Rock and roll reigned supreme on the second day of Voodoo Fest as progressive metal masterminds Tool headlined the Altar Stage with a concise and thrilling set that embodied the dark spirit of Voodoos past.
Concise is a relative term for a band like Tool, who regularly stretch their songs well past the 10-minute mark. Last night was no different, with the four-piece delivering ten tracks over the course of 90 minutes in an increasingly intense onslaught of cryptic gloom and strange time signatures. Tool drew from four different albums during their set, only diving into two songs that wouldn’t have been a part of the mix when they last headlined Voodoo Fest in 2001 (one of those, “Descending,” was a new track that may or may not appear on their long-awaited fifth LP). There was no “Schism”–easily the group’s most popular composition–but fans were treated to a catalog-spanning run that included favorites like “Ænima“ “Jambi” and “Forty-Six & 2,” along with two selections from their first studio release, the 1992 EP Opiate.
Ghost. Photo by Elsa Hahne.
Music is the focus at any concert, but no Tool show would have been complete without the psychedelic misery of the band’s signature visual accompaniment. Disturbing imagery of the human anatomy was juxtaposed with the hallucinogenically-inspired works of visionary artist Alex Grey, creating a haunting and contemplative visual experience that only served to elevate the music. The mysterious vibe of the whole thing was only increased by anti-frontman Maynard James Keenan, who lingered in the back of the stage like a puppet master content with pulling the strings from afar. It was a truly awe-inspiring display of music and light that dropped the jaws of both newcomers and diehard fans throughout City Park.
Tool’s masterful performance was preceded by an equally stunning set from Swedish metal giants Ghost, who also had more than a few visual tricks up their sleeves–or more accurately, their robes. The group’s decidedly sacrilegious attire invoked both Catholic and Satanic influences, which were only exacerbated by the diabolical iconography that decorated the backdrop. However, their surprisingly accessible brand of death metal was the real draw. Melody isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of metal music, but Ghost had (very loud, very fast) melodies in spades. There may not be a huge market for heavy metal with pop sensibilities and Broadway-style costumed choreography, but Ghost is doing its best to change that with every show they play.
Cage the Elephant may have pulled a larger crowd than Tool when they took to the Altar Stage just after sundown. The alternative rockers kept things in high gear throughout their set, with shirtless lead man Matthew Schulz belting out hit likes “Shake Me Down,” “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” “Cigarette Daydream” and “Come a Little Closer” while costume blood rolled down his face. The group was preceded by rising Americana star Shakey Graves, whose modern take on country, blues and folk made for a great soundtrack to the sunset.
Sean Lennon. Photo by Elsa Hahne.
The biggest surprise of the day may have been psychedelic glory of The Claypool Lennon Delirium, a brand new project from bassist extraordinaire Les Claypool and indie rocker Sean Lennon (who happens to be a near-splitting image of his father, the legendary John Lennon). The pair played to both of their strengths throughout the set, with Lennon shifting between breezy and edgy psych-rock guitar interludes while Claypool held down the low end with both a traditional bass guitar and one of the upright bowed variety. Their trippy inclinations were highlighted by the group’s cover selections, which included renditions of mind-expanding classics like King Crimson’s “In the Court of the Crimson King,” Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine” and The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows.”
Also on the bill yesterday was South African hip-hop act Die Antwoord, who brought their abrasive and bombastic take on rap music to the Le Plur stage while Tool was busy holding things down on the main Altar Stage. Additionally, stoner heroes Rebelution closed out the South Course stage with their heady blend of rock and reggae, while Melanie Martinez took over the Pepsi Stage with a bizarre show that took a few too many aesthetic cues from a pre-school classroom.
Voodoo Fest will continue tonight with headlining performances by Arcade Fire and The Chainsmokers, as well as sets from STS9, Gramatik, Beats Antique, Band of Horses, Morning 40 Federation, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, and the Tool side project Puscifer.
All photos by Elsa Hahne.
