Slipknot’s 25th Anniversary Tour Rocks Freedom Mortgage Pavilion with Knocked Loose and Orbit Culture: A Night to Remember
When Slipknot announced they would be hitting the road to celebrate their 25th anniversary, there was no way we were going to miss it.
For many metalheads, Slipknot has been a pivotal force in shaping the genre’s landscape, and the chance to witness them live, performing their old-school hits, was a must-see event.
Even more exciting was the fact that they would be playing at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey—a venue that’s practically home turf for so many fans in the area.
Of course, Slipknot never tours alone, and they brought along two powerhouse bands, Orbit Culture and Knocked Loose, to kick off the night and set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The combination of these three bands at such an iconic venue meant that August 12, 2024, would be a date burned into the memory of every metal fan in attendance.
A Perfect Night for Metal in Camden
As the sun began to set over Camden, the atmosphere around the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion buzzed with excitement. The venue, located just across the river from Philadelphia, was the perfect setting for a night of heavy music.
Though Camden might have a reputation for being a tough place, it’s a prime spot for a massive metal show like this, and the fans who flocked to the pavilion were ready for chaos.
The weather was perfect—warm but not scorching, with a gentle breeze that kept the energy flowing without letting things get too hot.
From the moment the doors opened, a steady stream of fans filed into the pavilion, each person buzzing with anticipation for what was sure to be a raucous, high-energy night.
T-shirts featuring Slipknot’s signature logo, worn bandanas, and even a few old-school jumpsuits were spotted in the crowd, giving a clear signal that this wasn’t just a concert—it was an event that spanned generations.
Orbit Culture: A Thunderous Opener
Kicking off the night was Orbit Culture, a Swedish band that has been making waves in the metal scene in recent years.
For many in the crowd, this was their first chance to see Orbit Culture live, and they did not disappoint. The band stormed the stage with a brutal and tight set that showcased their blend of melodic death metal and groove-heavy riffs.
Songs like “Nensha” and “Open Eye” shook the walls of the pavilion, with the thundering drums and crushing guitar work reverberating through the crowd.
Orbit Culture is known for their intensity, and they delivered it in spades, warming up the audience for the night’s carnage. It was clear from the enthusiastic response that this is a band to watch, as they’re on a trajectory to become major players in the global metal scene.
Knocked Loose: Pure Hardcore Fury
Next up was Knocked Loose, the Kentucky-based hardcore outfit that’s been tearing up stages across the world. If the audience wasn’t fully hyped yet, Knocked Loose made sure to change that with their relentless, adrenaline-pumping set.
Known for their ferocity and no-holds-barred live performances, Knocked Loose unleashed pure chaos from the moment they hit the stage.
Tracks like “Mistakes Like Fractures” and “Counting Worms” whipped the pit into a frenzy, with fans crashing into each other in waves of brutal moshing.
Frontman Bryan Garris commanded the crowd with his piercing screams and boundless energy, leaping across the stage as the band laid down crushing breakdowns and furious riffs.
There’s something special about seeing a band like Knocked Loose in a live setting, where the energy in the room reaches a fever pitch.
Their brand of hardcore is built for live performances, and they thrived on the massive stage at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. By the time their set ended, the crowd was practically foaming at the mouth, ready for the main event.
Slipknot: 25 Years of Chaos and Carnage
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Slipknot took the stage, and from the first note, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be just another show—this was a celebration of 25 years of madness, mayhem, and metal. Dressed in their iconic jumpsuits and masks, Slipknot transported the audience back to the days when they first exploded onto the scene, blending elements of nu-metal, death metal, and industrial into a sound that was all their own.
The band opened with one of their classics, “People = Sh*t,” and the crowd exploded into a sea of raised fists, moshing bodies, and roaring voices.
The energy was electric as Corey Taylor’s vocals cut through the air, while the rest of the band delivered their signature sound with razor-sharp precision. It’s hard to believe that after 25 years, Slipknot could still sound so ferocious, but they proved without a doubt that they’re as powerful as ever.
Throughout the night, Slipknot played a setlist filled with old-school hits that had the crowd singing along word-for-word.
Songs like “Wait and Bleed,” “Surfacing,” and “Spit It Out” sent shockwaves through the venue, with fans reliving the angst and fury that defined their youth. The band’s performance was as tight as ever, and their stage presence was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
What truly sets Slipknot apart is their ability to create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and larger-than-life at the same time.
Despite playing in front of thousands of people, there was a rawness and authenticity to their performance that made it feel like you were part of something special—like you were witnessing history.
Capturing the Chaos: Photographer Jess Ripper
One of the highlights of the evening was having photographer Jess Ripper on hand to capture the action. Her stunning shots from the show are the reason we have such vivid documentation of this incredible night. From the intense energy of the crowd to the dramatic lighting and explosive performances on stage, Jess’s photos tell the story of the night in a way that words alone can’t.
Without her lens capturing every moment, we wouldn’t be able to showcase the chaos, sweat, and passion that defined the evening. Jess’s work speaks for itself, and we owe her a huge thank you for bringing the night to life through her camera.
If you’re not already following her, be sure to check out her Instagram at @jess1ripper to see more of her amazing work.
A Night for the Ages
Slipknot’s 25th anniversary tour stop in Camden was a night that fans won’t soon forget. From the brutal opening sets by Orbit Culture and Knocked Loose to Slipknot’s blistering, career-spanning performance, every moment was packed with intensity and passion. For those who missed it, there’s still time to catch the tour before it wraps up—but you’ll want to act fast, because this is a celebration of metal that no fan should miss.
The Freedom Mortgage Pavilion might have been the backdrop, but the true stars of the night were the bands and the fans who made this show a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Slipknot’s legacy is built on chaos, and on August 12, 2024, Camden was lucky enough to be part of that pandemonium.
