For some reason (I know not what), one of the "Priest Feast" gigs (a UK tour with the above two bands supporting Judas Priest) in somewhere like Nottingham was cancelled. And for another reason, Megadeth and Testament decided they would come up north and play at the newly sponsored O2 Academy. Something tells me it's due to Megadeth's great reception this time last year. Whatever the reason, it meant I and a mate got to see one of metal's greatest for the second year running. We decided to forego the walk around town and instead freeze our balls off waiting in the very long queue whilst analysing the impatient crowd and watching people walk by. We got in finally for about 7.15pm and after a few seconds of regretting to bring merch money for slightly-better-looking-t-shirts we remembered what we came for and proceeded to the Academy floor waiting for Testament to show their faces. They soon did and although the fuzzy sound system didn't to them justice they impressed with their enthusiasm, especially that of lead vocalist Chuck Billy, who has Native American ancestry (random interesting fact, I know). However what seemed like every ten minutes of their set Billy would say "We love you Newcastle, you're the best crowd on this tour yet" or "It's good to be back" or something similar. I hope they were telling the truth, but I was there for one band and one band only. Nevertheless, these guys have been touring for over 20 years and have their own set of devoted fans.
Half an hour later and the lights went down to Sleepwalker followed by Wake Up Dead as Mustaine, Broderick, Lomenzo and Drover rattled onstage. Being at the front quickly became a struggle to stay upright, everyone jostling to get forward to see Dave. It was a great atmosphere again, and there were few surprises in a typical Megadeth set with perhaps the exception of the excellent Ashes In Your Mouth. It just so happens that a "typical Megadeth set" is a truly metal set, and it was very enjoyable. I had faint hope beforehand for at least a hint of new material, but it seems what will be Megadeth's twelfth studio album is still very much in the works. After their last album United Abominations it has a lot to live up to, but I can wait.
No pictures save the ticket this time I'm afraid, I was too busy being crushed at the front to even consider reaching for my phone. This didn't stop a few others however, a guy next to me cried out "aww sh*t, me screen's broke" in typical Geordie spiel when he brought out his Nokia to get some shaky shots of Mustaine and his brilliant looking custom guitars. Whilst watching an incredible Tornado of Souls I realised that Megadeth now look a very solid band. Last time guitarist Chris Broderick had just joined, and I remember being impressed at how skilled he was. This time I was impressed at how well the band looked as Megadeth, not just Dave Mustaine and a few session musicians. A lot of talented guys have passed through Megadeth, but they're looking superb and I've got a lot of anticipation for the new album, due about September-ish 2009. Watch this space.
