Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, Slaughter To Prevail & The Funeral Portrait Review with Photos 9-19-24

   The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas, buzzed with an electric atmosphere as heavy music fans gathered for a night of unforgettable performances featuring Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, Slaughter to Prevail, and The Funeral Portrait. The diverse lineup brought together a mix of heavy metal, industrial rock, and hardcore, creating an exhilarating final stop of the tour experience for concertgoers.

     The Funeral Portrait

    Last night’s concert by The Funeral Portrait was an unforgettable experience that left the audience buzzing with energy and emotion. From the moment they took the stage it was clear that this band is not just another act but a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock scene.

    The early arriving fans to the Pavilion, eager to hear the band’s unique blend of post-hardcore and melodic elements, were enthusiastic and well rewarded. The Funeral Portrait opened with “Blood Mother” and right from the start their powerful sound and tight instrumentation captivated everyone. The lead vocalist’s dynamic range and passionate delivery set the tone for the evening, pulling the audience into every lyric.

    The band’s stage presence was electric, they engaged with the audience sharing anecdotes and inviting fans to join in the experience. It was evident that they genuinely appreciate their supporters, making the concert feel more like a gathering of friends than just a performance.

    The setlist was well balanced with newer tracks and fan favorites. Each song flowed seamlessly into the next, maintaining an intensity that never waned. Their closing track “The Holy Water,” was particularly powerful, leaving the crowd in a state of exhilaration.

    Overall, The Funeral Portrait’s set was a remarkable display of talent and passion. Their ability to blend heavy instrumentation with melodic sensibilities creates a sound that is both fresh and timeless. If you have the chance to see them live, don’t miss it, it’s an experience that will linger long after the final note fades.

     Slaughter to Prevail

    Next up was Slaughter to Prevail, whose brutal sound and high-octane energy had the Pavilion buzzing with excitement. The Russian deathcore outfit brought a heavy dose of aggression and their frontman, Aleksandr Shikolai, commanded the stage with an impressive vocal range and raw power. Their blend of intricate breakdowns and relentless speed left fans breathless solidifying their reputation as a formidable live act.

    From the moment the lights dimmed and the ominous intro filled the air, it was clear the band was ready to unleash a sonic assault. Opening with “Bonebreaker,” the crowd erupted, instantly pumped with adrenaline. The blend of guttural vocals, thunderous drums and intricate guitar work set the stage for what would be a night of pure chaos and exhilaration.

    Vocalist Aleksandr “Alex Terrible” Shikolai commanded the stage with an intense presence, his growls and screams resonating throughout the venue. The band’s ability to switch between crushing heaviness and melodic interludes showcased their musical prowess and kept the audience on their toes. Tracks like “Bratva” and “Viking” highlighted their knack for crafting anthemic choruses that had fans singing along and losing themselves in the moment.

    The energy in the Pavilion was electric, with the crowd participating enthusiastically in the mosh pits that erupted with every heavy riff. The band’s connection with their audience was evident, Shikolai frequently engaged with fans, encouraging them to let loose and embrace the chaos. He mentioned that he grew up listening to Manson and Five Finger Death Punch so it felt unbelievable to be touring with them.

     Slaughter to Prevail consists of: Aleksandr "Alex Terrible" Shikolai on lead vocals, Mikhail "Mike" Petrovon on bass guitar, Evgeny Novikov on drums, Jack Simmons on lead guitar and Dmitry "Dima" Mamedov on rhythm guitar.

    Closing the night with “Baba Yaga,” Slaughter to Prevail left the audience in a frenzy, a perfect capstone to an already incredible performance. Their combination of technical skill and raw energy makes them a must-see live act and this concert was no exception.

    Overall, Slaughter to Prevail’s show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion was a masterclass in deathcore performance, blending aggression with emotion in a way that few can achieve. If you have the chance to catch them live, prepare for an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more.

     Marilyn Manson

     Marilyn Manson was up next and his performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. As he took the stage the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Manson’s theatrical presence and striking visuals created an immersive experience. The venue, with its stunning outdoor setting, served as the perfect backdrop for Manson’s dark and provocative performance.

    As the lights dimmed, the audience was enveloped in an eerie atmosphere, setting the stage for Manson's iconic entrance. He opened with “We Know Where You Fucking Live,” immediately captivating the crowd with his haunting vocals and striking stage presence. Clad in his signature mix of glam and goth, Manson commanded attention from the moment he stepped into the spotlight.

