Metallica Unleashes “Creeping Death” in Syracuse with a Thunderous Crowd Chant on April 19, 2025

On April 19, 2025, Metallica unleashed a ferocious performance of “Creeping Death” inside the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, launching their 2025 M72 World Tour with thunderous energy. It marked their long-awaited return to the city after nearly three decades, drawing a crowd of over 47,500 fans and shattering the venue’s all-time attendance record.

The night opened with the iconic strains of Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold,” setting a dramatic tone before the band exploded onto the stage. As the lights dropped, James Hetfield’s voice cut through the roar of the crowd, and the first riff of “Creeping Death” ignited an instant eruption of energy in the dome.

A massive in-the-round stage was set up at midfield, allowing Metallica to be surrounded by fans on all sides. The design brought the band closer to the audience than ever before, creating an immersive and electrifying experience. The Snake Pit area at the front offered lucky fans an even more intimate view of the metal giants in action.

Following “Creeping Death,” the band charged through a setlist that spanned their entire career. Songs like “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Hit the Lights,” and newer tracks like “Lux Æterna” and “Screaming Suicide” showcased their evolution while staying rooted in the thrash metal foundation that made them legends.

Lars Ulrich’s blistering drumming anchored the night, while Robert Trujillo’s thundering bass added weight and dimension. Kirk Hammett delivered piercing solos with fiery intensity, and Hetfield’s stage presence and gritty vocals kept the audience locked in from start to finish.

A particularly emotional moment came when the band played “Orion,” their iconic instrumental piece written with late bassist Cliff Burton. The performance served as a heartfelt tribute, reminding fans of their journey, their roots, and the bond that keeps Metallica moving forward after four decades.

The production of the show was as ambitious as the music itself. Giant screens, flame cannons, and coordinated lighting turned the concert into a visual spectacle. The flawless execution elevated the live experience, proving once again that Metallica are not just musicians but master showmen.

Classics like “Nothing Else Matters,” “Sad But True,” and “One” followed, each performed with power and precision. The emotional weight behind each lyric was felt throughout the dome, drawing fans together in a shared sense of catharsis and release.

As “Master of Puppets” thundered through the speakers, the crowd erupted into a synchronized frenzy of headbanging and shouting. The energy reached a fever pitch, and the connection between the band and the audience became electric—one voice, one pulse, one massive celebration of metal.

To close the night, Metallica delivered a blistering “Enter Sandman,” sending fans into a final, unified roar. The lights pulsed and pyrotechnics soared as the band took their final bows, leaving behind a stunned but ecstatic crowd who knew they had witnessed something unforgettable.

This concert wasn’t just a show—it was a declaration that Metallica still reigns supreme. Their performance in Syracuse proved they remain at the peak of their powers, capable of commanding stadiums with both nostalgia and fresh fire.

The blend of old and new songs showcased a band that refuses to rest on past glory. Instead, Metallica continues to forge ahead, pushing their sound and stage production to new heights while honoring the legacy that brought them here.

For Syracuse, this was more than a concert—it was a moment in time. Older fans relived their youth, younger ones discovered a band that transcends generations, and together they created a night that won’t be forgotten.

Metallica’s return to Syracuse was a full-circle moment, bridging nearly 30 years with a performance that lived up to every bit of the anticipation. It reminded everyone present why the band continues to be a cornerstone of heavy music.

As the M72 World Tour presses on, the Syracuse stop will stand tall as one of the tour’s defining highlights. It proved once again that Metallica isn’t just a band—they’re a living force, and they’re far from done.