The Gods of Metal Shine...Again

It does not happen as frequently anymore. Sometimes it as if they have vanished in the dark bowels of another world leaving you to wonder if they shall ever resurface again. Then, out of nowhere, they return as the dark clouds part and the gods of metal shine once again as if they have never left. They come down briefly to kick your ass and remind you why you remain a metal head to the core. The American Carnage Tour has smiled on the land of the free only to take captive the fans who remain true to this day.

The gods of metal recently made a one night visit to Northeast Pennsylvania, and despite college football and the baseball playoffs being on I was not about to miss this. Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer what more could a metal head ask for in one night? I for one do not have any valid answer to that question..

The night began with Anthrax taking the stage. Arguably the best performance of the night. Joey Belladonna was once again reunited with his band mates and did not disappoint. His vocals were as crisp as a studio recording. Scott Ian seemed more comfortable on stage with a guitar than he does commenting on random VH1 top 100 shows. Charlie Benante (drums), Frank Bello (Bass), Rob Caggiano rounded out the rest of the Anthrax line-up.

The most notable part of their performance was during “Indians”. Belladonna went off stage briefly and came back wearing an Indian headdress. Flashbacks of 1987 rushed through the crowd as if we were apart of the original music video for that song. Scott Ian then took a moment to confirm that Anthrax was working on a new studio album that should be released next year then gave the fans a taste of what is to come with “Fight ’Em ’Til you Can’t”. If the rest of the album is like this then Anthrax fans will be happy and forgive the waiting they have been forced to do. Anthrax served a fistful of metal during their performance as they set the stage for an incredible night.

Megadeth followed and began to thrash through the entire “Rust in Peace” album. It has been just over twenty years since the albums release, but remains a staple of what metal is all about. Early sound issues were quickly overcome as Dave Mustain’s voice was finally heard singing “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due.” Bass player Dave Ellefson was back with the band picking up where he left off in 2002. Shawn Drover was on drums while the newest member Chris Broderick shredded on guitar.

Hit after hit was played taking many back to their high school days, while some newer fans got a lesson in the school of metal. The highlight for many was their performance of “Head Crusher”. Before the song began, Mustain told the audience to think of someone they hate. To think about their head in a vice. He went on to joke that if you are squeamish not to think about it, then called those people pussies. When it got to the chorus the rowdy fans were quick to yell “head crusher” to Mustain’s delight. Aside from the chilly October Pennsylvania night that apparently made Mustain, a California native, a little uncomfortable the performance was top notch.

Slayer was one of few bands who could round out this night of metal greatness. “Seasons in the Abyss” provided the melodic material for their adrenaline filled heart pounding performance. Once Tom Araya began to sing not a single person remained in their seat. The pit grew as security had the difficult task of keeping people without pit passes out. A sixteen song set that lived up to the title of the tour American Carnage. From “War Ensemble” through “Seasons of the Abyss” Slayer managed to nail each song flawlessly. They captured the essence of the entire album which is not an easy feat since the album was produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin.

Other songs not on the “Seasons in the Abyss” did not fall upon deaf ears. Perhaps the most electrifying performance was near the end. “Angel of Death” from 1986’s Reign in Blood was honored by everyone showing the band some metal while head banging through every single note. This is perhaps Slayer’s most controversial song. The song was written by Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman. The words paint a horrific picture of a Nazi World War II concentration camp. At this particular camp, Nazi “physician”, Joseph Mengele conducted what was referred to as human experiments. The band faced controversy and was seen by outsiders as Nazi sympathizers and racists. People will think whatever they want and I am not here to change their opinion. What I do know is “Angel of Death” was an even more brutally kick ass live.

Seeing as it was a largely male metal head crowd. Jagermeister did the right thing by sponsoring the American Carnage Tour and sending their own scantily clad Jagermeister girls to give the metal heads something to look at in between bands. They more than likely weren’t virgins, but the metal gods appreciated the sacrificial gesture. Oh and the occasional free drinks thrown, shot, and poured were pretty good too, but then again, what does Scrappy know?