlist
- Welcome to the Circus
- Lift Me Up
- Trouble
- Wash It All Away
- Jekyll and Hyde
- Sham Pain
- Bad Company
- Salvation
- Burn MF
- Far From Home
- Wrong Side of Heaven
- Got Your Six
- No One Gets Left Behind
- IOU
- Under and Over it (Encore)
- Never Enough (Encore)
- The Bleeding (Encore)