Backstage With Slipknot, Slayer, Anthrax, and More at Mayhem Fest
To get intimate shots of the most evil bands in the land, SPIN snuck past a gauntlet of hellhounds and pitchfork-wielding demons to meet them backstage (OK, we got a laminate).
1.Ne Bus Ultra
On Saturday, the 26-date Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival played its opening show in San Bernadino, California, kicking off its long, sweaty summer with Slipknot, Slayer, Anthrax, Motörhead, and much more. To get intimate shots of the most evil bands in the land, SPIN snuck past a gauntlet of hellhounds and pitchfork-wielding demons to meet them backstage (OK, we got a laminate). We also grabbed some shots of the most stylish metalheads in attendance.
Above: Aaron Matts, singer for Parisian deathcore crew Betraying the Martyrs, rides his steel horse. Their generator didn't work, so it was as hotter 'n hell.
2.Ne Bus Ultra
On Saturday, the 26-date Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival played its opening show in San Bernadino, California, kicking off its long, sweaty summer with Slipknot, Slayer, Anthrax, Motörhead, and much more. To get intimate shots of the most evil bands in the land, SPIN snuck past a gauntlet of hellhounds and pitchfork-wielding demons to meet them backstage (OK, we got a laminate). We also grabbed some shots of the most stylish metalheads in attendance.
Above: Aaron Matts, singer for Parisian deathcore crew Betraying the Martyrs, rides his steel horse. Their generator didn't work, so it was as hotter 'n hell.
3.Scary Monsters and White Pipes
Matts slaps five with Martyrs drummer Mark Mironov.
4.Tat Power
Danny Leal, vocalist for Upon a Burning Body, shows off his ink.
5.Vanthrax
Scott Ian of Anthrax catches a van ride to their show.
6.Vanthrax 2
Anthrax lead singer Joey Belladonna caught somewhere besides a mosh.
7.Mayhamstrings
Belladonna stretches before the show.
8.The Threat Is Real
Anthrax has come for you all.
9.Tsiltesnikufesin
Anthrax's set list.
10.Been Caught Smiling
Anthrax's Rob Caggiano grins.
11.State of Euphoria
Anthrax fans are fist-banging maniacs.
12.God Loves Us All
The Devil Wears Prada get in a pre-show prayer.
13.Nice Rack
Slayer's guitars.
14.Lemmy at 'Em
Lemmy Motörhead shows these kids how it's done. The master was correcting minute sound problems in between songs since he is a seasoned pro.
15.Def American
Slayer fans fly the flag.
16.You Slay Me
Slayer's Tom Araya shares a joke.
17.King Tuff
Slayer's Kerry King looking as unfuckwithable as ever.
18.Until the Vistalite Takes Us
Slayer's Dave Lombardo goes ham at Mayhem.
19.Unmasked!
Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson without his mask. Please do not murder us for running this photo, Slipknot.
20.Knot Landing
Corey Taylor of Slipknot.
21.Monster Maggots
Slipknot fans are some of heavy music's most loyal.
22.I Get Wet
Slipknot guitarist Mick Thomson gets hydrated.