Concert Review: Mastodon at the House of Blues in Boston

2 hours ago

5 min read

The mighty Mastodon brought their "The Poisonous Weapons Tour," featuring support from Deafheaven & Alcest to House of Blues Boston. This 27-date US tour began in Orlando, FL, on September 16th and runs through October 27th ending in Dallas Texas. They are out supporting their most recent release, Marrow Deep, released on August 28th, 2026.

I personally love what Mastodon does; they are unique I like their powerful songwriting, and the way they mix these musical styles - Metal, Progressive / Alternative / Stoner / Hard Rock and Experimental - solidifying their standing as one of the premier NWOAHM (New Wave of American Heavy Metal) bands. They formed in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia, as a four-piece band featuring Troy Sanders (Bass & lead Vocals), Bill Kelliher (rhythm guitars and backing vocals), Brann Dailor (Drums and vocals), and original lead guitarist Brent Hinds (RIP in 2025). Brent was replaced by Nick Johnston (lead guitar, backing vocals) in 2025. During their 26 years as a band they've released 9 full length albums, they are touring in support of their recent release "Marrow Deep," which is the band's first album since their 2021 release, "Hushed and Grim". For this tour they also use keyboardist Joao Nogueira, who's been a part of this band since 2021 as a studio and touring musician. Also added specially for this tour is Baroness lead vocalist and guitarist John Dyer Baizley for added live dimensions.

Their live shows flow effortlessly. This is my 1st time seeing them as a true headliner, I've seen them as a co-headliner and opening for Slayer at the FEQ festival last summer in Quebec City in front of 25,000 fans. That show was outstanding! They use many visuals with a kind of psychedelic effect; for this show, the visuals were going at full speed. It looks super cool, but it makes it tougher on the photographer with so much backlighting and minimal frontal lighting. Part of the concert photography dynamics—every show is different!

The House of Blues is a really cool, multi-level venue with a large floor and the Boston crowds are some of the best. Even though I'm from New York, I can honestly say that I've always loved going to shows in the Boston area. For tonight's show, the Red Sox were also playing at home (which doubled the parking costs). Regardless of the game this show was packed. I've been to this venue for a few shows in the past and this was the largest crowd I've seen yet.

Up first was Alcest. Known as a post-black metal band, to me they sound like a mix of early, obscure Pink Floyd albums with a little Monster Magnet—and you get Alcest! They fit perfectly on this bill as the opening act—kinda spacey, kinda doomy and kinda heavy all in one! Formed in France in 2000 as a Black Metal band, their sound transformed over the years, as many bands do. They've released 7 studio albums starting in 2007, with their newest recording, "Les Chants de L'aurore," released in 2024. The band is headed by founding member Stephane "Neige" Paul, who handles live vocals, guitars and keyboards (studio work also includes drums from 2000 - 2009) and bass. Drummer Jean "Winterhalter" Deflandre joined in 2009. Live, they are joined by Pierre "Zero" Corson on guitar & backing vocals (2010 - present) and bassist Indria Saray (2010 - present). I personally enjoyed their set. The crowd was very full from the start so clearly the fans were ready for the evening and Alcest gave them a great opening set.

Up next was Deafheaven, they brought out a very powerful set full of fury and intensity, strobing lights, pounding drums and searing, screeching vocals, growls and screams! Formed in San Francisco, California, in 2010, they are known as "Blackgaze." I honestly had to look that up as there are so many metal genres, and that meaning fits their style. They've released 6 studio albums with their latest "Lonely People with Power," released in 2025. Band members consist of vocalist George Clarke (2010 - present), guitarist Kerry McCoy (2010 - present), drummer Daniel Tracy (2012 - present), bassist/backing vocalist Chris Johnson (2017 - present) guitarist, backing vocals and keyboards Shive Mehra (2013 - present). However, guitarist Ian Waters has been playing guitar during live shows since 2025 and is also a member.

I have to give George credit; his live stage presence is really amazing to see. He is so intense and I honestly don't know how he can sing / scream the way he does for a full set and talk normally afterwards! Their ferocity and style whipped the crowd into a frenzy of crowd surfers and mosh pits - these guys definitely have a live sound that's pretty wild to see. Photographing them isn't the easiest thing to do with strobing lights, which causes issues for my cameras' focusing, but I managed. Honestly their style really isn't my thing but live they were really good, the crowd loved them and in the end that's what really counts! They definitely put 100% into their shows.

Finally, it was time for Mastodon to take the stage. Their shows use many color-themed backing videos on a large screen that forms the biggest part of the stage, creating an intense visual experience that flows perfectly with the band's music. Troy and Brann share vocal duties featuring both voices during some songs and singing solo on others. They did a great job mixing in the hits, newer songs and some deep cuts as well. Troy took a few moments to address the packed crowd stating that this is the biggest crowd they've played to in the Boston area. This shows how the band continues to grow in popularity and he thanked them for continuing to support Mastodon and live music.

Photographing a Mastodon show is an experience; it's tough at times with the lighting schemes and the variety of backlighting, so you definitely have to wait for the moments you are given and take full advantage when you have them. Very cool that they brought out John Baizley, lead singer from the band Baroness to play and sing during the last 7 songs. His vocal style and stage presence fit in perfectly with Mastodon. I've covered him before with Baroness; he's really intense! Adding his vocals along with the rest of the band made for a powerful all-around great show and I am glad to see Mastodon forging on and playing to bigger crowds. Already looking forward to seeing what's up next for these guys! There's still a lot of US dates left; definitely make it a point to catch this tour package—it's well worth it!