Slayer, Sublime and Something Corporate reunite during ferocious Riot Fest finale

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

No amount of rain could dampen the Riot Fest finale, especially considering it featured some of the season’s most immensely anticipated reunions, including thrash metal innovators Slayer ending a half-decade hiatus.

Since vocalist/bassist Tom Araya, guitarist Kerry King, additional axe-slinger Gary Holt and drummer Paul Bostaph are no longer touring, this marked the first of a mere three festival dates, easily attracting an audience spanning the entire globe.

It turned out to be well worth any distance traveled considering Slayer was clearly “Reborn,” and for over 90 minutes, pounded out twenty “Blood Red” remembrances with all the shred-heavy speed and sheer muscular force that absolutely earned its enormous, cult-like following, which now spans multiple generations.

Ska, punk and reggae rockers Sublime also attracted an all ages audience, who after the passing of original front man Bradley Nowell in the 1990s, eventually led to bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh reforming with Rome, but they’ve since switched gears to welcome Bradley’s son Jakob Nowell into the band.

Fresh off coming back together at Coachella, the core trio and a pair of supporting players sounded spot on recreating such classics as “Date Rape,” “Wrong Way,” “What I Got,” “Badfish” and “Santeria,” frequently jamming or vibing alongside the spontaneous flow.

It’s been over 20 years since Something Corporate mounted an entire tour, though the chemistry remained between singer/piano man Andrew McMahon, guitarists Josh Partington and William Tell, plus bassist Kevin “Clutch” Page and drummer Brian Ireland.

The pop/punk/emo act primarily recalled the key 2000s collections, “Leaving Through The Window” and “North,” yet are steadily trickling out new tunes in its infectious and anthemic tradition.

For his final show of the year, Rob Zombie was even more epic of a “Superbeast” than usual from the second he started “Demon Speeding” to the final roar of “Dragula,” complete with a two-level set and all the shock rock special effects that have crowned him an alternative icon.

Lamb Of God got everyone loose for the explosive evening thanks to a mighty mixture of metalcore, death metal and roaring grooves as leader Randy Blythe raced all around, jumped off the drum riser and screamed like there was no tomorrow.

In the case of Riot Fest, the 2024 edition is indeed over, but it thankfully made so many lasting memories, there will be tons to talk about and replay until the annual extravaganza sets its sights on an already eager Chicago once again.

Click here for more photos of Riot Fest at Douglass Park.

For upcoming Riot Fest announcements, visit RiotFest.org.