Primus (w/ Mastodon) @ Maine State Pier (Portland, ME) on May 27, 2018 [Photos & Show Review]

Progressive metal behemoths Mastodon are currently in the midst of a co-headlining run with funk metal trio Primus. We caught up with them as they hit the Maine State Pier in Portland, ME on a chilly Sunday evening on May 27th. This show marked the season-opener for the venue, which sits on Portland’s Waterfront by a busy ferry line. Despite the overcast clouds and low temperatures, opener All Them Witches managed to heat things up.

Mastodon was up next. As the sun began to set, the band emerged and kicked into “Sultan’s Curse” followed by “Divinations” and “Crystal Skull.” Much of the material this set was from the group’s 2017 release Emperor of Sand. The guys seemed to be in good spirits despite the not so great weather–with guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds quick to let the crowd know how much the band loved Portland–especially for its beer and lobster. Perhaps it was the Oceanside setting, but this was easily the best I’ve ever seen Mastodon. While the guys played a lot of more recent cuts, they did bring the hits–including “Ghost of Karelia,” “Bladecatcher,” “Megalodon,” and of course, “Mother Puncher.” There was no encore, instead they finished their 17-song set with “Steambreather.” All in all, it was a fantastic performance, here’s hoping they come back again this year!

With the sun completely down, San Francisco’s Primus took to a stage lit up with colorful LED panels with fan-favorite “Too Many Puppies.” Led by frontman Les Claypool the band put on a set stacked with fan-favorites, including “John The Fisherman,” “My Name Is Mud,” and “The Seven,”–closing with everyone’s favorite hit from the Tony Hawk Pro Skater soundtrack, “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver.” You can catch the tour through early July–be sure to arrive early as the groups switch off headlining duties. The remaining tour dates are below!

Remaining Tour Dates:

06/05 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live! Outdoor Amphitheatre
06/06 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
06/08 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
06/09 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill
06/10 – Indianapolis, IN @ Farmer’s Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park
06/12 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
06/14 – Minneapolis, MN @ MYTH LIVE
06/15 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Providence Medical Center Amphitheater
06/16 – Camdenton, MO @ Ozarks Amphitheater
06/18 – Lincoln, NE @ Pinewood Bowl Theater
06/21 – Bonner, MT @ Kettlehouse Amphitheater
06/22 – Seattle, WA @ Marymoor Park
06/23 – Bend, OR @ Les Schwab Amphitheater
06/25 – Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield
06/28 – Avila Beach, CA @ Avila Beach Resort Amphitheater
06/29 – Berkeley, CA @ The Greek Theatre
06/30 – Lincoln, CA @ Thunder Valley Resort Casino
07/02 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Great Salt Air – Outdoors
07/03 – Las Vegas, NV @ Downtown Event Center
07/05 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley
07/06 – San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater
07/07 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre