Metallica, Pantera & Suicidal Tendencies at Denver’s Empower Field

Recently Metallica put on a 2-night mini-festival at Denver’s Empower Field and I was so honored to photograph night two with Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies. The M72 tour featured a 360-degree stage design with multiple sound-video towers, allowing for a kick-ass fan experience. The event also turned into Mile High Stadium’s largest attended event ever (152,000 people!) and I have never seen a sea of black t-shirts so vast in my life! The stage set up was brilliant for a venue of this size (although, as you can see below, not as good for us photographers). The bands played in the round and the pit was the whole floor where the Broncos play – tons of room to mosh and rock out. All three bands gave stellar performances and it was one of those nights where you end up being really thankful to witness the whole thing.

Metallica, Pantera & Suicidal Tendencies
Denver Concert Photos & Review

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Suicidal Tendencies

Suicidal Tendencies burst out of Venice, California in the early ’80s with a skate punk attitude and a thrash metal edge that made them stand out from the start. Led by the ever-charismatic Mike Muir, they quickly gained notoriety with their self-titled debut and the unforgettable anthem “Institutionalized.” What started as a hardcore outfit evolved into a genre-bending force that blended metal riffs with punk energy – and yes, those iconic flipped-up hats became part of the legend. Over the decades, they’ve had more lineup changes than most people have pairs of socks, but the raw intensity has never wavered.

Seeing Suicidal Tendencies live is like jumping headfirst into a pit of adrenaline. Their set was loud, chaotic, and strangely joyful – a sweaty celebration of rebellion and resilience. Muir prowled the stage like a motivational coach with a punk rock gospel, while the band banged on at full throttle. After all these years, Suicidal Tendencies still proves that controlled chaos can be an art form.

Pantera

Pantera wasn’t just a band – they were a full-force sonic punch to the face that helped redefine heavy metal in the ’90s. Starting out in the ’80s with a glam-metal look (yes, really), they fully hit their stride when vocalist Phil Anselmo joined and they dropped the iconic Cowboys from Hell in 1990.

If the reception in Denver was any indication, Pantera may be set for a revival because the crowd went absolutely nuts when they came out. Absolute sonic chaos. I was able to get out and really listen to their set and wow. I appreciated how Pantera honored founders Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul (who have passed), while rocking out in a way that left my ears ringing for days.

Metallica

What can I say? Rock legends Metallica has been shaking the earth with their heavy riffs and thunderous energy since the early ’80s. Formed in Los Angeles by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, the band quickly carved their place in metal history. Their early albums, like Kill ‘Em All and Ride the Lightning, brought a raw, aggressive sound that redefined thrash metal. By the time Master of Puppets hit in 1986, Metallica was already a juggernaut. Tragedy struck that same year with the loss of bassist Cliff Burton in a bus accident, but the band pushed forward, determined to honor his legacy.

The release of And Justice for All showcased their technical chops, and then came The Black Album – a mainstream breakthrough that gave us hits like “Enter Sandman” and filled stadiums worldwide. Over the years, Metallica has experimented with their sound… but live in concert? They’re beyond a force of nature.

Their show here in Denver was a masterclass in power and endurance, with James barking out vocals while guitarist Kirk Hammett melted my face with his solos. Lars pounded the drums like he was trying to wake the dead, and Robert Trujillo’s basslines stomped with wild precision. They’ve played everywhere from tiny clubs to massive festivals, and somehow they still look like they’re having the time of their lives.

James called out longtime fans and the number of times they have attended shows and I swear, some people must do Metallica for the full-time jobs.

Whether you’ve been with them since the beginning or part of the new generation of fans, Metallica is impossible to ignore. They’re not just a band – they’re a living, roaring piece of rock history. I am so glad they included Denver in this tour and I got to be there.

See other posts from Empower Field at Mile High Stadium!