By Dion Smith, Rock At Night Brazil
Monsters of Rock Live Review – Allianz Parque, São Paulo, Brazil – April 19th, 2025
I am so excited about attending this show! Some of the bands in this 2025 Monsters of Rock lineup I have grown up with—namely Scorpions, Savatage, Judas Priest, and Queensrÿche!
What makes this extra special is the fact that Europe are also on the bill, and there’s one of my all-time favourite guitarists in the band—John Norum. The lineup, for me, top to bottom, is incredible. My only regret is that Jon Oliva, Savatage’s original vocalist and main songwriter, won’t be here. But Savatage have brought vocalist Zak Stevens, so we are in safe hands as he’s been in the band for many years. Other bands on the bill include Stratovarius and Opeth, so I am sure this festival is going to be nothing short of epic.
I arrive at the Allianz Parque stadium in the centre of São Paulo and check into the press office. It’s great to see the Brazilian metal fans at the stadium—all smiles and excitement to witness the incredible bands on the bill. What I love about Brazil is there are always plenty of younger faces in attendance at rock and metal concerts. There’s always a mix of old and new fans, and it’s great to see that. The vibe in the stadium is electric as the energy builds.
STRATOVARIUS
Stratovarius are from Finland and are the openers for the Monsters of Rock Brazil 2025! They begin with “Forever Free” from their 1997 *Visions* album and then head straight into “Eagleheart” from *Elements Part 1*. The first thing I notice is the extremely impressive guitar work from Matias Kupiainen, who is simply a virtuoso guitarist. Vocalist Timo Kotipelto has a powerful and sometimes operatic-sounding voice that can deliver the soaring high notes with ease.
Stratovarius are everything a power metal band should be—they have the ability to play powerful, heavy-hitting riffs, melodic lead lines, and intricate harmonies, all at breakneck speed. Their drummer Rolf “Rolle” Pilve is certainly working overtime on the majority of these tracks, and in fact, the rhythm section is tight and solid.
After a brief introduction from Timo, “World On Fire” and “Speed of Light” come next. Timo promises a mix of old and new music and certainly doesn’t disappoint. “World On Fire” comes from their 2022 album *Survive*. “Speed of Light” doesn’t hold back either and is delivered in true power metal style. Then come “Paradise,” “Survive,” and “Eternity,” which have the excited crowd singing along. “Eternity” is a fantastic track and has a feel of Queensrÿche about it.
Next comes the legendary “Black Diamond,” followed by “Unbreakable,” and the final track of the afternoon—the anthem-like “Hunting High and Low,” which has the crowd singing the chorus at the top of their lungs. Stratovarius are a band that’s a must-see. Their songs are melodic and uplifting, yet they deliver high-energy power metal. This was a top-notch performance, and I will definitely see them again when the chance arises!
OPETH
Next on the bill are Sweden’s Opeth. Opeth are another band I’ve heard about over the years but haven’t had the chance to see live—until now. One thing I’ve always known about Opeth is that they’re incredibly heavy, but almost impossible to categorize. Their music blends so many different styles, and they reinvent themselves and evolve with every album.
Opeth begin and showcase tracks from their latest material, which is immediately followed by the melodic, ballad-like intro to “In My Time of Need” from their Damnation album. It’s a slow-burning track with melodic vocals and intricate guitar work, interspersed with unusual chord voicing’s and changes. Vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt encourages the crowd to sing along—and indeed they do. The melancholic vocals complement the music beautifully, and the staccato phrasing in the verses gives the song a very unique feel.
Opeth clearly know exactly what they’re doing musically. Their ability to blend different elements into unique-sounding compositions is unmatched. Their songwriting is bold, fearless, and expressive—mission accomplished.
Next up is “Ghost of Perdition,” a masterful mix of death metal growls, chugging guitars, and quiet, mournful melodies. The contrast is stunning. Some fans are swaying to the softer parts while a full-on mosh pit erupts during the heavy sections. The guitar work by Åkerfeldt and Fredrik Åkesson is nothing short of epic—huge, heavy, and emotional, with beautiful lead passages cutting through the mix.
They then play “Sorceress” and “Deliverance,” both equally crushing and melodic. The guitars in Sorceress drive the song forward with Åkerfeldt delivering powerful melodic vocals, Interspersed with offbeat guitar lines and strange harmonies, it creates an otherworldly feel. The São Paulo crowd is clearly loving every minute. Deliverance closes the set with massive riffs, machine-like drumming, and growling vocals. It’s intense, and the musicianship is next level.
Opeth thank the crowd, and people are shouting for more. So am I! Their music is a stunning mix of extreme heaviness and intricate melody,. Opeth are an incredible and utterly unique band. If you’re into heavy, complex, and emotional music with stellar guitar work—this band is for you. Awesome!
QUEENSRYCHE
I have been eager to see Queensrÿche for such a long time, and even though the band no longer includes Geoff Tate or Chris DeGarmo, two of the original members are still holding it down—namely guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson.
