First up was Testament. For those who haven't heard anything by these Oakland, California boys, here is the title track from the album Practice What You Preach
Testament played about a 45 minute set, playing some older tracks with some newer tracks. It was a fantastic set, with lots of pogo-ing and moshing. In fact, during their set, something happened that I have never seen is all the shows that I have been to (and, I have been to many, many shows; a seasoned veteran I am). During the final track, when they played Formation of Damnation (from their newest album) the lead singer, Chuck Billy, got the crowd on the floor to part left and right of centre, leaving about a 5 metre gap. When he said go, he wanted the "left side to kill the right side, and the right side to kill the left side." What resulted was the largest circle pit that I have ever seen (and been part of, since I usually avoid them, I guess my inner five year old came out). In the end, Testament blew the roof off and I would certain go out of my way to see them again.
After about a 25 minute pause for tear down and set up, Megadeth hit the stage. The first 45 minutes of so of the set, Dave Mustaine and the band just continually played, track for track, their fantastic 1990 album, Rust in Peace, from beginning to end. It was fantastic to hear it played, and if you have no idea what I am talking about check out the album. Definitely a thrash masterwork. Here is a track from that album, entitled Polaris:
After the completion of Rust in Peace, Mustaine finally addressed the crowd, by simply saying "Thank you. That was Rust in Peace." Then they continued to play songs from various other albums, like Symphony of Destruction from Countdown to Extinction, and finally ending their set with a wicked rendition of the title track from Peace Sells....But Who's Buying? Mustaine still looks like he is 18 years old, thrashes with the best of them with his Gibson Flying V and his Sideshow Bob mop of hair. Great, great set!
Finally, as if Megadeth wasn't enough, Slayer hits the stage. Slayer's focus with this set was tracks from Seasons in the Abyss, though, they did not play the entire album like Megadeth did with Rust in Peace. They opened with a couple of tracks from their latest album, World Painted Blood, with the title track and Hate Worldwide.
From there, they moved on to War Ensemble, from Seasons in the Abyss, and continued to tear the house down. Near the end of the set, the closed with Raining Blood, From Reign in Blood, followed immediately with show closer South of Heaven. It was amazing to see these four men just play. Their style is so fast and aggressive, it is amazing seeing them do it still, after all these year. Dave Lombardo plays the drum so fast, it is nearly impossible to comprehend. And the show was so loud! I counted 36 Marshall amplifiers behind them. I could feel my clothes pulsating with the beats. It was amazing, though, I would like my hearing back in my right ear.
From there, they moved on to War Ensemble, from Seasons in the Abyss, and continued to tear the house down. Near the end of the set, the closed with Raining Blood, From Reign in Blood, followed immediately with show closer South of Heaven. It was amazing to see these four men just play. Their style is so fast and aggressive, it is amazing seeing them do it still, after all these year. Dave Lombardo plays the drum so fast, it is nearly impossible to comprehend. And the show was so loud! I counted 36 Marshall amplifiers behind them. I could feel my clothes pulsating with the beats. It was amazing, though, I would like my hearing back in my right ear.
Overall, the show was killer. I had a great time and recommend any of these band to anyone, but mostly to people who like their heavy music. I also do recommend, as horrible as it might sound, to wear ear plugs. You can still hear the bands, you just block out some of the residual noise. For me, a person who does like to go to concerts, I would like to keep going and enjoying, with my hearing.
-d