Metal mania with Megadeth at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater

Intensity and electricity filled Inglewood on a Thursday night as the parking lot for the YouTube Theater quickly filled up. Upon arriving, food and merch vendors were seen hustling as doors opened, with many food and drink vendors in their respective tents and trucks selling some of the most fantastic food I have ever tried. There was a barbeque tent that sold the absolutely most incredible brisket nachos that I have ever tasted.

After being told that every band on the lineup pushed their set about a half hour early, I made my way into the venue.

Entering the venue, the buzz of an excited crowd could be heard. These early birds were ready to listen to the monsters that are All That Remains. They started off their set with such intensity, you’d think that they were playing a stadium show. The crowd was having a blast cheering on the band as they played song after song. Lyrics can be heard from the crowd as the mosh pits began. All That Remains absolutely killed their set.

About 30 minutes after All That Remains finished their set, it was time for Mudvayne to bring the thunder. Their heavy sound stirred up an intensity in the audience, with mosh pits breaking out intermittently. Mudvayne played a slightly longer set than All That Remains, but as the band said their final goodbyes, murmurs throughout the crowd buzzed around Megadeth. 

After what seemed to be the quickest 30 minutes led to Megadeth kicking off their set.

As soon as the curtain fell to reveal the band, the loudest roar could be heard coming from the audience. Fronted by their singer and guitarist, Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s latest lineup includes Teemu Mantysaari on guitar, James Lomenzo on bass, and Dirk Verbeuren as their drummer. Despite all their lineup changes, Mustaine and the crew really know how to keep the spirit of Megadeth’s music alive. It was definitely incredible to see the four work their magic with zero sign of slowing down. Megadeth is a must-see band and I hope they tour for many years to come.

Photography by Guillermo “Memo” Sanchez

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