POD date on December 5th served as an explosive warm-up for the main show on the 13th and was a real treat for fans of Christian metal and rock.
With a stellar lineup, Carioca Club hosted Living Sacrifice in their highly anticipated Brazilian debut, Demon Hunter with their contagious energy, and, as the main attraction, the veterans of POD, who delivered a memorable performance. Expectations were high, and what followed was a celebration of heavy music that transcended genres and generations.
Opening the night with a performance that marked their debut on Brazilian soil, Living Sacrifice showed why they are a legend of Christian extreme metal. Known for pioneering death/thrash metal with faith-based lyrics, the band from Little Rock, Arkansas, delivered a brutal and relentless sound. Vocalist and guitarist Bruce Fitzhugh , with his characteristic screams and heavy riffs, led the band through a setlist that offered no respite.
Tracks like “Flatline” and “Symbiotic” paved the way for the aggression of “Hand of the Dead” and “Local Vengeance Killing,” while “Bloodwork” and “The Reaping” blew everyone away. The audience, eagerly awaiting this historic performance, responded fervently, culminating in the powerful “Reborn Empowered” and “Reject,” solidifying the band's first performance in the country as the heaviest of the night.
Next, Demon Hunter took to the stage, bringing their unique blend of melodic and heavy metalcore. The band, characterized by its fusion of powerful riffs with catchy melodies and profound lyrics, was received with great enthusiasm. The charismatic vocalist Ryan Clark , an essential member with his impressive vocal versatility that transitions between furious gutturals and clean, melodic vocals, masterfully commanded the audience. They began with the intensity of "Sorrow Light the Way" and "Heaven Don't Cry," quickly engaging the fans. The performance was a perfect balance between the brutality of "Collapsing" and the emotion of "The Heart of a Graveyard," showcasing the depth of their catalog and the band's ability to create an immersive and powerful atmosphere.
Demon Hunter's energy continued to grow with each song, solidifying their connection with the Brazilian audience. Tracks like "I Will Fail You" and "Infected" arrived with the band's characteristic intensity, while "Cut to Fit" and "Peace" brought intense and melancholic moments. The band demonstrated a cohesive and impactful stage presence, with each member contributing to the sonic wall that filled the Carioca Club. The setlist was a journey through their discography, culminating in an apotheotic finale with "Dead Flowers," "Cold Winter Sun," "I'm Done," "The Last One Alive," and the explosive "Storm the Gates of Hell," leaving the audience warmed up and ready for the main attraction.
When the lights went down and the intro to POD began, the atmosphere changed. The pioneers of nu metal and alternative metal, known for their fusion of rock, reggae, hip-hop and a positive message, took to the stage with contagious energy. Vocalist Sonny Sandoval , an essential frontman with his charismatic stage presence and ability to transition between rap and melodic singing, immediately captivated the audience.
The band opened with the classic “Southtown”, followed by “Rock the Party (Off the Hook)” and “Boom”, transforming the Carioca Club into a party amidst jumping, shouting and singing, showing that, even after decades, the strength of their sound and the relevance of their songs remain intact.
POD delivered a dynamic performance, showcasing hits and more recent tracks from their album Verita (2024). “I Got That” and the surprising Beatles , “Don't Let Me Down,” demonstrated the band's versatility, while “Breaking” and “Murdered Love” maintained the intensity. During “Murdered Love,” a minor technical issue with the guitar meant the final verse had to be played again after the song ended, a moment the band handled with professionalism and good humor, interacting with the audience and demonstrating that passion for music is what matters. The band continued to captivate everyone with the melody of “Lost in Forever” and the introspective “Sleeping Awake,” creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
The climax of the night came with a sequence of anthems that made the Carioca Club vibrate. “Youth of the Nation” was one of the highlights, with the audience singing every word in unison, a powerful message that resonates to this day. The band was so comfortable that they changed the setlist on the spot, experimenting without fear of being daring. Then came “Afraid to Die” and “Soundboy Killa,” which prepared the ground for the grand finale.
The band closed the night with the emotional “Will You” and the iconic “Alive,” which made the audience explode, jumping and singing with all their might. POD proved once again why they are one of the most respected bands of their generation, delivering a show full of energy, emotion, and an inspiring message, leaving everyone present eager for the next performance on the 13th. The night was, without a doubt, a perfect warm-up, and Sonny promised surprises for the next show in São Paulo.
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