On a gloomy October evening in Lund, Sweden, the historic city was about to be shaken to its core. Not by the academic reverence that usually defines it, but by something much darker, heavier, and infinitely more visceral. The venue: Mejeriet—a place that’s seen its fair share of cultural events but, on this night, would transform into a cathedral of chaos and melody. The date was October 8th, 2024, and the culprits responsible for the mayhem? The industrial metal legends Pain, supported by the melodic metal force Metalite.
Live Review: Pain and Metalite Live in Lund
Lund is a city that doesn’t need much introduction. With its cobbled streets and gothic architecture, it’s the perfect setting for a metal concert, especially one promising the kind of sonic assault Pain and Metalite had in store. As I walked toward Mejeriet, the chilly air biting through my jacket, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of anticipation. I was about to witness two bands that represent contrasting ends of the metal spectrum—one known for its bone-crushing riffs and bleak lyrics, the other for its catchy hooks and uplifting melodies. It’s the kind of juxtaposition that either results in an epic night or a catastrophic clash. Spoiler alert: it was the former.
Metalite: The Light Before the Darkness
Metalite took the stage first, and they did so with an energy that could have powered the entire city. These Swedes are known for their synth-driven, melodic metal sound, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but damn if they didn’t win over the crowd within minutes. Their frontwoman, Emma Bensing, commanded the stage like a Valkyrie leading her troops into battle. She’s got the kind of presence that makes you forget about everything else and just surrender to the music.
Their set was tight, well-rehearsed, and full of the kind of sing-along choruses that stick in your head long after the show is over. Tracks like “We Bring You the Stars” and “Far from the Sanctuary” showcased the band’s ability to blend heavy riffs with electronic elements, creating a sound that’s as infectious as it is powerful. The highlight of their set, however, was the anthemic “Peacekeepers,” a track that had the entire venue raising their fists in unison. It’s clear that Metalite is a band that thrives on live energy, feeding off the crowd’s response and giving back twice as much.
But let’s not kid ourselves—Metalite was just the appetizer. The main course was still to come, and by the time they finished their set, the crowd was more than ready for it.
Pain: The Soundtrack of Destruction
As the stage was being prepared for Pain, the atmosphere in Mejeriet shifted. There was a tangible sense of anticipation in the air, a collective breath-holding as we waited for Peter Tägtgren and his band of miscreants to take the stage. Pain is a band that doesn’t mess around. They’re not here to make you feel good—they’re here to make you feel something, even if that something is the desire to punch a hole through the nearest wall.
When the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “End of the Line” blasted through the speakers, it was like a switch had been flipped. The crowd erupted, and from that moment on, there was no turning back. Pain’s sound is a unique blend of industrial metal, with elements of electronic and even symphonic music thrown in for good measure. It’s a sound that’s as abrasive as it is addictive, and live, it’s a force to be reckoned with.
Peter Tägtgren is a frontman in the truest sense of the word. His presence is magnetic, his voice a guttural roar that cuts through the noise like a knife. Tracks like “Shut Your Mouth” and “Dirty Woman” had the crowd in a frenzy, moshing and headbanging with reckless abandon. There’s something cathartic about Pain’s music—it’s an outlet for all the anger, frustration, and despair that builds up inside us. And on that night in Lund, we all let it out.
The highlight of their set, though, was the performance of “Coming Home.” This track is a slower, more introspective piece that showcases a different side of Pain—a side that’s just as powerful, but in a more haunting, melancholy way. The contrast between this and the rest of their set was striking, and it served as a reminder that Pain isn’t just about aggression; they’re about emotion, in all its dark, twisted forms.
The Aftermath: A Night to Remember
By the time Pain finished their set with the blistering “Same Old Song,” Mejeriet was a warzone. The crowd was drenched in sweat, ears ringing, but with grins plastered across their faces. This was what we came for—a night of pure, unadulterated metal mayhem, delivered by two bands at the top of their game.
But beyond the noise and the chaos, what stood out the most was the sense of unity in the crowd. Metal shows have always been about more than just the music—they’re about community. And on that night in Lund, we were all part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether you were there for the uplifting melodies of Metalite or the crushing riffs of Pain, it didn’t matter. We were all there for the same reason: to experience the power of live music in its purest form.
Final Thoughts: A Testament to the Power of Live Music
Live Review: Pain and Metalite Live in Lund 2024-10-08 was a total blast! Lund may be known for its academic achievements and historical significance, but on October 8th, 2024, it became the epicenter of the metal world, if only for a night. Pain and Metalite delivered performances that were not only technically flawless but also emotionally charged. They reminded us why we go to shows in the first place—not just to hear the music, but to feel it. To lose ourselves in the sound, to connect with others who share our passion, and to walk away with memories that will stay with us long after the last note has faded.
As I left Mejeriet that night, the cold air hitting my face like a slap, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was what live music is all about. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s something that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Pain and Metalite may come from different ends of the metal spectrum, but on that night in Lund, they proved that when it comes to live music, there are no boundaries.
If you missed this show, you missed something special. But don’t worry, there will be other nights, other shows, other chances to experience the power of metal in all its forms. And when that time comes, you’d better be there.
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