The MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa, Florida, turned into a cauldron of pure metal energy on the hot and humid day of July 21st as Mudvayne headlined their much-anticipated Psychotherapy Sessions Tour. With an impressive lineup of opening bands including Butcher Babies, Nonpoint, GWAR, and Coal Chamber, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of headbanging, blood, raw energy…and alien goo.
Kicking off the event were Butcher Babies, a powerhouse of female-fronted aggression. The band wasted no time in setting the tone for the evening, commanding the stage with their ferocious performance. Carla Harvey and Heidi Shepherd‘s commanding vocals combined with the tight musicianship of the band created an intense and captivating opening set, engaging the crowd from the very first note.
Next on the stage was Nonpoint, who wasted no time unleashing their signature blend of alternative metal and nu-metal. Playing songs such as “What A Day” and “Bullet with a Name”, frontman Elias Soriano‘s commanding stage presence and amazing vocals had the audience screaming out every lyric, and the band’s infectious energy had everyone bouncing to the rhythm of the pounding drums and heavy riffs…even with the intense heat all around the amphitheater.
I am not a stranger to GWAR’s stage shows and even then I wasn’t prepared to be drenched in so much blood with just the first three songs of their insane set. Known for their outlandish stage presence and over-the-top theatrics, GWAR certainly did not disappoint. The band unleashed an otherworldly performance that featured grotesque costumes, elaborate props, and plenty of
fake blood and goo. It was a visual spectacle like no other, and the fans were in awe of the theatrics combined with the band’s impressive musicianship.
It was time for the reunited Coal Chamber to take the stage. The crowd roared with excitement as they played some of their classic hits like “Loco” and “Big Truck,” taking everyone on a nostalgic journey through the early 2000s nu-metal era. Dez Fafara‘s powerful vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation ensured that their set was one to remember.
Finally, the moment that everyone had been eagerly waiting for arrived: Mudvayne took the stage. The cheers and roars from the crowd were deafening as the band emerged, reunited after years of hiatus. The atmosphere was electric as they launched into their set, showcasing the technical proficiency and raw intensity that have defined them as one of the most revered bands in the metal genre.
Chad Gray‘s unmistakable vocals were as powerful as ever, perfectly complemented by the intricate and heavy guitar work of Greg Tribbett and Ryan Martinie‘s thunderous bass lines. Drummer Matthew McDonough‘s impeccable performance provided the backbone of the band’s intricate rhythms. Mudvayne’s setlist was a carefully crafted journey through their discography, from the aggressive tracks like “Dig” and “Not Falling” to the more melodic and haunting songs like “World So Cold” and “Happy?.”
The visual production and lighting design added an extra layer of intensity to their performance, making the concert a multi-sensory experience that left a mark on the audience. Mosh pits erupted, and bodies surfed through the crowd and surrendered to the cathartic energy of Mudvayne’s music Along with powerful speeches from Chad Gray about mental health and the metal community, the fans were left in a state of blissful exhaustion, having witnessed an unforgettable concert that celebrated the diversity and power of metal and rock music. The Psychotherapy Sessions Tour brought together a lineup that covered a wide spectrum of the genre, leaving no doubt that the spirit of rock and metal is very much alive and thriving.
Mudvayne’s triumphant return to the stage was the perfect climax to a night that will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating shows Tampa has experienced in years. If you have the chance to catch the Psychotherapy Sessions Tour in your city, do not miss it. It’s a night of headbanging, moshing, and pure metal madness that will leave you exhilarated and craving more. Check their next dates HERE.
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