Few bands command a stage with the intensity and authority of Godsmack. When the Massachusetts hard-rock veterans rolled into Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on October 23 as part of The Rise of Rock World Tour, they brought nearly three decades of hard-hitting anthems, thunderous rhythms, and unapologetic rock-and-roll attitude. Taking the stage around 10 p.m., the band wasted little time reminding Atlantic City why it remains one of hard rock's most formidable live acts. Opening with “When Legends Rise,” followed by “You and I” and “1000hp,” Godsmack immediately established the evening's tone: loud, aggressive, and built for maximum impact.
The 14-song set was a career-spanning collection that balanced newer material with the classics that helped establish Godsmack as a dominant force in modern rock. “Awake,” “Speak,” and “Keep Away” brought the band's signature heavy riffs and unmistakable intensity, while “Love-Hate-Sex-Pain” and “Voodoo” added darker, atmospheric moments. A standout surprise came with a muscular take on Joe Walsh's “Rocky Mountain Way,” giving the band an opportunity to put its own hard-rock stamp on the classic. The closing stretch was pure Godsmack, with “Whatever,” “Under Your Scars,” “Bulletproof,” and “I Stand Alone” delivering the familiar hooks and explosive energy fans came to hear.
Behind the microphone, Sully Erna remains one of rock's most commanding frontmen. His distinctive voice, powerful delivery, and ability to move between aggressive intensity and more melodic passages have been central to Godsmack's identity since its beginnings. Bassist Robbie Merrill provides the foundation, locking into the band's heavy arrangements with the consistency and precision that have defined his playing throughout the group's history. Together, the longtime members continue to anchor a band whose catalog includes multiple platinum albums, chart-topping singles, and an impressive collection of modern-rock staples.
There is also a significant new chapter unfolding within the band's lineup. Guitarist Sam Koltun has taken over for longtime member Tony Rombola, while the drum position has experienced an especially interesting transition. After Shannon Larkin's departure, Wade Murff initially stepped in before leaving the tour in June. Former Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini was then brought aboard, making him the second replacement drummer in this new touring era. Mangini is hardly an unfamiliar name in the rock world; his technical precision and experience with Dream Theater, Extreme, and Steve Vai bring considerable musical firepower to the group. Alongside Koltun's guitar work, the new lineup gives Godsmack a different personality while preserving the sound fans recognize. The combination of Erna, Merrill, Koltun, and Mangini represents an intriguing evolution for a band that has never been afraid to reinvent itself.
One of the evening's highlights was the drum feature, “Batalla de los tambores,” giving Mangini an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary technique and rhythmic command that made him one of progressive metal's most respected drummers. His arrival adds a new dimension to Godsmack's live presentation, particularly when the music opens up for extended instrumental passages. The band's chemistry is clearly entering a new phase, but the underlying formula remains intact: crushing guitars, powerful percussion, memorable melodies, and Erna's unmistakable vocal presence. After years of touring with the same core lineup, watching these musicians establish their own identity makes this version of Godsmack particularly interesting.
The Rise of Rock tour is more than a victory lap through a collection of familiar hits. It represents a celebration of a band that has spent decades building a catalog that continues to resonate with hard-rock audiences. From the breakout success of its self-titled debut and Awake to the radio dominance of “I Stand Alone,” “Voodoo,” “Bulletproof,” and “When Legends Rise,” Godsmack has consistently delivered music that connects with fans across generations. Atlantic City's crowd was treated to exactly what a Godsmack concert should be: a powerful mix of nostalgia, musicianship, and unapologetic hard rock. With its revamped lineup now taking shape, the band has demonstrated that its next chapter has plenty of life left in it.
Review and Photography by: Bob Linneman