As with the Score DVD, these performances show a band at the peak of their game, delivering some of the most consistently amazing performances of their career. I'd hate to be the band that has to follow Dream Theater on stage. Megadeth is that band, and they certainly have the goods to deliver. It's a shame to see Megadeth reduced to just Dave Mustaine and his touring band here though. That is not to say that Glen Drover (guitar), Shaun Drover (drums), and James MacDonough (bass) are not all excellent musicians who perform magnificently, but you don't exactly get the chemistry of the Ellefson/Friedman days. Mustaine himself seemed to be a little worn out and did not give the most inspiring performance I have ever seen.
That is not to say that this was not a great set. "She Wolf" is one of the better semi-thrash moments on 1997's commercially melodic Cryptic Writings album. It's a shame that Mustaine couldn't get original Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland to join the tour, seeing he played on the recent "The System Has Failed" album. Imagine him tearing into "Wake Up Dead" or "Peace Sells" when they take on some of the classic 80's stuff.
Youthanasia's "A Tout le Monde" features a catchy chorus and enough memorable hooks to make it one of the finest songs from their more commercial 90's output. What a uniquely awesome voice Mustaine has. This was an obvious choice to play in French speaking Montreal, and the band gave a killer performance. "Kick the Chair" is the bands latest shred-fest coming off their recent The System Has Failed album, which is supposed to be their heaviest since Rust In Peace. I haven't heard the album yet, but if this smoking tune is any indication, it is a good one. Megadeth's stage setup and light show looked awesome, and the massive flame pots that accompanied this song were a highlight.
The overall production quality of this DVD was outstanding. You get three audio options in the form of DTS 5.1 surround, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, and Dolby Digital stereo. The two surround options were nearly equal, with the DTS sounding slightly more powerful. The mix varied somewhat between bands, and the guitars were sometimes buried in the mix too much for my taste. The widescreen video presentation looked extraordinary. The picture was clear, sharp, and presented the varying degrees of light show very well. The title of each song was displayed effectively along the bottom-right portion of the screen as each song began. The camera work was nearly flawless.
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!