ZRockR Gets Chopped In Half!? No- Just Celebrating Obituary at San Antonio’s Aztec Theater

April 18, 2025 – This past Friday night, I had the absolute pleasure of witnessing Obituary celebrate the 35th anniversary of it’s infamous album, “Cause of Death,” right here in San Antonio, Texas. It was a fantastic show. Held at the legendary Aztec Theatre, they started their anniversary tour with a bang, a kick, and plenty of heavy music for friends and fans. The Aztec is a strange location. It has railings and floor levels, which doesn’t really allow for much pitting and chaos. Ironic choice of venue, considering the notoriety of some of the bands that Obituary decided to bring with them, but never fear: the hardcore and metal populace knows how to throw down against the odds.

Pest Control was first on the bill, which was something exciting and beautiful considering it was not only their first North American tour, but also their first-ever North American show. Pest Control is the best of harcore and thrash together. Like Motorhead blended with Suicidal Tendencies, Pest Control took a chokehold of the audience, and I’m so happy I was there to capture their first American show.

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Spirit World celebrated the release of their third album by following Pest Control. This was one of my most anticipated moments of the night. Having nothing short of adoration for their sophomore album, “DEATHWESTERN”, I was almost giddy with genuine glee as the lights went down and the Las Vegas cowboys walked out in their studded suits. Playing a personal favorite – “Relic of Damnation” – at the top of their set, I was immediately thrown into ecstasy as they played their Western-tinged thrash metal. Admittedly, I’m surprised they didn’t play more of their newer stuff, but I was extraordinarily pleased either way.

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Terror is the kind of band that hates a barricade. They do everything they can to fight them, which is why I was so surprised to see them on a Live Nation tour. Scott Vogel’s passionate speech to “fight the barricade! Reverse stage dive and get up here! Walk on someone’s head!” had security in an endless battle with both concert-goers and the band themselves. Terror’s performance was beautiful in ways I can’t put into words. No one stood still. The whole crowd was moving, fighting, thrashing, dancing, it was a true miracle of aggression that I’d never really seen before. I watched from an empty seat in the mezzanine as it all went down in glorious fashion.

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Nails finally came to San Antonio! It’d been a long time since the legendary grindcore-crust band played in Texas – even longer for San Antonio audiences. The return of Nails was met with an enthusiasm that almost bested Terror’s happy welcome. Nails shows are nothing short of violent, with beers cans ane fists being thrown back and forth as the chugging of putrid riffs poured from staticky speakers. A bucket list band for sure, do not miss their next show near you.

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And then it was time for the birthday boys in Obituary to throw the party of the weekend. Opening with “Redneck Stomp”, super VIP fan, Rodney Martinez, got to grab the mic and introduce the Louisiana stompers themselves. It was such an electric set, composed of blast beats, signature growls you’ll never hear anywhere else, and an especially tasteful amount of licks and riffs that kept the crowd moving. “Cause of Death” was one of the most famous classic death metal releases at the time. Rivaling such acts as Cannibal Corpse, Mortician, Sepultura, Suffocation, and many more, Obituary has always been a staple of the genre, and forever will.

Obituary’s debut anniversary tour date was one for the ages, and a show that may not be beat. But don’t fear! Obituary’s still on the road, bringing their party to all of America. Remaining tour dates can be found down below! Catch them soon!

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OBITUARY ON TOUR:
Apr 21 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
Apr 22 Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater
Apr 24 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Apr 25 Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
Apr 26 Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether
Apr 27 Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre
Apr 29 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Apr 30 Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
May 02 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
May 03 Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater
May 05 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
May 06 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
May 07 Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theatre
May 09 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
May 10 Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall
May 11 New Kensington, PA @ Perversing Underground
May 14 Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
May 15 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
May 17 Daytona Beach, Florida @ Welcome to Rockville
May 19 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
May 20 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
May 22 Maspeth, NY @ Knockdown Center
May 23 Baltimore, MD @ Maryland Deathfest
May 24 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
May 25 Reading, PA @ Reverb

PHOTO CREDIT: Live photos by Liam Tennant for ZRockR Magazine – (c) 2025 – All Rights Reserved.