Godsmack hit London’s Eventim Apollo with a revamped lineup last week, featuring Will Hunt (Evanescence) on drums and Sam Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat) replacing longtime members Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola. Any doubts were quickly crushed when they opened with “Surrender,” as frontman Sully Erna prowled the stage with his trademark intensity.
Hunt’s thunderous drumming during “1000hp” had the floor literally rippling while Koltun wisely avoided mimicking Rombola, instead finding his own voice within the familiar framework. Their extended “Voodoo” jam, bathed in violent red and purple lights, showcased genuine chemistry between Koltun and Erna.
The drum battle was a highlight, with Erna surprisingly holding his own against Hunt as they traded increasingly complex patterns before smashing into “Whatever.” No backing tracks, just raw talent.
The setlist hit all the right notes – “Speak” sent diehards into a frenzy, while “Straight Out of Line” reminded casual fans why they came. After a brief breather with “Under Your Scars,” they closed with “Bulletproof” and “I Stand Alone,” leaving the sweaty, middle-aged crowd grinning like teenagers.
With Larkin and Rombola officially retired from touring, this felt like both an ending and a beginning. Sometimes you just need gut-punching riffs and shout-along choruses that connect you to the music, critical opinions be damned.
