Metal Mayhem at The Pinnacle: Killswitch Engage & Kublai Khan TX

Nashville’s newest venue The Pinnacle was transformed into a battleground of raw emotion and sonic fury as Killswitch Engage and Kublai Khan TX stormed the stage, delivering an unforgettable night of crushing riffs, explosive breakdowns, and passionate crowd engagement. Metalcore heavyweights Fit for a King opened the show with a set that balanced devastating heaviness with soaring melodies. Ryan Kirby’s vocals were a force of nature, seamlessly transitioning from guttural screams to emotive clean singing. Next, my all time 2025 undisputed pick for most change the game influential metal band out there killing it right now, Kublai Khan TX. To me their riffs and vocals give off pissed off gas station clerk but to my surprise the energy they gave off was very nice. Their set was a relentless assault, with frontman Matt Honeycutt commanding the stage with his signature guttural growls and aggressive presence. The breakdowns hit like sledgehammers, sending waves of energy rippling through the audience. Tracks like “Antpile” and “The Truest Love” had fists flying and bodies colliding, as the band proved why they are one of the most respected names in modern hardcore. Since high school Killswitch Engage has guided me musically and were one of those bands I assumed I would never see let alone take photos of. Every second of their set was special, like seeing old friends. Jesse Leach’s vocals cut through the mix, seamlessly transitioning from guttural growls to soaring cleans, proving once again why he remains one of the best vocalists in metalcore. The setlist was a perfect mix of new and classic hits. Adam Dutkiewicz, clad in his usual stage-ready antics this time an I’m With Stupid shirt, shredded through fan favorites like “My Curse”, “Rose of Sharyn”, and the anthemic “The End of Heartache”. I was also happy to hear songs from their newest album This Consequence.