Queensrÿche come onstage complete with a wall of Marshall stacks, and I just knew we were in for a great show. One thing I’ve always loved about this band is how strong and well-crafted their songs are—always loaded with intricate guitar arrangements and rich storytelling.
They kick off with “Queen of the Ryche” and the crowd goes wild. Vocalist Todd La Torre does an admirable job—his voice is stellar and he brings real energy to the stage. Next up is the iconic “Operation: Mindcrime,” instantly recognizable with that legendary guitar intro and its tight rhythm groove. Then comes “Walk in the Shadows” and the anthemic “I Don’t Believe in Love,” with its melodic guitar lines and beautifully clean chord progressions.
Following that, they roll into “The Warning” (from their debut album) and “The Needle Lies” (another killer from Operation Mindcrime). Todd La Torre’s performance throughout is nothing short of spectacular. His powerful vocals and commanding presence have breathed new life into these classic tracks.
They keep the momentum going with “The Mission” and “Nightrider,” one of the band’s earlier and more raw tracks. The musicianship is top-tier across the board—from the tight rhythm section to the complex solos that somehow feel both vintage and fresh. The São Paulo crowd is fully locked in—fists in the air, heads banging, voices singing.
Guitarist Mike Stone, who rejoined the band, is doing a fantastic job supporting Wilton—handling rhythm and harmonized leads with precision. As the set nears its end, they close with the unforgettable “Eyes of a Stranger.” The thunderous bass and guitar riff explode through the stadium, and the crowd sings every word.
Queensrÿche absolutely nailed it. A well-crafted set full of iconic songs delivered with precision and fire. I was not disappointed—this was a memorable performance from a band that still knows exactly how to deliver a powerful live show.
SAVATAGE
The stadium is filling fast, and the buzz in the air is electric. Savatage are finally back, taking the stage for their first live show in over 20 years. The band’s current lineup features Zak Stevens on vocals, Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli on guitars, and Jeff Plate on drums.
As the Savatage logo lights up the Allianz Parque video screens, the crowd roars in anticipation. A beautiful, haunting piano intro begins—likely a nod to their Dead Winter Dead era—and then a voice booms through the speakers: “São Paulo, let me hear you!” Zak Stevens strides onstage, pumping his fist in the air, rallying the crowd. “Hey! Hey! Hey!” echoes throughout the stadium as the band transitions seamlessly into “Welcome,” a song they haven’t played live since 1998.
The final notes of “Welcome” fade, and there’s a brief silence—then the thunderous riff of “Jesus Saves” kicks in. Zak handles Jon Oliva’s vocal parts with both reverence and strength. Meanwhile, Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli (who’s played with both Alice Cooper and Megadeth) absolutely crush the late Criss Oliva’s solos—both honoring his legacy and putting their own stamp on the music.
Despite the decades-long break, Savatage sound incredibly tight. They play a mix of deep cuts and fan favorites from the Zak Stevens era, including “Wake of Magellan” and “Dead Winter Dead.” Then come the classics: “Gutter Ballet,” “Edge of Thorns,” and “Sirens.” The crowd is going absolutely nuts—air-guitaring every riff and singing every word. Pitrelli and Caffery trade solos effortlessly, and the rhythm section is rock solid.
Then comes a moment of reflection. A video of Jon Oliva appears on the massive screens, performing “Believe” as a tribute to his brother Criss. The entire stadium goes quiet—it’s emotional, heartfelt, and powerful.
Savatage close the set with the legendary “Hall of the Mountain King,” and the crowd erupts. I had no idea Savatage were this beloved in Brazil—the fans know every word, every note. This wasn’t just a gig; it was a moment. A true celebration of an incredible band.
Savatage were every bit as good live as I’d always dreamed they would be. They delivered a stunning set of old and new material, played with heart and fire. Long live the Mountain King!
EUROPE
They open their set with the thunderous “On Broken Wings”—the guitars and drums are driving hard, and the band sounds incredible. They roll seamlessly into “Rock the Night,” one of my absolute favourite tracks of theirs. The band’s sound is huge, and I’m seriously impressed with how strong Joey Tempest’s vocals are. He’s clearly taken great care of his voice and has no trouble hitting those signature high notes.
John Norum’s guitar tone is phenomenal. He switches between his Strat and a Gibson Flying V, both sounding off the charts incredible. Next up is “Walk the Earth” from the 2017 album of the same name, followed by “Scream of Anger” from 1984’s Wings of Tomorrow. The intensity doesn’t let up!
Mid-set they bring out the iconic power ballad “Carrie”—a massive hit for the band. Joey moves across the stage draped in the Brazilian flag and is clearly loving the energy from the crowd. It’s a beautiful moment of connection between the band and the fans.
Later in the set, they dive into “Superstitious”—and right in the middle, they break into a soulful cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry.” It goes down brilliantly. The crowd is right there with them, singing along with every line. It’s a surprise, but a really welcome one.
Then comes “Cherokee” from The Final Countdown album, and you can feel the anticipation building. Everyone knows what’s coming. Sure enough, that unforgettable synth line finally echoes through the stadium—it’s “The Final Countdown.” The place explodes.
The crowd is going wild, hands in the air, singing every word. John Norum plays the iconic guitar solo flawlessly, and the energy peaks. What an ending. Europe’s set was incredibly strong, and I enjoyed every single track. They proved, once again, that they are an amazing live band with serious studio chops to back it up. For me they absolutely nailed it.
JUDAS PRIEST
Now here’s a band I’ve been wanting to see for a very long time. A friend got me into Priest kind of late in their career—through the Painkiller album, which in my opinion is a full-on metal masterpiece. That drumming by Scott Travis? Still mind-blowing to this day!
The rest of the band is just as sharp. While Glenn Tipton no longer tours regularly due to health issues, his live replacement Andy Sneap does an amazing job of replicating Glenn’s classic tone and solos. And of course, Richie Faulkner is a beast on guitar—pure energy and shred power.
Priest storm the stage with “Panic Attack” from their 2024 album Invincible Shield, and the crowd is instantly fired up. Then comes “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”, and I’ve got to say—Rob Halford’s voice is still absolutely ferocious. He hasn’t lost a step. Those signature high screams? Still chilling. The guitars are enormous and razor-sharp, delivering that unmistakable Priest sound.
The setlist is packed with vintage gems and newer burners: “Breaking the Law,” “Turbo Lover,” “Painkiller,” “The Hellion/Electric Eye,” “Hell Bent for Leather,” and “Living After Midnight.” They also play a couple more off Invincible Shield.
One of the standout moments, of course, is “Painkiller.” Scott Travis goes full machine mode behind the kit, and Halford, now in his early 70s, is hunched over the mic screaming every word with sheer power. It’s beyond impressive.
Then come the blazing solos—sweep picking, pedal point riffs, melodic runs—executed at breakneck speed. Faulkner and Sneap are a phenomenal guitar duo and honor the legacy while keeping the fire alive.
They wrap up with “Hell Bent for Leather” and “Living After Midnight,” and the São Paulo crowd is roaring. Priest haven’t slowed down one bit, and with a worldwide tour ahead, it’s clear they’re not going anywhere soon.
Metal gods? Absolutely. This was an unforgettable performance by true metal legends. Priest have still got it and for me it was an awesome performance!
SCORPIONS
I’ve never seen Scorpions live before, so naturally, I was eager to see what this year’s headliners would bring to the table. My bets? “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Winds of Change” high on the setlist? (Spoiler: I was right.)
As the band takes the stage, the crowd absolutely erupts. Scorpions are absolutely made for big stadiums—their sound is huge, the songs are powerful, and completely anthemic.
The show kicks off with the set opener “Coming Home” blasting through the PA, and the packed Allianz Parque is immediately electric. As the intro fades, the band bursts onstage and launches into “Gas in the Tank,” followed by the upbeat rocker “Make It Real.” The lead guitar work is phenomenal—Matthias Jabs and Rudolf Schenker are flawless together.
It’s amazing how great this band still sounds after all these years. Klaus Meine is absolutely on point—hitting the high notes with ease. Scorpions are masters at working a crowd, and the fans are shouting every word right back at him. The guitars are massive, trading solos and harmonies like it’s second nature. All of it locked in tight with a rock-solid rhythm section: Mikkey Dee (formerly of Motorhead) on drums and Paweł Mąciwoda on bass. These guys groove like a machine.
Next up: “The Zoo”—with the iconic signature talk box guitar solo—and “Coast to Coast,” followed by “Top of the Bill / Steamrock Fever” and the high-octane “Bad Boys Running Wild.” The audience is loving every second—hands in the air, voices loud, energy high. The band is incredibly tight, and the stage production is first class with this show.
Then it’s time for a softer moment with “Send Me an Angel,” and of course, “Winds of Change.” The entire stadium sings the intro—goosebumps. Scorpions are making sure we get the hit songs tonight.
They move on to “Big City Nights” and “Blackout,” and right as things peak, a giant inflatable scorpion is lowered onto the stage—absolutely epic and the audience go crazy! The production team nailed it—everything about this show is like a well-oiled machine.
Finally, they unleash stadium rocker “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” and it’s everything you’d want from a stadium closer. The place is shaking. Klaus leads the sing-along, and 60,000 voices are echoing through the São Paulo stadium.
As the set wraps up, the band comes to the front of the stage to take a bow, waves to the crowd, and turns to have their photo taken with a sea of fans behind them. For me, this was a legendary performance. Scorpions have stood the test of time and still deliver like very few other bands can.
Iconic. Timeless. Absolutely unforgettable. Scorpions—you rock!
SUMMARY
In short this festival was an unforgettable experience and the memories will stay with me. We have to remember that music is changing and for me with some of the bands on this bill, we may never see the likes of them again. This is why supporting rock and music in general is so important. We must cherish these experiences and carry the memories in our hearts. Also support the artists and bands coming forward who are making incredible music, and support festivals like this which bring so many bands and people together..
What a truly incredible day I’ve had..one I’ll never forget. Thank you Monsters Of Rock – You definitely nailed it!
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