Machinehead Packs The North Park Observatory

We’re back at our favorite San Diego venue, The Observatory North Park! Theres a free parking garage right across the street, you get to walk by tour buses to get in, and the entire staff is awesome. This line is up all from the 90s, that seems so crazy to me because none of us are that old. This was such a fun night because we ran into so many friends. Members of Cascade Effect, Trendkill Revolution and Bender were in the house. Also, the man that’s front and center at almost every show, Christian Ortiz was wearing his Megadeth shirt. He has some crazy stories of almost breaking the Guinness Book of World Records for the most concerts attended in one year. These are all bands I’m not super familiar with, I’ve seen them all at least once and love seeing them live, but can I name their albums off hand? No, but that makes me go do research and find fun facts about the bands when I love their show.

Unearth, a metalcore band from Boston, MA, opened the night. Due to having a day job and a bit of traffic, unfortunately I just missed my photo opportunity for Unearth. Sorry guys, I tried! They have eight albums total with their most recent The Wretched:The Ruinous being released in 2023 and an EP Bask in the Blood of Our Demons released in 2024. After their six song set, it was time for Lacuna Coil.

Lacuna Coil is a goth metal band from Milan, Italy. I love seeing this band! Founding members and Co-vocalists Andrea Ferro and Cristina Scabbia compliment each other both vocally and in their fits. Christina dressed in classy goth red with black accents and Andrea dressed in black with red accents, together they are a mesmerizing combo. They just released their tenth studio album Sleepless Empire in February of this year. The set was heavy with songs from the new album and their previous album, Black Anima. They are always a great band to see live!

The theater was pretty packed when In Flames hit the stage and the fans were hyped! The band originated in Sweden with Anders Friden and Bjorn Gilotte being the only original members. We saw some Megadeth shirts in the crowd, undoubtedly for guitarist Chris Broderick, who was in the band from 2008-2014 but has been with In Flames since 2019. For drummer Tanner Wayne this was his hometown show and he got a hometown welcome when he got behind the kit!

Machine Head is one of the most iconic old school metal bands. They are a no frills, just leather, ripped jeans, wristbands, just a pure metal band formed in 1991 by Robb Flynn (vocals/guitar), who is the only remaining original member. The older I get the more I appreciate all ages in the crowd. Gen X metalheads raised their kids right….on metal. Machinehead played a special show two nights later at Affliction HQ for Jose “Metal Ambassador” Mangin’s birthday. It was a no phones event but we heard it was an amazing three hour set!