Reviews

Megadeth make a blazing comeback to London

Written by Aggie Anthimidou on February 5, 2020

The SSE Arena, Wembley

It was an early start for the fans at Wembley arena on Friday night; an evening that brought together Bad Wolves, thrash metal pioneers Megadeth and headliners Five Finger Death Punch. It’s not every day you get this type of line up in the context of just one gig.

Review and Photos: Aggie Anthimidou

BAD WOLVES

Raising in both fan and media popularity over the last few years, L.A. band, Bad Wolves stormed on stage kicking off with ‘No Messiah’ from the recently released N.A.T.I.O.N. It’s hard to be impartial to Tommy Vext’s large stage persona; he roamed the stage from end-to-end delivering an energetic performance while continuously interacting with the fans. Tommy Vext’s beastly vocals are remarkable but he has also surrounded himself with some of the most talented musicians (Doc Coyle – lead guitar, Chris Cain – rhythm guitar, Kyle Konkiel – bass, John Boecklin – drums) bringing in much of the band’s versatility and unique personality.

The band played a set with songs taken from both their albums including ‘Killing Me Slowly’ and ‘I’ll Be There’ from N.A.T.I.O.N. With Coyle’s and Cain’s unstoppable guitar work the fans seemed truly engaged.

Raising awareness on mental health is something close to Tommy Vext’s heart with the singer talking about his own experience shortly after the band took on stage. The speech naturally paved the way to the most special moment of the set, reserved for last. It was the one that got the crowd’s biggest reaction; the cover of The Cranberries’ ‘Zombie’ dedicated to the late Dolores O’Riordan. The song released a few days after the singer’s death in January 2018, raised over a quarter of a million dollars for Dolores O’ Riordan’s children.

Judging from an almost packed arena by the time Bad Wolves took the stage it was clear that the band has built a following that only increases and promises more exciting times ahead.

MEGADETH

When Megadeth appeared on stage it felt a celebration of the band’s return to the touring world as much as it felt like a celebration of life. And we all knew the reason behind.

Kicking off with ‘Hangar 18’ was evident how tight the band’s current line up is; the chemistry and energy is right and fans are immediately melting under the opening riffs. Watching him live last Friday, one could never imagine the health battle Dave Mustaine has gone through, not a while ago. Walking on stage, dressed all black with his trademark long blonde mane he is every inch the thrash metal legend. He is back and in startling form.

The stage is small and is accompanied with a number of screens featuring the band’s mascot Vic Rattlehead and lurid visions of a dystopian reality. But a band of Megadeth’s magnitude doesn’t need special stage effects to make an impact. Seeing Megadeth live is definitely an experience that can change one’s view of the band immediately. All four-band members delivered a musically impeccable performance.

The set included a list of classics and crowd pleasers mostly drown from the albums Rust in Peace, Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? and Dystopia.

‘Tornado Of Souls’, one the band’s staple live performance songs, was one of the set’s highlights. Listening to the song’s masterpiece solo live, some of Megadeth’s finest lead guitar music work, is a truly unique experience. Kiko Loureiro is a helluva of a guitar player and his charismatic stage persona and fluid playing shined through his blistering solo.

A special moment in the evening was when Dave Mustaine announced to the arena that since 16^th October he’s 100% cancer free to an extended celebration from the crowd. “At first I thought ‘Am I afraid?’ and then I said ‘No I’m fucking pissed’”, he said. “ I can’t face not playing again…So I would pray…But I thought about you guys every day too. And I thought about my family. And I got this power from you guys”.

‘Dystopia’ – the song that gifted the band with their 1^st Grammy as Mustaine mentioned – followed next. Mustaine’s vocals were phenomenal, he seemed to be truly grateful to be on stage. He is playing fast and hard and keeps the crowd engaged the entire time. His joint solo with Loureiro is in perfect harmony.

Not surprisingly, ‘Symphony Of Destruction’ that followed, a classic crowd pleaser, turned the pit into a sea of sparkling mobile recording lights. It was a spotless delivery equal to the studio version.

‘Mechanix’, an early thrash classic featuring some of the best guitar work, is an explosion of the senses, rapid and relentless been delivered in equal measures. Mustaine indulges us to his growling vocals and complicated guitar work completed with Dirk Verbeuren’s superb drumming ripping through the song. It seems like the crowd’s most intense moment of the show, an ultimate head-banging anthem.

‘Peace Sells’, thirty-four years from its release, is still current, musically and sadly in theme. Long term partner, David Ellefson takes centre stage to deliver his classic opening bass riff. It wouldn’t be a complete moment though without Vic Rattlehead’s skeletal figure joining the band on stage.

‘Holy Wars…The Punishment Due’ powerfully completes the set on a real high; but this isn’t the end. The one hour ‘short’ show has only warmed up the band and fans for the future.

Whilst the rest of the band retreats, Dave Mustaine takes an extended stay on stage, thanking the fans, truly grateful, soaking in the moment. A special time for the front man, the band and fans; a historical show was just added on record.