Photos and Review by Nadine Swiger
The Destroy All Enemies Tour, featuring heavy metal titans Megadeth, Mudvayne, and All That Remains, made its way into downtown Albany, NY, for a pure, unstoppable night of metal at the MVP Arena. Generations of metalheads, united under one roof, were ready to raise their fists and bang their heads in unison. The anticipation running through the crowd as they prepared for a night of ear-splitting riffs and thunderous rhythms.
All That Remains – Albany, NY – Photos by Nadine Swiger
All That Remains: Melodic Metalcore to Kick Off the Night
The Massachusetts-born melodic metalcore band All That Remains set the tone for the night, bursting onto the stage with “Now Let Them Tremble.” Bathed in dark blue lights, the band wasted no time getting the crowd to their feet. The rumbling energy of their performance was engaging, as they seamlessly blended their signature melodic and heavy elements.
After the first song, they hit the crowd with bright white lights as they delivered a mix of new material, including “Divine” and “Let You Go,” before closing out their set with fan-favorite anthems “This Calling” and “Two Weeks.” Frontman Phil Labonte’s dynamic vocals, paired with Jason Richardson’s intricate guitar work, drove the energy higher, leaving the crowd fired up and ready for the chaos that was to follow.
All That Remains – Albany, NY – Photos by Nadine Swiger
Mudvayne – Albany, NY – Photos by Nadine Swiger
Mudvayne: Nostalgic Chaos Reborn
Next up, Mudvayne stormed the stage with full makeup, instantly creating a surreal and chaotic atmosphere. The band, who reunited a few years ago after their hiatus in 2010, once again proved to pick up right where they left off. Chad Gray’s vocals were stronger than ever, his growls and screams echoing through the venue, while Ryan Martinie’s funky, powerful bass lines were as infectious as fans remembered. Guitarists Greg Tribbett and new addition Marcus Rafferty proved to be a dynamic duo, weaving heavy riffs with melodic undertones, and drummer Matt McDonough’s thunderous blast beats anchored the band with precision and fury.
Mudvayne – Albany, NY – Photos by Nadine Swiger
Mudvayne’s setlist spanned their career, delivering nostalgic hits like “-1,” “Not Falling,” “World So Cold,” and the powerful “Death Blooms.” As the crowd moshed and sang along, the band closed their set with their iconic debut single, “Dig,” a track that helped define their career. The nostalgia was real, and Mudvayne left the stage having firmly reclaimed their place in the metal world.
Mudvayne – Albany, NY – Photos by Nadine Swiger
Megadeth – Albany, NY – Photos by Nadine Swiger
Megadeth: A Thrash Metal Masterclass
The night’s headliner, Megadeth, took the stage with a roaring rendition of the title track from their newest album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! As a band that has been at the forefront of thrash metal for over four decades, with 16 studio albums and countless hits to their name, Megadeth had the daunting task of narrowing down their catalog to one setlist—but they did it flawlessly.
Megadeth’s set was a perfect blend of classics and new material. Iconic songs like “Hangar 18,” “Sweating Bullets,” “Symphony of Destruction,” “Tornado of Souls,” and “Angry Again” had the crowd chanting along, while new tracks like “We’ll Be Back” showcased that the band still has plenty of fire left. Dave Mustaine, the band’s founding member, frontman, and mastermind, proved once again why he remains a metal icon. His unmistakable vocals and masterful guitar playing were as sharp as ever, driving the energy of the night.
Megadeth – Albany, NY – Photos by Nadine Swiger
Mustaine was backed by an all-star lineup: Finnish guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, known for his work with Wintersun, added his skilled and energetic stage presence to the band, while bassist James LoMenzo returned to the Megadeth stage, bringing his high-energy performance that fans have missed. LoMenzo’s experience with acts like White Lion, Slash’s Snakepit, and Black Label Society showed through in his dynamic playing. On drums, Belgium’s Dirk Verbeuren, formerly of Soilwork, delivered a rock-solid backbone with his explosive, precise rhythms.
Megadeth – Albany, NY – Photos by Nadine Swiger
Megadeth’s performance was a masterclass in thrash metal, a relentless assault of speed, technicality, and pure adrenaline that had every fan in the arena on their feet, headbanging to every beat. The set ended with a blistering encore, leaving the crowd breathless, yet still hungry for more.
Conclusion: A Night for the Metal History Books
The Destroy All Enemies Tour brought together three powerhouse bands that represent different branches of the metal family tree. From the melodic metalcore of All That Remains, to Mudvayne’s chaotic nu-metal revival, to Megadeth’s thrash metal legacy, it was a night that spanned genres and generations. The crowd left the arena exhilarated, knowing they had just experienced something truly special. If you have the chance to catch this tour, don’t miss it—prepare for an extraordinary night of heavy riffs, epic performances, and the unrelenting power of metal.
SEE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW BELOW:
MEGADETH:
MUDVAYNE:
ALL THAT REMAINS:
