Review by: Janel Spiegel
Review: Napalm Death and MELVINS
The Archer Music Hall
https://www.archermusichall.com/
939 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA
Allentown, PA May 6th, 2025 – … How are YOU DOING? I was BEYOND EXCITED to see (the) Melvins, and Napalm Death. Just some nice relaxing music after a long day at work. I spent the day thinking about the concert, and how excited I always get. I also thought it was cool I would get to see some familiar friends, and meet some new friends. Mother Nature had been rocking out to her own heavy metal as it started to get dark at work, and my co-workers, and friends chatted about how quickly they would be running to their vehicles, and I played, “Silence is Deafening,” and “Revolve” over and over at work. Music is so important to me. I firmly believe it is healing; it gives you something that nothing else can.
The MELVINS have been causing music havoc for years. I spoke with one gentleman who told me he’s never been more excited to see a band in his whole life. His wife laughed, and reassured me, “HE IS EXCITED.”
It was my first time at The Archer Music Hall, and I must say, IT IS AWESOME. The staff was incredible. Monica who works for (the) Melvins was kind enough to provide me with tickets, and a photo pass. I found myself meeting other photographers who looked deep in thought. I also thought of my friend all night, and yes D, I DID CATCH ALL THE MUSIC VIBES. My norm would have been to message her, and tell her, “OH MY GOSH, I GOT A PHOTO PASS,” and she would send me an LOL, and tell me to have fun.
The Archer Music Hall reminds me of so many random places in Philly, and New York where I have seen some incredible bands including Mr. Bungle. I cannot begin to describe what it feels like when the first note starts and you can tell people have been waiting for this all month, all day… It’s like a rite of passage. There was a most pit. I avoided, my MIND SCREAMED… “YESSSSS,” and my back said, you better cut it out. Moshing is not destructive either, it is almost a form of love for the band, and the fans.
I know what you are thinking, have you ever been a SLAYER pit? Well, not yet. But have you ever been in a MELVIN PIT??? Or a Mr. Bungle PIT??? It is BEYOND something otherworldly.
(the) Melvins played everything from “Billy Fish,” “Honey Bucket” which sends the crowd into a different dimension. Thanks to Monica I was also able to interview Buzz Osbourne (King Buzzo). It’s been a life long dream. I was flabbergasted.
He was cool and collected. I was grateful to pick his brain. Dale Crover, Steven Shane McDonald also joined, and did amazing. They all had one the coolest Evil Eye suits. King Buzzo’s hair has a life of its own. No one questions it, it just happens. I must say thank you the MELVINS, NAPALM DEATH, The Archer Music Hall, security, the staff was amazing!!! So great. They have a bar. There is an upstairs area. They sell snacks. They also had three merch tables for the bands set up towards the back to make it easy to get to the people.
The crowd was awesome. Mother Nature however challenged (the) Melvins, and NAPALM DEATH. When Mother Nature starts head banging, you may want to take cover. It didn’t stop any of us though. (And hi to my ER doc who helped me out, and asked me what show I was covering.) (the) Melvins started around 1983, and they have been making incredible music forever.
Make sure to also check out the opening acts, everyone from Trevor Dunn from Mr. Bungle will be part of the opening acts. Could we take a moment to talk about there is NOTHING better than AN ENTIRE BUILDING VIBRATING FROM MUSIC, BASS, and DRUMS. It brings me pure joy.
Napalm Death did an amazing job. WHAT A SHOW. “You Suffer,” “Dead,” “Lowpoint.” It was beyond incredible. I CANNOT WAIT for my next show at The Archer Music Hall, and of course, I cannot wait for another MELVINS and NAPALM DEATH show.
MAKE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT AND SHOUT OUT TO ALLENTOWN FOR ALWAYS UNDERSTANDING THE ASSIGNMENT. We had an absolute blast. Thank you so much to The Valley Ledger, to The Archer Music Hall, Allentown Police and fire. And, thanks always to my mom for never judging me and for looking at music and horror movies as art.
The music isn’t bad folks, it’s a way to express yourself. We need this in this society right now.
Make sure to check the MELVINS out, NAPALM DEATH, and The Valley Ledger. Stay up to date.
And keep the MUSIC GOING ALWAYS.
https://www.themelvins.net/
https://www.archermusichall.com/
