Killswitch Engage, Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King, and Frozen Soul
The Astro
Lavista, Nebraska
March 29, 2025
The tour could have been aptly named “We’re Bringing Texas With Us”. Metal fans in Nebraska were treated to a relentless onslaught of heavy metal as Killswitch Engage, Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King, and Frozen Soul stormed The Astro in La Vista on March 29th. The night was a showcase of crushing riffs, powerful vocals, and raw energy, proving that metal’s heartbeat is alive and well in the Midwest.
Frozen Soul: A Frigid Opening with Brutal Intent
Kicking off the night, Forth Worth natives Frozen Soul wasted no time in unleashing their brand of ice-cold death metal upon the crowd. It had been a less than a year since the band had shredded the Omaha metro area, and their set was once again a relentless barrage of heavy riffs and guttural growls that set the tone for the night. Tracks like Encased In Ice, and Morbid Effigy had heads banging from the first note, while the band’s chilling stage presence made it clear why they are one of the rising forces in modern death metal.
Fit For a King: Metalcore Majesty
Up next, after years of missing out, I finally got to see Fit For a King! While the band had been touring through Nebraska since 2015, life always got in the way of me seeing them. Tyler, Texas’ favorite sons brought their signature blend of melodic and crushingly heavy elements. Vocalist Ryan Kirby commanded the stage with both soaring cleans and guttural screams, while the band’s breakdowns sent the pit into a frenzy. Songs like End (The Other Side) and Backbreaker hit especially hard, and the crowd’s energy only intensified as their set progressed and climaxed with fan favorite God of Fire. Their anthemic choruses and relentless riffs proved why they continue to be a staple in the metalcore scene.
Kublai Khan TX: Pure Aggression Unleashed
I have no idea where Sherman, Texas is, but I’m sure they’re all proud to have the southern charms of Kublai Khan TX representing their fair city. As soon as the band took the stage, the atmosphere turned to pure chaos. Having made regular stops in Omaha since, 2016, the band has become a favorite of ours. Their mix of hardcore and metal had the crowd in a frenzy, with frontman Matt Honeycutt’s aggressive delivery igniting the most brutal pits thus far of the night. Tracks like Cannibal, The Hammer, and Resentment hit like a sledgehammer, and the intensity in the room was palpable. It was a set that proved why Kublai Khan TX is one of the hardest-hitting live bands in the scene.
Fun fact: Kublai Khan founded the Yuan Dynasty in 1271 A.D. and became the first non-Chinese ruler of China, completing his grandfather Genghis Khan’s conquest of the country.
Killswitch Engage: A Metalcore Masterclass
Headlining the night, Killswitch Engage delivered a performance that was nothing short of legendary. From the first notes of Strength of the Mind, the crowd erupted, and the energy never waned. Jesse Leach’s vocals were on point, effortlessly shifting between guttural screams and melodic cleans, while Adam Dutkiewicz’s guitar work was as electrifying and crazy as ever. Leach spent almost as much time on stage as he did standing on the barricades, leaning into the crowd, and crowd surfing.
Halfway through the set, some fans held up a sign that read “WE SKIPPED PROM FOR KILLSWITCH ENGAGE.” The setlist was a perfect mix of classics and newer tracks, including Rose of Sharyn, The Signal Fire, and the always iconic The End of Heartache. The crowd sang every word, and the band’s infectious energy kept the venue alive until the final note of My Last Serenade.
As the final chords rang out, and the house lights came on, it was clear that this show was something special. Each band brought a unique flavor of heavy music, making for a night that was as diverse as it was devastating. Killswitch Engage proved once again why they are legends in the metalcore scene, while Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King, and Frozen Soul each left their mark with unforgettable performances.
For anyone who missed it—this was one for the books.
