Photos/Review: Metal Assault – Meshuggah, In Flames, Whitechapel take over Seattle’s Paramount Theater – 11/24/2023

Photo Credit: Diane Webb

On a chilly Seattle evening amidst the Thanksgiving weekend, the Paramount Theater welcomed a metal extravaganza. The concert became a feast for fans of the heavier side of music, featuring a sold-out show with a diverse lineup of brutality from Meshuggah, In Flames, and Whitechapel. The evening kicked off with a visceral assault by the American deathcore masters, Whitechapel. Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, the band’s relentless setlist, which included fan favorites like ‘Let Me Burn’ and ‘Brimstone,’ set the tone for the night. The energy peaked during ‘I Will Find You,’ as the crowd erupted into a frenzy of mosh pits and exhilarating crowd surfing. Whitechapel played a short set, but it was undeniably brutal, leaving fans wanting more.

Whitechapel

Photo Credit: Diane Webb

Next up, the Swedish heavy metal veterans In Flames took the stage, showcasing their expertise and versatility. Touring in support of their February 2023 album, ‘Foregone,’ they seamlessly blended old classics like ‘Cloud Connected’ with new tracks such as ‘Foregone Pt.1’ and ‘State of Slow Decay.’ The main floor transformed into a swirling mass of bodies as fans engaged in a relentless circle pit, punctuated by the euphoria of crowd-surfing. In Flames concluded their set with the anthemic ‘Take This Life,’ leaving the audience hungry for the headlining act.

In Flames

Photo Credit: Diane Webb

The anticipation reached its climax as the stage darkened, and the silhouette of each Meshuggah member appeared against a backdrop of illuminated screens. The Swedish extreme metal maestros unleashed a full metal assault, accompanied by concussive lighting that intensified the auditory and visual experience. From the opening notes of ‘Broken Cog’ to the crushing finale of ‘Demiurge,’ Meshuggah delivered a relentless barrage of technical precision and sheer intensity. Vocalist Jens Kidman’s guttural growls resonated with the stoic stage presence of the entire band, creating an atmosphere of controlled chaos.

Having awaited Meshuggah’s return since January 2018, Seattle fans were not disappointed. The Paramount Theater experienced a metal trilogy that left a lasting impression, proving that even in the heart of Thanksgiving, the appetite for metal brutality knows no bounds.

Meshuggah