Legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jerry Cantrell brought his I Want Blood Tour to the historic Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, delivering a performance that balanced raw power, nostalgia, and expert precision. Joined on tour by Filter, the fans were treated to a dark and grungy night of music from the industrial fortitude of Filter to the dark riffs of Jerry Cantrell, there is no wonder why the venue was near compacity!
Opening the night, Filter wasted no time rallying the crowd with their intense, industrial-tinged rock sound. Frontman Richard Patrick commanded the stage with an electrifying presence, his vocals were as sharp and visceral as ever. They kicked off their set with “You Walk Away,” immediately setting the tone for a night of powerful rock anthems. The setlist spanned Filter’s career, blending older hits with newer material. The audience erupted when the opening chords of “Take a Picture” rang out, and “Hey Man”, and “Nice Shot” had the entire venue pulsing with their heavy, distorted energy.
Patrick also engaged the crowd with stories between songs, reminiscing about the ’90s alternative scene, his love for singing, and even the darker parts of his past all while hyping up the audience for the legendary guitarist set to follow. Filter’s performance was a perfect match for the night, priming the crowd for what was to come.
After Filter’s dynamic opening, the anticipation for Cantrell was at an all-time high. As the lights dimmed, the haunting first notes of “Psychotic Break” filled the theater, drawing cheers from the crowd. Cantrell’s set was a carefully curated mix of songs from his latest album, “I Want Blood”, and classics from his solo career and Alice In Chains. Highlights included “Afterglow”, “Vilified”, and the title track “I Want Blood”, all showcasing his unmistakable songwriting style — moody, intricate, and heavy.
Of course, longtime fans were treated to Alice In Chains staples like “Them Bones”, the tour debut of “Sea of Sorrow”, and the emotionally charged “Rooster”, which had the entire audience singing along. One of the night’s biggest surprises came when William DuVall joined him on stage for “Would?”, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Cantrell’s guitar work was as immaculate as ever, effortlessly blending sludgy grunge riffs with intricate leads. His vocals carried both grit and warmth, mixed with the astonishing voice of Greg Puciato from Dillinger Escape Plan fame came together to perfectly complement the weight of the music. The chemistry between him and his all-star lineup of a band was undeniable, showcasing a level of perfection that comes from years of experience. The Buckhead Theatre’s acoustics only amplified the richness of the performance, making each note and lyric hit with intensity.
The “I Want Blood” tour is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern classics, proving that both Cantrell and Filter remain forces to be reckoned with in the current rock music landscape. As the final notes of “Rooster” rang out and the lights came up, fans left knowing they had witnessed something special, two legendary acts, still at the top of their game, delivering a show that won’t soon be forgotten.
