What better way to burn off that post-turkey dinner by getting in the pit, swinging some arms, thrashing your head, and moving your body in a violent action?! That's what happened last Sunday night (11.27.16) at the Agora Theater as the "Forged in Fire Tour" featuring From Ashes to New, HELLYEAH, and In Flames. It was a privilege to come out to shoot the tour that night (thanks to Mike T.), not as a photographer, but primarily as a huge fan of Chad Gray's (lead singer of HELLYEAH and formerly of Mudvayne) monstrous vocals and song writing. What even made the whole experience worthwhile, I had my partner-in-crime, Ashley accompany me in the pit to rage the rest of the band's set away. We both received battle wounds to share the following day as keepsake souvenirs to remember by. Thanks, Ashley!!

From Ashes to New (Lancaster, PA)

HELLYEAH (USA)

It wasn't even a close contest. HELLYEAH shined the brightest that night with their high energy stage performance and hard hitting hits such as "Sangre por Sangre" and "Human". Chad loves to work the crowd and did it like he was out for blood. And when you combine the double pedal bass of Vinnie Paul's drum kit hitting your diaphragm, it created a rowdy show equipped with mosh pits, crowd surfing, and fist raised to the sky!

HELLYEAH Setlist

X
Demons in the Dirt
Sangre por Sangre (Blood for Blood)
Moth
Cross to Bier (Cradle of Bones)
War in Me
Human
Say When
Startariot
I Don't Care Anymore (Phil Collins cover)
Hellyeah!

In Flames (Gothenburg, Sweden)

For a highly recognized band all the way from Sweden, In Flames had a hell of a light show. Most had the moody feel I instantly fell in love with right off the bat. I could easily get right up to Anders Fridén and catch glimmers of light around his face. That reminds me, you catch them on this year's Rock on the Range bill this May!

In Flames Setlist

Bullet Ride
Where the Dead Ships Dwell
System
Leeches
The End
Alias
Only for the Weak
Cloud Connected
The Truth
Through Oblivion
The Quiet Place
Paralyzed
Ropes
Take This Life