As the lights dimmed and the first seismic riffs of the night ripped through the O2 Forum Kentish Town, it was clear that Mark Tremonti wasn’t here to ease us in gently. With a packed crowd of die-hard fans, the Grammy-winning guitarist-turned-frontman launched into a relentless set that proved why his brand of heavy rock continues to command such a loyal following in the UK and abroad.
Touring in support of The End Will Show Us How, the band’s latest album offering which was released in January, Tremonti delivered a performance that was equal parts precision and raw power—blending technical mastery with the kind of bruising intensity that shook the walls of the venue. Normally the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for both Creed and Alter Bridge, Mark Tremonti’s solo project, aptly named after himself, has built a strong reputation in the heavy rock and metal scene when their debut album All I Was launched in 2012.
With 13 years worth of material at their feet, Tremonti kicked off the set with ‘Wish You Well’ a high-energy track from the first album which instantly ignited the crowd. This was followed by ‘Cauterize’, the title track from their 2015 album which offered a heavier, more aggressive sound. It was this track where rhythm guitarist Eric Friedman particularly shined. As the crushing riffs and chugs tore through the venue, Friedman’s razor-sharp rhythm locked in perfectly with Tremonti’s lead that gave the weighty riffs both clarity and muscle.
Tremonti then launched into fan favourite track ‘You Waste Your Time’, demonstrating Mark Tremonti’s vocal range and the band’s cohesive energy. Hearing this live amplified the track’s raw intensity, resonating deeply with the audience as he sang “You waste your time / You hide too much / Don’t ever let me find what you’re thinking.”
As the opening chords for ‘Another Heart’ rang out, there was no question that Mark Tremonti’s mastery and command of the guitar were on full display. But it wasn’t just about the guitar; his vocals carried just as much weight. Switching between soaring, melodic choruses and gritty, impassioned verses, he delivered each lyric with overwhelming power and control.
A standout from the new album, the live rendition of ‘Tomorrow We Will Fail’ was a powerful experience and offered a different dynamic arrangement which was utterly captivating. Other than ‘Tomorrow We Will Fail’ the band only played one other track from the new album. Both tracks were easily on par with the rest of the band’s discography, but they opted instead to focus on playing fan-favourites. The other fresh addition was ‘It’s Not Over’ bringing with it a heavy yet bombastic feel which translated exceptionally well in a live setting.
As Mark Tremonti took a moment to acknowledge that it was Valentine’s Day, he jokingly thanked the crowd for choosing a night of crushing riffs over candlelit dinners. And honestly, who needs roses and romance when you’ve got face-melting solos and thunderous drum fills?
Reintroducing a heavier feel once again, the relentless opening riff for ‘Throw Them To The Lions’ reverberated around the venue, energising the crowd with each chug. Holding down the low end on this track was bassist Tanner Keegan, whose bass lines were thick and punchy, cutting through the mix with just the right amount of aggression. His ability to lock in with Ryan Bennett’s drumming gave the entire set an unshakable groove, especially during the breakdown section.
Bennett’s drumming on ‘My Last Mistake’ was relentless, delivering punishing double-kick attacks one moment and groovy breakdowns the next. He was the band’s backbone, giving each track a sense of urgency and raw energy that never wavered throughout the night.
Slowing the pace slightly, ‘The Things I’ve Seen’ offered one of the quieter moments of the night with a melodic structure and heartfelt lyrics, in turn creating a palpable and intimate atmosphere as the words “Don’t claim that you know me / When you know very well / That I have seen through it all” boomed throughout the room.
Over the next 30 minutes, the band played a selection of fan favourites, all headbang-worthy in their own right. These include ‘So You’re Afraid’, ‘Flying Monkeys’, ‘Catching Fire’ and ‘Decay’, all featuring driving tempos and electrifying guitar solos. However, by far one of the best performances of the evening came with ‘Dust’, bringing a heartfelt performance that highlighted the band’s dynamic range. As is to be expected with Mark Tremonti, he offered a stunning and supremely technical guitar solo in the closing moments of this number.
Another highlight was the iconic rock anthem ‘Marching In Time’, where Tremonti brought surprise guest, musician and social-media personality Sophie Burrell onto the stage. As soon as she started playing, the audience knew we were in for a treat. Both Burrell and Tremonti proceeded to rip into a jaw-dropping double guitar solo which elevated the song even more than usual.
The band then wandered off-stage and returned a few minutes later for the encore, bringing with them the opening chords and explosive drum rudiments of ‘A Dying Machine’. Closing the night, this epic track was a real crowd-pleaser and served as a powerful finale.
Tremonti’s setlist at the O2 Forum Kentish Town was a well-balanced mix of classic hits and exciting new material. The band’s performance was a masterclass in heavy rock, which was both technically proficient and emotionally resonant, delivering a memorable experience for all in attendance. Tremonti are a collective powerhouse, proving once again why they remain one of the most formidable live acts in modern heavy rock.
Words by Kristian Bayford
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