Progressive titans Meshuggah, melodic-death metallers In Flames, and deathcore trailblazers Whitechapel ripped through Vancouver last week as part of their North American tour. 

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More rabid and on the ball than ever, the three European metal pioneers sent the entire arena into a frenzy with mind-boggling riffs and earth-quaking heaviness. 

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While their setlists leaned heavily on newer material, fans didn’t seem to mind as both Whitechapel and In Flames, flexed their prowess in musicianship. Besides, the energy they brought and their legacies alone, made for two incredible sets that will not be soon forgotten. 

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The real treat though, was Meshuggah. Known for their otherworldly instrumentation and breakneck speed, the band had fans head-banging to the point of whiplash and moshing barbarously. 

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Not only did Meshuggah offer a taste of their entire discography, but for the first time in 15 years, fans got to hear “Humiliative” from the band’s first EP. Lucky for those catching this run, the band has also re-incorporated “Bleed” into their set, a first since 2019.

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Glorious mayhem is one of the only ways you could describe the scene. From the general admission pit to the stands and concourse, metalheads of all ages were blissed out of their minds.

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Fans screaming along to every song and ripping off their shirts to whip around like battle axes, the average person may have found the sight terrifying, but to any metalhead it was beautiful.