American Carnage

For most "classic" metal enthusiasts, the 80s and early 90s was the pinnacle. The "Big Four" (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax) were all top of the metal charts and playing for arena sized sold-out crowds. However it lives on today. Case in point, The American Carnage Tour! Metal icons Megadeth, Slayer and Testament are touring the states in support of new albums however are revisiting periods of time that made them monoliths of the genre.

I was able to witness the second leg of this monumental tour. And as a "Thank You" to all their rabid fans, a special production was in store. Megadeth took the stage and played their 1990 magnum opus "Rust In Peace" in its entirety! As a special bonus, Megadeth (aka Dave Mustaine) decided to bring back Jackson, Minnesota's own David Ellefson to the mix for the tour and likely an extended stay. Having helped Mustaine write "RIP" (the greatest metal album of all time) it was awe inspiring to see these guys play the album live... Flawlessly. Recently being named in Joel McIver's 2009 book "The Greatest Metal Guitarist of All Time", Mustaine owned the performance. He can still shred like no other as he flexed his thrash chops throughout the show and proved why this moniker was christened upon him. To end their set, Megadeth played 'Trust' ("Cryptic Writings"), 'Headcrusher' ("Endgame"), 'A Tout Le Monde' ("Youthanasia"), 'Symphony Of Destruction' ("Countdown To Extinction") and closed with 'Peace Sells' ("Peace Sells... But Who's Buying") having Ellefson play his signature opening bass riff amongst the enthusiastic crowd. Following Megadeth's set, Slayer played their 1990 album "Seasons In The Abyss" with other classics including 'Raining Blood' and 'Angel Of Death' (from 1988's "Reign In Blood").


Long live Thrash!