I picked up this DVD primarily to see Dream Theater and Megadeth. I have never been a big fan of the whole thrash metal scene, or any other genre whose concerts feature a mosh pit. I am more a student of the Sabbath, Priest, Maiden inspired school of heavy metal, with a stronger leaning towards the progressive side of the tracks these days. There have been a few obvious exceptions to my thrash metal aversion, most notably Megadeth and Metallica - hell, some of Dream Theater's heavier songs border on this style, but I'd consider them thrash-light compared to some of these other bands dominating the scene.
The bands on Gigantour are obviously more than just thrash metal - you also get elements of prog, death, alternative, speed, and power metal. I only use thrash as the best overall descriptor. Thrash is essentially a marriage of hardcore punk and heavy metal, infused with technical proficiency, and taken to the heaviest of extremes - where traditional heavy metal is more like blues rock on steroids. I have never been a fan of punk, hardcore, or speed metal, so it is no surprise that I find most thrash bands difficult to digest. Some of the performances on this DVD have certainly helped to reinforce my attitude.
The only other band on this tour, besides Dream Theater and Megadeth, that I was somewhat familiar with was Symphony X, as they were once one of the more promising American progressive metal bands on the scene. I guess they still are. Dream Theater and Megadeth were worth the price of this DVD alone for me, but I took it as an opportunity to evaluate some of the other rising and semi-veteran stars on the heavy metal scene. I viewed this DVD in the order it was presented, from opening band up to the headliners.
Gigantour was filmed live at the Bell Center (or Centre Bell), Montreal, Canada, on September 2nd, 2005. Before each of the band's sets, Gigantour creator and Megadeth leader, Dave Mustaine gives his thoughts on why he chose each of the bands for this tour. Bobaflex was chosen primarily because Mustaine's son is a big fan of the band. They are only represented here by their energetic performance of "Better Than Me" from their 2005 album Apologize For Nothing.
From this particular performance, I would describe them as a thrash version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The singer uses the standard growling vocals that are common for the genre, and which I can't stand. They did weave in some decent melodies and rhythms while thrashing around the stage non-stop.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
Nice review. I reviewed this set a while back. I also had the opportunity to cover the tour last year and got to witness this live! It was a hell of a show.
I am a big fan of both Megadeth and Dream Theater, but Fear Factory is also at the north end of my favorite list. Nevermore is another one that deserves a spot on my shelf.
I did have a differing opinion of Life of Agony, I don't particularly care for them.
Nice set.
2 - Paul Roy
Thanks Chris. I enjoyed your review as well. I can respect those who like Fear Factory and that style of music, but it is just not for me. Must be a generational thing. Your ears must have been RINGING for two days after leaving that concert.
3 - Chris Beaumont
I had a bad experience after back to back days of Rob Zombie and WASP a while back, my left ear hurt for a week. Ever since, I use ear plugs at every show, and I highly recommend their use!
4 - dr.zook
very impatient to see live performance of SymphonyX! other bands can only learn from them!