Megadeth’s Graspop Set Ignites One of the Year’s Most Unforgettable Metal Moments

On June 17, 2022, Megadeth delivered a powerhouse performance at the Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium, reaffirming their status as thrash metal titans. The band unleashed a setlist that spanned their storied career, igniting the crowd with a blend of classic hits and fan favorites that sent shockwaves through the festival grounds.

The show kicked off with the ominous intro “Prince of Darkness,” which set a dark, brooding tone before exploding into the high-octane fury of “Hangar 18.” With blistering guitar solos and rapid-fire rhythms, the band demonstrated from the outset that they hadn’t lost a step, drawing fans instantly into the madness.

Following closely was “Dread and the Fugitive Mind,” a track that blends psychological reflection with tight riff work. Its haunting melodic structure and philosophical lyrics gave fans a moment to nod not just their heads, but their minds—proving that Megadeth’s songwriting still balances brain and brawn.

“Sweeting Bullets” introduced a theatrical break in the intensity, with Dave Mustaine’s spoken-word verses delivered with eerie charisma. As always, the crowd responded to the familiar self-dialogue of the song, echoing each schizophrenic line with fervor. It was a reminder of how performance art can blend with raw metal.

When “Angry Again” roared through the speakers, longtime fans felt rewarded. Originally part of the Last Action Hero soundtrack, it’s not a song that always makes it into live sets. But on this night, its venomous energy and jagged riffs served as a deep cut resurrection that added weight to the already explosive show.

Then came “The Conjuring,” a nod to the band’s earlier, darker themes. With its occult undertones and unsettling lyrical narrative, the song added an eerie layer to the night’s experience. Its return to the setlist in recent years signaled Mustaine’s willingness to reembrace controversial past material with fresh intensity.

“Dystopia,” the title track from their Grammy-winning 2016 album, brought the band’s modern edge to the forefront. With its intricate timing, political unease, and razor-sharp execution, it showed that Megadeth is not just a legacy act—they’re still evolving and contributing to the current metal conversation.

“A Tout le Monde” slowed the pace but raised the emotion. Sung in both French and English, the ballad gave the crowd a chance to reflect and sway together in unity. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability in the band’s catalog, and live, it carries even more emotional gravity.

“Trust” followed, bringing back a groove-heavy feel. With lyrics revolving around betrayal and disillusionment, the crowd locked in with every word. The dynamic rhythm section kept the pulse steady, while Mustaine’s snarling vocals gave the song its usual bite.

“Symphony of Destruction” lit the place up. The opening riff alone triggered an eruption from the audience, who chanted the lyrics as one. Few metal songs are as instantly recognizable and iconic, and Megadeth delivered it with all the force and flair that made it a genre-defining track in the early ‘90s.

To wrap the set, the band brought out the dual firepower of “Peace Sells” and “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due.” These songs, layered with complex arrangement and politically charged messages, reminded everyone just how technically and lyrically ahead of their time Megadeth has always been.

The chemistry between Dave Mustaine, Kiko Loureiro, Dirk Verbeuren, and James LoMenzo was palpable throughout the night. Their interplay onstage was tight and full of purpose, proving that this lineup has not only gelled but thrives under pressure and crowd expectation.

The crowd itself—tens of thousands strong—was a reflection of Megadeth’s multi-generational appeal. Older fans in denim jackets stood beside younger faces experiencing their first live metal baptism, all equally caught up in the storm of sound and spectacle.

This Graspop set wasn’t just another festival gig. It was a celebration of survival, a victory lap of reinvention, and a statement that Megadeth continues to push forward without forgetting where they came from. Their ability to balance nostalgia with urgency is rare, and fully on display here.

In the end, Megadeth’s 2022 Graspop performance wasn’t just memorable—it was a masterclass in how to own a festival stage. With equal parts aggression, melody, and history, they delivered a set that reminded the world why they’re still among the most vital bands in heavy music.