Photos by Andy Argyrakis

When it comes to hard rock, heavy metal and the alternative side of the dial in general, the pairing of Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Ministry and Filter couldn’t be more perfect, especially in regards to representing the style’s origins through today.

In fact, it felt like a mini-Summerfest when the “Freaks On Parade” Tour marched onto the grounds of the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, giving Milwaukee a head-banging marathon like no other for nearly five hours.

The former singer of White Zombie turned solo giant closed out the endlessly aggressive affair, pulling punches from both periods in all their industrialized glory, complete with all the gory imagery and sensory spectacle on the screens that made him an instant heir to the shock rock throne.

“Demon Speeding,” “Super-Charger Heaven” and “Superbeast” were just a few of the many that found a bellowing Zombie and his muscular band grooving or slashing their way around the haunted house-like stage, which by the time they got to “More Human Than Human,” “Living Dead Girl” and “Thunder Kiss  ’65,” turned into a thrill ride of absolutely epic proportions.

The man who paved the way for his co-headliner and everyone thereafter, Alice Cooper, came on right before, defying his 76 years with all the attitude, action and iconic elements of career that’s endured for an astounding six decades.

Whether it was “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “I’m Eighteen,” “Feed My Frankenstein” or “Poison,” this Hollywood Vampire’s power and pageantry was unparalleled, while his equally ferocious backers, including guitar goddess Nita Strauss, further ensured “Black Widow Jam,” “Elected” and “School’s Out” were pumped with the maximum adrenaline as the audience engaged in each anthemic call and response.

“Everyday Day Is Halloween” for Chicago’s own Ministry, who found front man Al Jourgensen and the fellas firing on all cylinders during the delightfully dark “Just One Fix,” “Thieves” and “Jesus Built My Hotrod,” to name but a few of their balls to the wall remembrances.

Fellow co-founder Richard Patrick led Filter through a trio of bone-crunching tunes off “The Algorithm,” prior to pounding into the retro yet still relevant likes of “Take A Picture,” “Welcome To The Fold” and “Hey Man Nice Shot” to warm up what turned out to be a fabulous freakshow.

For additional information on Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Ministry and Filter, visit RobZombie.com, AliceCooper.com, MinistryBand.com and OfficialFilter.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater include Pitbull (Aug. 31); Avril Lavigne (Sept. 9); Live and Stone Temple Pilots (Sept. 14); and Dierks Bentley (Sept. 21). For additional details, visit AmFamAmp.com.

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