Photos – Abigaël Paquet, exclusively for www.overdrive.ie
For tonight is not just any gig. This is the night the Irish capital bid’s farewell to Sepultura – one of Metal’s most inspirational bands (regardless of what you may think of the current line up).
Thanks to the rush hour traffic, I only caught the final two songs from Philadelphia, Hardcore crew, Jesus Piece. With their Irish debut cut down due to Covid back in 2022, the band finally scratched their Irish itch with what seemed like a strong set, judging by the crowds reaction and the wide smile vocalist, Aaron Heard had on his sweat-drenched face as he exited the stage.
Following them, Death Metal veterans Obituary brought their iconic heavy, grinding riffs, with John Tardy’s guttural growls guiding the crowd through fan favourites like opener, “Redneck Stomp” and the forever magnificent,“Slowly We Rot.” The Floridians’ punishing sound resonated through the iconic venue, ramping up the intensity and generating the first real pit action from the excited crowd.
Photos – Abigaël Paquet, exclusively for www.overdrive.ie
Jinjer, one of metal’s most exciting modern acts, took the stage next. Front-woman, Tatiana Shmayluk commanded attention, shifting seamlessly between haunting cleans and guttural roars on tracks like “Colossus” and “Perennial.” Jinjer’s progressive mix of groove metal and hardcore had the audience in a trance, showcasing their technical prowess and unique style.
Photos – Abigaël Paquet, exclusively for www.overdrive.ie
Finally, Sepultura erupted on stage, with frontman Derrick Green and guitarist Andreas Kisser leading a thunderous set that included classics like “Territory”, “Dead Embryonic Cells”, “Troops of Doom”, the crushing, “Inner Self” and “Arise”.
Photos – Abigaël Paquet, exclusively for www.overdrive.ie
Their relentless energy had the entire venue pulsing, and the crowd’s response was explosive. As one of metal’s pioneering forces, Sepultura left no doubt of their legendary status, ending the night with a sonic assault that was both nostalgic and vital. The show was a relentless, exhilarating spectacle—metal at its rawest, delivered to a crowd who savoured every crushing riff.
What a way to go out.
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie
