AURA in Portland, Maine, was the epicenter of a seismic rock event as Jerry Cantrell and Filter delivered performances that left the audience electrified.

This concert was a testament to the enduring power of rock, showcasing both Cantrell’s and Filter’s ability to captivate and energize an audience. In the heart of a frigid Maine winter, AURA’s stage was set ablaze as Jerry Cantrell and Filter delivered a night of raw, unfiltered rock that left the audience craving more.

Filter: A Sonic Assault

Filter ignited the night at 8:00 PM, delivering a potent 45-minute set that included hits like “Take a Picture” and “Hey Man Nice Shot,” setting the stage for the evening’s main act. Kicking off the evening, Filter wasted no time in unleashing their signature industrial rock sound. Opening with “You Walk Away,” they set a relentless pace that had the crowd pulsating. The setlist was a masterclass in controlled chaos:

    1.    You Walk Away

    2.    The Drowning

    3.    (Can’t You) Trip Like I Do

    4.    Obliteration

    5.    Jurassitol

    6.    Take a Picture

    7.    Drug Boy

    8.    Welcome to the Fold

    9.    Hey Man Nice Shot

The crowd erupted during “Hey Man Nice Shot,” a track that has lost none of its edge over the years and the the energy was undeniable.

Jerry Cantrell: The Maestro of Darkness

Taking the stage at 9:15 PM, Jerry Cantrell, the legendary guitarist of Alice in Chains, commanded the audience with a presence that was both haunting and magnetic. Launching into “Psychotic Break,” he immediately set a tone that was both introspective and explosive.His 17-song set that traversed his expansive career. The setlist featured tracks from his latest album, “I Want Blood,” as well as classics from his solo work and Alice in Chains. Highlights included “Psychotic Break,” “Them Bones,” and a powerful rendition of “Rooster” to close the night.

The setlist was a journey through Cantrell’s expansive career:

    1.    Psychotic Break

    2.    Them Bones (Alice in Chains cover)

    3.    Vilified

    4.    Afterglow

    5.    Atone

    6.    Off the Rails

    7.    Cut You In

    8.    My Song

    9.    I Want Blood

    10.    Had to Know

    11.    Down in a Hole (Alice in Chains cover)

    12.    Angel Eyes

    13.    Hate to Feel (Alice in Chains cover)

    14.    Would? (Alice in Chains cover)

    15.    Encore:

    16.    Held Your Tongue

    17.    Brighten

    18.    Rooster (Alice in Chains cover)

The inclusion of “Hate to Feel,” performed live for the first time in over three decades, was a visceral highlight that resonated deeply with long-time fans. Cantrell’s guitar work was as sharp as ever, slicing through the venue’s atmosphere with surgical precision.

A Night to Remember

The combination of Filter’s industrial aggression and Cantrell’s grunge-laden introspection created a dynamic that was both confrontational and cathartic. AURA’s intimate setting amplified the intensity, making this a night that attendees won’t soon forget.

For those who missed this electrifying performance, let this serve as a stark reminder: when rock legends come to town, complacency is not an option.