    The setlist was a well-balanced mix of classic hits and newer tracks keeping fans on their toes. Songs like “The Beautiful People” and “Tourniquet” ignited the crowd, sending waves of energy throughout the venue. Manson’s vocal delivery was powerful and emotive, drawing listeners into the dark narratives he weaves through his music.

    Manson’s band currently consists of: Gil Sharone on drums, Tyler Bates on guitars and backing vocals, Piggy D. on bass and backing vocals and Reba Meyers on guitars and backing vocals.

    One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” The crowd erupted in cheers singing along to the familiar chorus. Manson’s unique spin on this classic showcased his ability to reinterpret well-known songs in a way that feels both fresh and authentic.

    Visually the concert was a feast for the senses. Manson utilized dramatic lighting, smoke and intricate stage design to create an immersive experience. Each song was enhanced by striking visuals that complemented the music’s themes from surreal imagery to macabre art.

    The concert concluded with a powerful rendition of “Beautiful People” leaving the crowd in a state of exhilaration. As the final notes echoed through the Pavilion, it was clear that Manson had once again solidified his status as a master of performance art.

     Five Finger Death Punch

    The night culminated with Five Finger Death Punch who delivered an electrifying performance captivating the crowd with their signature blend of heavy metal and hard-hitting anthems. The Pavilion, with its outdoor setting and vibrant atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for a night filled with energy and emotion.

    As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “Welcome to the Circus” echoed through the Pavilion, the excitement in the air was infectiuous. Vocalist Ivan Moody commanded the stage with a fierce presence, his powerful voice cutting through the crowd. The band quickly established a high-energy vibe that resonated with fans, who were eager to sing along.

    The setlist was a mix of favorites showcasing the band's impressive discography. Songs like “Burn It Down” and “Wrong Side of Heaven” ignited the audience. The band’s ability to balance heavy riffs with catchy melodies kept the energy levels high throughout the night. The current band backing Ivan Moody consists of: Zoltan Bathory on rhythm guitar, Chris Kael on bass and backing vocals, Charlie Engen on drums and Andy James on lead guitar.

    One of the standout moments came during their performance of “House of the Rising Sun” which Moody dedicated to Vinnie Paul. The haunting rendition showcased Moody’s vocal range and provided a moment of introspection amid the heavy chaos. It was a reminder of the band's versatility and their knack for blending different musical styles.

    The visuals during the performance were equally impressive. A combination of dynamic lighting, confetti, smoke and engaging backdrops enhanced the overall experience, immersing the audience in the band’s world. Each song was accompanied by visuals that matched its intensity, adding another layer to the already electrifying atmosphere.

    Moody engaged with the crowd, sharing stories and encouraging fans to embrace the night. Moody interacted with the audience many times. He brought several younger fans from the pit onto the stage to sit above the backdrop so they could see and not get crushed. He presented his cane to a fan in a wheelchair, his bat, which is his symbol of being sober for over six years, and his jersey to two younger fans who in seated in the front rows. The energy crescendoed with their closing track “The Bleeding,” leaving the crowd exhilarated and wanting more.

    Overall, the concert was a remarkable showcase of talent and intensity with each band bringing their unique flair to the stage. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion provided an excellent backdrop for this heavy music extravaganza, allowing fans to revel in the shared experience of powerful live performances. Whether you were there for the dark theatrics of Marilyn Manson or the hard-hitting anthems of Five Finger Death Punch this night was a celebration of the diverse and dynamic world of heavy music.

Five Finger Death Punch Setlist:
Welcome to the Circus
Lift Me Up
Trouble
Wash It All Away
Jekyll and Hyde
Sham Pain
The House of the Rising Sun ([traditional] cover)
No One Gets Left Behind
Burn MF (with drum solo)
Turn The Page (acapella with the audience and partial)
Wrong Side of Heaven
Salvation
IOU
Encore:
Under and Over It
Never Enough
The Bleeding

Marilyn Manson Setlist:
We Know Where You Fucking Live
Disposable Teens
Angel With the Scabbed Wings
This Is the New Shit
Say10
Deep Six
Tourniquet
mOBSCENE
The Dope Show
As Sick as the Secrets Within
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (Eurythmics cover)
The Love Song
The Beautiful People

Slaughter to Prevail Setlist:
Bonebreaker
Bratva
Viking
Kid of Darkness
Baba Yaga

The Funeral Portrait Setlist:
Blood Mother
Dark Thoughts
Voodoo Doll
Suffocate City
Holy Water