Omaha’s CHI Health Center was set ablaze by the electrifying lineup of Five Finger Death Punch’s AfterLife tour featuring Slaughter To Prevail, The Funeral Portrait, Marilyn Manson.
The Funeral Portrait hasn’t set foot on a stage in Omaha since 2018, but that didn’t stop the Atlanta natives from opening the night with a performance that brought a different, yet equally compelling, energy to the stage. Blending post-hardcore with theatrical elements, they created an atmosphere that was both dark and emotionally charged. Vocalist Lee Jennings captivated the audience with his dynamic presence, effortlessly transitioning between haunting melodies and powerful screams. The band’s set was a mix of older tracks and new material, all delivered with a passion that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Slaughter To Prevail followed with a blistering set that was as intense as it was visceral. The controversial Russian deathcore band, currently based in Florida, did their best to dominate the stage with their brutal sound. The band’s ferocious vocalist, Alex Terrible, even tried to orchestrate a “wall of death” in the pit during “Baba Yaga.” While the crowd wasn’t immediately engulfed in a wave of headbanging but the mosh pits opened sporadically as the band tore through their setlist, including fan favorites like “Demolisher” and “Bratva” as well as their current single, “Kid of Darkness.” Their aggressive energy was relatively infectious, attempting to set the tone for the rest of the night.
It’s been just over 5 years since Manson had been on a full tour and, given his lackluster performances during the Twins of Evil: Hell Never Dies tour from 2019, there were doubts from many as to whether he’d tour again. Those doubts were put to rest once the stage lights burst to life. From the moment the curtain dropped, there was no doubt that the Antichrist Superstar had returned, and he was in his prime form.
Backed once again by longtime collaborators Tyler Bates, and Gil Sharone, the current line-up also features former Rob Zombie bassist Matt “Piggy D” Montgomery, and Code Orange founder and guitarist Reba Meyers. Not since Kat Ayerz, and Kim Nail performed backing vocals during the band’s 1999 Rock Is Dead tour has another woman toured with the band.
Marilyn Manson was the highlight of the night for many, delivering a performance that was both mesmerizing and unsettling in classic Manson fashion. For almost an hour the shock rock icon brought his signature blend of industrial metal and theatrical showmanship to Omaha. The set was complete with eerie visuals and provocative stage antics.
Don’t call it a “Greatest Hits” tour. Manson’s setlist was a mix of fan favorites, including “SAY10,” “Tourniquet,” and “Angel With the Scabbed Wings.”
Manson’s performance was a punch-in-the-face reminder of why he remains as controversial as he does influential to the rock and metal music scenes.
Five Finger Death Punch closed the night with a thunderous set that left no doubt as to why they are one of the biggest names in modern metal. Ivan Moody’s powerful vocals were backed by the band’s tight, crushing instrumentals, delivering a performance that was both technically impressive and emotionally charged.
The band’s setlist was packed with fan favorites like “Bad Company,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” and “Wash It All Away,” each song igniting the crowd into a frenzy. The band’s connection to their fans was palpable, with Moody frequently engaging the crowd and expressing gratitude for their support.
The AfterLife tour stop in Omaha was an evening of metal mayhem that showcased the diverse sounds and styles within the genre. Each of the bands helped to deliver a night of raw energy, haunting performances, and powerful metal anthems that will be remembered by fans for a long time and brought something unique to the stage, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
