Killswitch Engage-LaVista-3.29.35

Killswitch Engage at The Astro in LaVista, Nebraska on March 29, 2025.

Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography

Killswitch Engage took the stage to show why they were the main event of a death metal takeover at The Astro in Lavista. Opening with the thunderous Strength of Mind, the Massachusetts-based metalcore pioneers wasted no time unleashing their signature blend of melody, aggression, and raw emotion. Vocalist Jesse Leach commanded the crowd with a mix of brutal screams and soaring cleans, proving why he remains one of the most dynamic frontmen in the genre. Guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel kept the energy high, trading crushing riffs and melodic leads while showcasing the band’s signature blend of metal fury and anthemic choruses.

The setlist was a perfect mix of classics and newer tracks, including The End of Heartache, Rose of Sharyn, and Hate by Design. Each song was met with deafening singalongs and relentless moshing, as the crowd fed off the band’s undeniable energy. Dutkiewicz, ever the showman, added comedic relief with his wild stage antics, balancing the band’s heavy intensity with lighthearted moments.

Perhaps the highlight of the night was the emotionally charged performance of My Last Serenade, with the entire venue sing the song in unison. It was a great moment as someone seeing the band for the first time. I was embarrassed when my friends asked if I had ever seen them or covered them, and I had to say no, because I had not had the chance.

Killswitch Engage delivered a masterclass in modern metal, proving why they remain one of the most influential bands in the genre. Their ability to balance punishing heaviness with heartfelt emotion creates a live experience that is both cathartic and exhilarating. For any metal fan, a Killswitch Engage show is an absolute must. They are legends…and they definitely proved why on this night.