Reviews: Metallica, Thomas Rhett, RZA & More

This week, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled critical reviews of Metallica in Pittsburgh; Thomas Rhett in Oklahoma City; RZA of Vancouver; Josh Groban in Duluth, Ga.; Ry Cooder in London; and Oddisee in Vancouver.

Michael Campanella / Redferns / Getty Images – Metallica
Metallica brings the “WorldWired Tour” to Ericsson Globe in Stockholm May 7.

Metallica @ PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 18 – “While the music was great and the enthusiasm from both the band and the crowd was remarkable, much of the show felt more like a Broadway performance than a bone-crunching metal show. There were few flaws, no gaffs, no missed notes. That’s highly marketable, but also highly boring.” – Josh Oswald / Pittsburgh City Paper

Thomas Rhett @ Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla., Oct. 12 – “Whether he was hopping offstage to join the screaming fans on the floor level or singing out the notes during a spirited saxophone solo by multi-instrumentalist Frank Houston, the Georgia native exuded easygoing confidence.” – Brandy McDonnell / The Oklahoman

RZA @ Orpheum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Oct. 9 – “Simply watching the movie [Hong Kongese Lau Kar-leung’s The 36th Chamber of Shaolin] as part of a film festival at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre could have sufficed perfectly as a great night on the town. Watching the movie whilst the living icon performed the score with impeccable sound quality is transformative.” – Maddy Cristall / Beat Route

Scott Legato / RockStarProPhotography.com – Josh Groban
The Palace Of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Mich.

Josh Groban @ Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Ga., Oct. 18 – “Yes, there were a few misfires, as is expected on the first night of a major outing. Menzel missed her cue to join Groban for a couple of duets – she was in the bathroom, she explained with her trademark tart wit when she dashed out a few minutes later – and the lighting during Menzel’s opening set was a frustrating dark wash of purple and shadows. But their voices – separately and together – provided a flawless sonic experience.” – Melissa Ruggieri / Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Ry Cooder @ Cadogan Hall in London, England, Oct. 18 – “The only mystery of the night was why the promoters had chosen the wonderfully intimate but undeniably restricted Cadogan Hall – seating capacity 950 – for this standout concert when he could have comfortably filled a venue five times the size. For those lucky enough to be there, it was night to be cherished.” – John Clarke / iNews

Oddisee @  Imperial in Vancouver, British Columbia, Oct. 13 – “Oddisee’s performance itself was an incredible high energy outing, sans his usual band to back him up. Even on his own, Oddisee delivers the energy of an entire band, running across the stage with a huge smile on his face having the time of his life.” – Joey Lopez / Beat Route