Live Review: GAAD at St. Vitus

St. Vitus, the Brooklyn haven for sonic intensity, shuddered under the wall of sound of Go Ahead and Die last night. The veteran trio, comprised of members from various iconic metal acts, unleashed a blistering storm that cemented their status as an uncompromising force in today’s heavy music landscape.

The show kicked off with “Dessert Carnage.” The raw, unadulterated energy emanating from the stage was infectious, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. The band’s tight musicianship and frontman Max Cavalera’s guttural growl served as potent reminders of their pedigree.

The setlist was a relentless barrage of sonic noise. “Split Scalp” and “Tumors” delivered pummeling riffs and relentless drum work, while “Truckload Full of Bodies” showcased the band’s sludgier, more menacing side. Max’s vocals cut through the chaos, spitting lyrics that touched on themes of social corruption and existential dread.

Go Ahead and Die’s commitment to heaviness was balanced by moments of surprising nuance. “Toxic Freedom” and “No Easy Way Out” displayed a subtle sense of melody amidst the chaos, demonstrating the band’s ability to craft songs with real staying power beyond pure shock value. The grinding doom of “M.D.A” and the crushing groove of “Chasm” sent shockwaves through the packed venue.

As the set hurtled towards its climax, the crowd’s energy reached fever pitch. The mosh pit erupted during “I.C.E. Cage” and “Prophet Pretty,” a testament to the sheer natural power of the band’s sound. “Cyber Slavery” delivered a blistering critique of technological over-reliance, reminding us that some fights must still be fought in the tangible world.

When the final notes of “Drug-O-Cop” reverberated through the venue, a sense of exhilaration and exhaustion hung in the air. Go Ahead and Die had proven their mettle, delivering a live show that was both intense and cathartic.

Setlist:

1. Dessert Carnage
2. Split Scalp
3. Tumors
4. Truckload Full of Bodies
5. Toxic FreedomNo Easy Way Out
6. M.D.A
7. Chasm
8. I.C.E Cage
9. Prophet Pretty
10. Cyber Slavery
11. Worth Less Than Piss
12. Blat Zone
13. Unhealthy Mechanisms
14. Drug-O-Cop