The year was 2005. Megadeth mastermind Dave Mustaine got an idea inspired by the old school cartoon Gigantor. He put together a reasonably priced package tour of guitar driven metal and delivered it unto the open, welcoming arms of the masses. The tour gathered a number of the top names in metal and proved to be a success. What do you do in the wake of success? Why create a sequel, of course!

Mustaine followed up that initial success with a new package of bands in 2006. Now, nearly two years later, we can experience that tour in our homes with this CD, featuring fourteen tracks of rocking goodness. Now, I do not feel this line-up matches the excellence of that first go around, but there is absolutely no denying the quality that it contains.

There is also a DVD of the tour coming out as well, and lest you think one is a copy of the other, there are some differences. It is true that there are a number of the same cuts, the CD switches up six of them and adds one extra. So, the completist is going to need to pick up both releases in order to have it all.

The CD begins with "Rachel's Day" by The Smashup, and the first of the songs that does not appear on the DVD. This is one of the better songs from their debut LP, and it is a strong rocking song, although it is not quite metal. This screamo/post-hardcore act is an odd choice to have included on this tour, but they more than hold their own. They bring a touch of the Taste of Chaos scene to the predominantly metal style of most other Gigantour acts.

Sanctity follows with "Zeppo." Between the cut on the DVD and this track, Sanctity has become a revelation. There is something very attractive about their sound. It is straight up heavy metal with a bit of a southern tinge and a touch of Lemmy in the vocals. These guys are destined for great things. Heavy riffs, speedy solos, growled and clean vocals, all elements adding up to a strong new voice on the American metal scene.

Aussies Into Eternity are beginning to make waves with their brand of metalcore. There are touches of death metal to sound, and it is rather electrifying. Just listen to "Timeless Winter" and try to ignore the passion and the intensity of their music. They are hard to ignore, they just grab a hold of your head and stare you into submission.