The Big Four
THE BIG FOUR: ANTHRAX, MEGADETH, SLAYER AND METALLICA
CASTLEMAINE THEATRE SATURDAY 10TH JULY
BY NUHTAYA JOHNSON
Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica shared the stage together for the first time on June the 22nd. The four hour long concert was broadcast live from Sofia, Bulgaria to hundreds of cinemas across the globe and finally reached Australia on the 9th and 10th of July. 10 places around Australia were privileged with the chance to screen the historic concert and the lucky country town of Castlemaine was one the two in Victoria.
In the days leading up to the event I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know if many, if any people would show up or how the concert line-up would be arranged. I had hoped that Slayer would be on first to get them out of the way; although I had thought that maybe they would win me over, but they didn’t. However the line-up went Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and ended of course with Metallica.
Anthrax had the tough job of opening the night but in my opinion done so with the greatest success that they were the best of the whole night. The attention of the set revolved mainly around newly renewed vocalist Joey Belladonna, due to his abundance of energy and enthusiasm towards performing live. His vocals are quite good, however the mixing during the actual recording of the event did not allow that to standout and half the time the backing vocals were louder than the lead. They played crowd favourites such as ‘Caught in a Mosh’, ‘Madhouse’ and ‘Indians’, which saw Belladonna emerge wearing an Indian War bonnet. The overall vibe and energy led to an immense and captivating stage presence from Anthrax, who were the highlight of the night.
Megadeth were next up with a set list that led to great admiration for the band, with favourites such as ‘Symphony for Destruction’ ‘Sweating Bullets’ and ‘Peace Sells’. Although their stage presence was not as great as Anthrax’s and vocalist Dave Mustaine didn’t show much connection and interaction towards the crowd, they still played a good set. Once again the vocals were a bit off and you really had to focus in to hear them, but when they shone through they really were quite undeniably good and captivating. Together the band was fantastic and with each member equally talented, they really gelled together quite well.
Slayer was third on the bill and got a great reaction from the crowd there and the audience in the theatre, who were singing along with all the songs, but they didn’t do much for me. The vocalist Tom Araya was engaging however, as he really looked like he was having fun and enjoying himself and pretty happy to be there; as you would if you were playing before Metallica.
Metallica were the leading band on the bill and wowed both audiences, as much as their reputation would have you believe they would. Although I enjoyed their performance a lot and loved hearing songs such as ‘One’, ‘Sad but True’ and tracks off their latest album Death Magnetic, I thought that they were a bit showy, with their use pyrotecnics.
However the momentous occasion that happened 2nd last in their setlist is one of great significance. Previous opinions and conflict were put on hold and were seemingly resolved when all members of each band including Megadeth and Metallica, came together to play ‘Am I Evil’, by Diamond Head. This gathering showed a new era for the guys who previously had been very divided and mean towards each other.
The screening of this event not only meant for a good live show by the iconic metal bands, but also a memorable and historic act by all, that may never be seen again.
