Priest Feast: Judas Priest + Megadeth
YOU just can’t keep a good genre down.
Having originally been set for an Arena date the Apollo seems full to bursting even before any veteran metaller can strike their first power chord of the evening for this celebration of all things over-the-top, largely unfashionable, and musically irresistibly riff-tastic.
Setting a blistering pace early on recently resurrected thrashers Megadeth waste no time laying into the complexities, intricacies and aggression of their back catalogue, with the reassuringly familiar sight of front snarler Dave Mustaine’s red mane head banging pulling your thoughts back to the time you could walk around without shame in your sleeveless, patch-covered denim jacket (oh, just me?).
There may be a new album due in the not too distant future but the mid-set double whammy of classics ‘In My Hour Of Darkness’ and ‘Symphony Of Destruction’ are a reminder of why they were considered one of “the big four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax and why these songs have such enduring appeal.
If at times this incarnation of the group seem to be putting in something of a workman-like performance the appearance of fellow classics ‘Peace Sells’ and ‘Mechanix’ - “definitely not called The Four Horseman” Mustaine states suggesting that there’s still no love to be lost between the fiery frontman and his ex-band mates in Metallica - is visceral enough for few to notice.
From the sight of Judas Priest’s stage set up you could be forgiven for thinking the credit crunch has yet to take effect on planet rock.
With a gigantic glowing backdrop of 16th century prophet Nostradamus, elaborate costumes and, of course, a Harley Davidson, the Brummie metal gods certainly know how to put on a impressive show.
Opening in menacing style with recent album tracks ‘Dawn Of Creation/ Prophesy’ Halford and co. show that even as the group enter their fourth decade working together the riffs are getting no less ominous sounding.
Classic shouts of ‘Metal Gods’, ‘Breaking The Law’, ‘Between The Hammer And The Anvil’, ‘Rock Hard, Rock Free’ and the percussive pummel of ‘Pain Killer’ has many a head banging and ear-drum buzzing.
Rob Halford remains the audience-charming frontman, even as some songs are performed from a chair (a throne if you like), there’re few vocal squeals currently active as piecing as his, whilst the dual guitar interplay of Glen Tipton and K.K Dowling is as intuitive as ever.
If their cover of ‘The Green Manalishi’ is a crime against the original they make up for it with heavy versions of ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’ and ‘Hell Bent For Leather’.
Metal gods indeed.
Reviewed: Wed, 18 February, 2009
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