Tour Title: Massachusetts Metal Festival 5/6/00- The Palladium, Worcester, MA Read the Metal Judgment Reviews of Shadows Fall's 'Of One Blood' Offical Web Site for Shadows Fall Web Site for Lifeless Records Read the Metal Update Interview with Shadows Fall Discuss on the Metal Judgment Web Board

There are currently 2 Reader Reviews of this tour. Average Rating: 4

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Submitted by Eric J. German:
While I certainly did not have the perspective (band/vendor/fan) that Matt had, I too enjoyed the Mass Metal Fest. Not the most A-list lineup, but a very cool day in a comfortable environment with some killer acts (Amorphis, Shadows Fall, Dillinger, God Forbid) and good friends. I was surprised to see the major metal indies (Relapse, Century Media, Nuclear Blast, Metal Blade) without tables, even though most had acts on the bill. But the beer was flowing and the metal was in full force, and any fan or entity who didn't attend missed out on the best way to spend a Saturday in May I've ever encountered.

Specifically, I am now a fan of God Forbid. From the opening moments of their set, which opened with an instrumental cover of the intro riffs to "Among the Living," to the balance of their inspired performance, in many ways they ruled the day. Of course, Shadows Fall were their usual awesome selves, and I rediscovered the joy of Amorphis after witnessing their full (as opposed to their semi-aborted March Metal Meltdown '99 set) show from the headliner's position.

All in all, a great day. Bring on more metal festivals such as this!

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Special Guest Review by Shadows Fall's Matt Bachand:

Matt Bachand of Shadows Fall Photo by Cynthia Pelzner

Another metalfest? Yes indeed the Massachusetts Metalfest was upon us for a day of pure metal madness. The big draw to this one... ONE DAY. No need to spend that second (or third) day sleeping on the floor of the Palladium. Although the lack of the after-show, between-day partying was a bit disappointing.

I spent most of the day at my LIFELESS RECORDS table amongst the frenzy of metalheads with cash burning holes in their pockets. Because of this, I unfortunately missed many bands on the main stage who, from what I was told truly rocked - including Century Media's new acquisition God Forbid. I did manage to see bits and pieces of All That Remains, Catheter and Torn Asunder. I also caught The Kovenent who put on a great show despite their opening technical problems.

God Forbid Photo by Cynthia Pelzner

I did, however, have a prime viewing spot for the second stage where much mayhem happened in 12 hours. Early on, Western Mass newcomers Excoriate introduced themselves to the masses. Shortly thereafter, a terrifying set by The Year of Our Lord was truly impressive. Other highlights included Pyrexia, Fleshgrind, and Skinless fresh off of their "doomed" US tour ( I know the feeling guys!)

Amorphis Photo by Cynthia Pelzner

I had the opportunity to perform with my band Shadows Fall to a great crowd on the main stage! Definitely a highlight for me, although The Dillinger Escape plan was a tough act to follow! Another big surprise was the fact that the whole show was running about 1 hour AHEAD of schedule. Don't these things usually run REALLY late???? It was definitely a smooth operation this time around. Finally it was time to pack up the distro and head downstairs to catch the entity that is Amorphis. The free beers, courtesy of THE KNIFE, made the experience that much more enjoyable. Overall seeing the show from the view of a fan, a vendor, AND a performer was a great experience. I can truly say, all hail metal !!!

Kovenant Photo by Cynthia Pelzner	Fleshgrind Photo by Cynthia Pelzner All That Remains Photo by Cynthia Pelzner
Immolation Photo by Cynthia Pelzner	Moonspell Photo by Cynthia Pelzner
Dillinger Escape Plan Photo by Cynthia Pelzner

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