Recent Posts
In my opinion there has only ever been one band that can be classified as the originators of metal and that’s Black Sabbath. Certainly other bands played a part, just more in the evolution of metal. Sabbath are the ones responsible for creating and influencing what many consider the greatest form of music in the world.
Before the tragic passing of Ronnie James Dio I did see Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath Mark 2), which was sensational. Having said that I was a lot more pumped to see the Ozzy Osbourne fronted version of the band. I’ll admit it had something to do with the fact that Ozzy hasn’t looked after himself over the years so the chances of seeing him are getting less. Guitarist Tony Iommi health isn’t the best either so I would take any opportunity to see the band.
Getting to Rod Laver Arena has never been easy. With the traditional drop off point now closed it’s even more difficult. I used to be able to avoid much of the crowd, not anymore. The place was as packed as I have ever seen it, there was no way to get near the merchandise stand. Despite people being everywhere I was surprised that I didn’t notice anyone I knew. This all changed as I was about to go up the lift. I began to run into several familiar faces, which made sense because if Black Sabbath couldn’t bring out many of the regulars, no one could. In amongst all this chaos Shihad were playing, I feel safe saying no one was there to see them. I got so carried away catching up with people I nearly missed the start.
Beginning with War Pigs, Black Sabbath put on a show that would please most fans. More importantly though was the new songs were killer (even though I thought they played too many) and while Ozzy struggled at times it wasn’t enough to make me discourage anyone from seeing the band.
Of the early songs Snowblind was a highlight, their title track of course was brilliant reminding me why I can’t get enough of slow into heavy music. The defining moment for me was N.I.B. as I was singing “my name is Lucifer, please take my hand” I thought yep, I’ve lost the plot.
Towards the end I telt like I had written the set list. They played my favorite song Dirty Women and followed it up with 
Children of the Grave. It was at this point I nearly said to my mate that I couldn’t cope.
After briefly leaving the stage Black Sabbath returned and sadly only teased Sabbath Bloody Sabbath before launching into Paranoid to bring the night to a close.
On the way out everyone seemed to agree that Black Sabbath were impressive and surpassed expectations. As expected conversation did turn to former frontman Tony Martin and how we’d like to see him perform with the band at least once.
I thought maybe I would only see the first incarnation of Black Sabbath once. They would be too old and potentially not cut it live that I would have no interest in seeing them again. I’m thrilled to say this isn’t the case and with their new album not far away it might not be too long before they’re back. We can only hope.
Set list
War Pigs
Into the Void
Under the Sun
Snowblind
Loner
Black Sabbath
Behind the Wall of Sleep
N.I.B.
End of the Beginning
Fairies Wear Boots
Symptom of the Universe (instrumental)
Drum Solo
Iron Man
God Is Dead
Dirty Women
Children of the Grave
Paranoid
I often receive a hard time about sticking up for old bands and am told that my money and time could be better used. Advice that is generally ignored. However if I am honest I do continue with these bands out of loyalty, not because their recent releases are that special. Most even Iron Maiden occasionally match their classic periods, though not with the same consistency they once had.
There is one band that continues to be the exception and that is Saxon. Probably peaking with Into The Labyrinth they have spent the last decade releasing some of their best material. In a sure sign I have too much time on my hands, I’ve often thought were I to record an album I’d like it to be similar to what Saxon do.
Therefore I had no hesitation in picking up their latest release Sacrifice. After the instrumental Procession, the album gets into gear with the title track. Early speculation that the sound was similar to Megadeth is evident on this song as it’s heavier than what you would expect from the band. As usual fans can rest easy because this seeming out of character it’s still very much a Saxon song.
Made In Belfast is next. Following the traditional Saxon formula it’s a blues rock song. Definitely my favorite song on the album and should become a regular in their set for years to come.
From there Saxon proceed as always through tracks about driving, riding motorbikes and English history. Standouts include Warriors Of The Road and Standing In A Queue.
Detractors will say it is yet another Saxon album that is just like the others and offers nothing new. I completely disagree. There is no other band that combines all the styles of metal that most of us enjoy, makes it their own and then fits it all onto one album. This is exactly what Saxon have done with Sacrifice, but really would you expect anything less.
I have been fortunate to see 3 of the big 4 over the years. The one missing has been Anthrax. Having missed them a couple of times they had become the band I wanted to see most, even if I’m still struggling with John Bush no longer being there frontman.
Out of nowhere the opportunity to see Anthrax presented itself. After a nervous wait I received a text message to say I was going. At the best of times I find it difficult to contain myself in anticipation of a gig, this time I was ridiculous. I was telling everyone that I was going feeling I couldn’t emphasize how important seeing Anthrax was. Even my poor mum wasn’t immune from it. Showing concern that I also had an hospital appointment on the same day as the gig I simply replied Anthrax mother, Anthrax!
As a bonus Fozzy were the support band. Being a much bigger fan of Chris Jericho the wrestler than the singer I was pleasantly surprised with how they sounded. They reminded me a lot of Skid Row, which impressed me more than I thought. Jericho as expected is an awesome frontman just not a great singer. Still there was enough to keep me entertai throughout their set.
Unfortunately I was not in a position to see the stage as the HiFi Bar was full. While it didn’t make up for it, Kerry King from Slayer and the members of Anthrax were escorted in right past me. You have no idea how much I wanted to hug Scott Ian, sadly I didn’t get the chance.
Kicking off with Caught in a Mosh, Anthrax put on a show that I will never forget. My voice, back and neck were gone early, yet somehow I managed to get through, it was certainly tough once Scott Ian proclaimed Wardance during Indians.
Even though Joey Belladonna does not do the John Bush songs justice it was a shame they didn’t play any songs from that era. What they did play would have pleased most diehard fans. Through classics like Madhouse, newer songs like The Devil You Know, surprises like Deathrider and even a spectacular version of ACDC’s TNT, Anthrax were flawless. For me the highlight was Efilnikufesin, I sang NFL as if it was the last song I would sing.
As I expected the night came to an end with I Am the Law, thankfully I had conserved enough energy to go hard, before what had been like a riot came to an end.
Having waited so long to see Anthrax I couldn’t have been more satisfied. They are metal perfection, it better not be too long until I see them again.
Set list
Caught in a Mosh
Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't
Antisocial
Indians
In the End
Deathrider
In My World
Madhouse
The Devil You Know
Got the Time
Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)
Encore
Among the Living
Medusa
T.N.T.
I Am the Law
Here I go again with my reflections of the year in metal. Shockingly I only went to 6 gigs in 2012, I think I'm already booked in for more this year. When it came to albums I was far more prolific and was generally impressed with the quality of releases in 2012. Anyway here goes with the top 10 albums of 2012.
Top 10 Albums
[ Click here to read more ]
Seeing Eyefear any time is special. When they launch an album it is something else. Their launch of A World Full Of Grey remains one of the best performances I have witnessed. Needless to say anticipation was high for the launch of their recent album The Inception Of Darkness
[ Click here to read more ]
Australia has some of the best power metal bands in the world. Sadly not many of them are playing live these days. Black Majesty being the exception with the recent launch of their new album Stargazer
[ Click here to read more ]
Having been disappointed with the lack of gigs this year, I found myself back at Billboards for the second time within a couple of weeks. On this occasion I was there to see one of my all time favourite bands, Arch Enemy
[ Click here to read more ]
There certainly has been a lack of gigs so far this year. Mercifully I recently saw Amon Amarth for the 3rd time. They are a band I need no encouragement to go to
[ Click here to read more ]
|
|
Recent Comments
I've not commented on anything yet :(
|
Add Comments
Read More
