This was my most anticipated concert of the summer, and was it well worth the wait. I was completely drained after seven hours of music. Dave Mustaine has done a great job at putting together this metal tour, one would hope that this could become a yearly package. More economical than Ozzfest, yet still delivering the goods in providing a strong metal show with a mix of young and old bands.
I got there about 4:40 for the advertised 5:00 start. As I picked up my ticket at will call, I heard music emanating from inside. I asked if the show started, they said yes. Turns out they started at 4:30 with Dry Kill Logic. So, I had already missed 1 of the 8 bands. I had been looking forward to see Dry Kill Logic again as they have been doing strong work lately. Well, there were still seven bands to go. Oh yeah, Bobaflex didn't play this show at all, despite them being there, I had seen one of their vans parked outside.
I got inside and made my way towards the stage. At 5:00 the next band started, Symphony X. This was one of my anticipated acts. I had heard about them - good things too. Their 20-minute set did not disappoint. Although I was not familiar with their music, their technically precise brand of metal fell on friendly ears. Their playing was powerful, intricate, and tight. Now what I am about to say (write?) may not be accurate, but I am going to say it anyway. The music reminded me of Dream Theater in that they both have a progressive metal style which lets everyone shine, and can simultaneously be heavy and musically intricate. I will definitely be looking into more of their music.
Set List:
Inferno
Wicked
Sea of Lies
Of Sins And Shadows
The focus shifted to stage left for the next band. I was wondering how they were going to arrange the stage for so many bands. They had the drum kits doubled up on each side of the stage, one band would play om the right, the next on the left, so while one band played, they would get the opposite side set for the next band. It was a rather efficient setup, resulting in only brief intermissions between bands.
Next was a band that I was highly anticipating, I had never seen them live, but have been a fan of their music for awhile. Nevermore took the stage and had my attention for the seemingly quick 25 minutes that they were on. Their brand of dark-edged metal was great, they performed a tight set, which I really wish was longer. Also, despite being a fan of their music, I only know two albums, and neither one was represented here (Dreaming Neon Black, Dead Heart in a Dead World). On the other side, it gave me a chance to hear some other material, including two songs from their latest release, Godless Endeavor, and their set closer "Enemies of Reality." Ripping guitars, powerful vocals were the order of the evening. I really hope to get the chance to see these guys again.
Set List:
Seven Tongues of God
Never Purify
Born
Final Product
Enemies of Reality
Article comments
1 - Paul Roy
I would have shown up for Dream Theater and Megadeth, although Dream Theater should have been the headliners. Dream Theaters heavier stuff, is not their best. I'm suprised they didn't play anything off their new album. Unfortunately they are not scheduled to come within a 100 miles of me, so I'm shit out of luck. Nice review, great pictures.
2 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks, Paul. DT did play a new one, Panic Attack. I like a mix of their soft and heavy stuff, but this setting was clearly geared towards heavy.
3 - Tom Johnson
According to your setlist, Chris, DT also played "Never Enough," which is their note-for-note rip-off of Muse's "Stockholm Syndrome."
4 - Paul Roy
My mistake, Panic Attack is from Octavarium. I can't blame them for going balls-out heavy when opening for Megadeth.
5 - Temple Stark
Megadeth has some great songs. I think my estimation of them has kept on rising.
Peace Sellls is one of my all time favorite songs.
Aaaaand
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Temple Stark
6 - Brian Garrepy
THANK YOU Chris.... This is probably one of the best reviews of a metal show that I have seen. You are correct about Symphony X being progressive but I do feel that they are quite heavy and dark in comparison. It's a shame that Life of Agony wasn't quite the same but being a fan in the 90's their old singer had somewhat a Syd Barrett syndrome(Crazy and went solo...*Smirk*) and "River Runs Red" was their best work. Later on they brought in the singer from Ugly Kid Joe(I'm not kidding). It's only right that Megadeth headlined because Metallica is a huge influence to DT and Mr. Mustaine had everything to do with them. Even though I do not like Megadeth's newer material, I definately look up to Dave for his brilliant past works and perserverance under a monster called Anxiety Disorder. My only regret was that I wasn't there....
Thanks Again!!
7 - Chris Beaumont
Thank you Brian. It was one helluva show. Didn't know the UKJ guy was in LoA. I saw his other band once, Medication, they were actually pretty good. And River Runs Red was a very good album. I think that 'deth's new suff is pretty good, not great, but it is nice to see a metal band that has changed over the years, but never sacrificed their metal cred for mainstream popularity.
8 - Bradlee the Moshman
I really enjoyed your review on this site I happened upon. (Now bookmarked!) I am going to the Gigantour this coming Sunday in Washington St. and you've pumped me up. The line-up is close to the same other than no Dream Theater and Anthrax was added. I am especially looking forward to seeing Nevermore(formal members of Sancutuary) and Anthrax(former SOD). But the hands down favorite of course is Dave Mustain and His awesome band. Medadeth. It took me many tries to see a show where his amps weren't blown or the rail colapse, show stop, and ensuing riot occuring. Also during the same show in Eugene, Oregon, we almost lost Dave to a major OD. Apparently it only made him stronger! Long live Dave and Megadeth! Long time fan- Moshman
9 - Bradlee the Moshman
oops - forgot the e in Mustaine - sorry folks the Moshman