TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Metallica performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
Last night, the Rogers Centre in Toronto transformed into a monumental bastion of heavy metal as Metallica, alongside the iconic Pantera and the legendary SoCal trash metal band Suicidal Tendencies, rocked their way into the hearts and souls of thousands of newfound and die-hard fans alike. From the moment Suicidal Tendencies took the stage, the energy was electric. Their raw, aggressive sound and high-octane performance set the bar high, and their hits like “Institutionalized” reverberated through the crowd, igniting a fervor that refused to wane for the rest of the night.
Pantera delivered a masterclass in metal with their powerful riffs and unmistakable grooves. Tracks like “Walk” and “Cowboys From Hell” demonstrated the band’s timeless ability to capture audiences, with fans singing along and moshing in joyful abandon. The camaraderie between Rex Brown (bass), Phil Anselmo (vocals), and touring members Zakk Wylde (guitar), and Charlie Benante (drums) looked as strong as ever as the Texans stormed through an 11-song set, reminding everyone of their indelible mark on metal.
But the night truly belonged to Metallica. As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “Creeping Death” echoed, the audience erupted in cheers, and the vibe shifted into another stratosphere. Their setlist was a meticulously curated journey through their extensive catalog, beginning with classics like “Harvester of Sorrow” and “Holier Than Thou.” Each song was delivered with precision, passion, and a palpable sense of gratitude towards the fans.
Metallica, who’s currently on their “M72” world tour, which sees the LA-based metal quartet playing a different set each night, showcased their newest material throughout their 16-song set with “72 Seasons” and “If Darkness Had a Son,” which seamlessly blended into their more familiar 1980’s anthems, showing that their prowess hasn’t waned over the decades. The standout moment came with the rarely performed “Murf Da Surf” and “Suicide & Redemption,” which had not been played live since 2011. Accompanied by a drum backing track, this performance was a delightful surprise that had long-time fans reveling in nostalgia.
As the night rolled on, tracks like “The Day That Never Comes” and “Shadows Follow” kept the intensity high, while “Orion” provided a mesmerizing interlude, showcasing the band’s instrumental prowess. The sheer brilliance of “Nothing Else Matters” had hands waving and lighters held high, connecting fans in a sea of emotion and unity. “Sad but True” and “Fight Fire With Fire” followed, leaving no doubt that Metallica knows how to deliver heavy metal the way it was meant to be experienced—loud and proud.
The heart-pounding atmosphere only intensified with hits like “Fuel” and “Seek & Destroy,” energizing the crowd even further. And finally, the night reached a climactic peak with the classic “Master of Puppets.” The nostalgia and excitement reached a fever pitch, as the iconic riffs echoed through the venue, leaving every fan with a memory etched in their hearts.
As the final notes faded, Metallica demonstrated why they remain titans of the genre—an incredible mix of old favorites and fresh sounds, combined with an electrifying stage presence. The Rogers Centre vibrated with the legacy of these three powerhouse bands, confirming that the heavy metal spirit is very much alive, and Metallica, Pantera, and Suicidal Tendencies are at the forefront of its resurgence.
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
TORONTO, ON. – Apr. 24 – Suicidal Tendencies performs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on April 24, 2025. (Photo: Curtis Sindrey for Aesthetic Magazine)
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