Kublai Khan at The Astro in LaVista, Nebraska on March 29, 2025.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography
Kublai Khan, the Texas-based metalcore powerhouse, stormed the stage as the 3rd act of the night with an unrelenting ferocity that left the crowd breathless. Playing to a packed venue, the band wasted no time in launching into their signature mix of punishing breakdowns, guttural vocals, and raw intensity. From the opening song, frontman Matt Honeycutt commanded the stage with a growl that cut through the wall of distortion like a battle cry. The mosh pit grew bigger and the crowd surfing intensified as they burned through their set.
The setlist drew heavily from their latest album, blending newer material with fan favorites like Antpile and The Hammer. Each song seemed to hit like a sledgehammer, with the band’s tight musicianship keeping the chaos rolling. Guitarist, Nolan Ashley delivered crushing riffs with precision, while drummer Isaac Lamb’s relentless double bass work kept the energy at a fever pitch. The previous two bands (Frozen Soul and Fit For a King) were loud, but I felt like the volume jumped a few notches for Kublai Kahn. I could literally feel it in my chest with each beat.
The crowd responded in kind, with nonstop moshing, headbanging, and deafening chants. The pit became a whirlwind of bodies, and the band fed off the energy, pushing the performance to an even more intense level. Even in the brief moments between songs, Kublai Khan maintained their aggressive presence, delivering messages of perseverance and raw emotion.
By the time they closed with Antpile 2, the entire venue was left a little drained but satisfied. Kublai Khan once again proved why they are one of the most devastating live acts in heavy music today. If you crave a show that is loud, brutal, and unapologetically intense, this band is definitely for you. This was my first time getting to see these guys. I was left beat and battered but very happy that I was able to experience them.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer, Bob DeHart Photography in York, Nebraska. ©2025.
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