Every now and then we get a band vs band co headliner… We’ve been to Ash Vs The Subways, Bowling For Soup Vs Less Than Jake, and tonight we’re getting our long hair on for Anthrax Vs Kreator.
Even if you’re not a metalhead, you’ve heard of Anthrax. One of the “big four” metal bands and multiple Grammy nominees, it’s undeniable that rock royalty are coming to town. Kreator may be lesser known in the UK, but they’ve also been on the go since the ’80s and have a massive underground following. It’s a case of the scrappy, bareknuckle boxer coming from the underground fight clubs to square off against the Hollywood MMA fighter with all of the trainers and gyms at their disposal. We love the underdogs here.
It’s almost unfair to call tonight’s opener an opener when it’s legends in their own rights – Testament. Billed below the Goliath headliners, it seems an injustice as they could fill respectable sized rooms themselves. This reminds me of when we went to see Judas Priest and got Saxon and Uriah Heep thrown in. No one can argue that tonight isn’t value for money.
The Beastie Boys’ ‘Fight For Your Right (To Party)’ gets the sparse crowd singing. The 5.30 doors don’t allow for many early birds, but those that are here are pressed against the barrier and up for a war… and war they get. Flames burst up from behind the stage with what seems like every cymbal hit and crowd surfer get started early. The rhythm section is unrelenting and the guitars are fierce and screaming with pinch harmonics. We get vocals that make you think James Hetfield is just a poser. This hour-long opening set is absolutely blistering and enough to convert the non metalheads amongst you.
It’s Iron Maiden who ring in Kreator with ‘Run To The Hills’ before the black curtain falls and reveals a stage now full of massive demons. The flames are back as are jets of smoke and even pyrotechnic sparklers.
The music is ramped up slightly with more dive bombs and face melting solos, which makes up for a slight reduction in stage presence thanks to our frontman being stuck to his mic stand whilst on axe duties. An absolute highlight is the dropping of numerous corpses – hung at the neck – from above the stage.
It’s not often you get jump scares at a gig. There’s times where the vocals distort in the PA and I can’t tell if it’s a deliberate effect or if the PA just can’t handle the metal. I like to think it’s the latter. A couple songs in and we get the first wall of death which is impressive in its reckless disregard for those caught in the middle when it comes together. The night is ramping up and Anthrax better have some tricks up their sleeves to win this fight.
Rather than have an iconic song introduce Anthrax, we get a showreel projected onto a screen across the stage. Led by John Wick himself, Keanu Reeves gives his praises to the band, following by rock n roll royalty all testifying of the importance and majesty of Anthrax. Each icon on the screen gets their own round of applause from the crowd, with the exception of Gene Simmons who hilariously attracts boos. The film pushes the limits of it’s welcome as an introduction – we’ve been stood here for about four hours now and we’re old. Let’s get on with it.
There’s no pyro with Anthrax. We’ve had our share of fire and streamers with the openers, now is the time for thrash metal and shear stage presence. Joey Belladonna runs across the stage with the energy of a man a quarter of his age. Bassist Frank Bello is clearly a man in his element as he poses and throws himself around the stage while staying note perfect.
The audience hasn’t allowed the four hour wait for Anthrax to sap their energy away in the slightest as they throw themselves in circles to the fast paced metal. Those of you used to my writing know I’m more of a punk guy, but Anthrax are certainly the most punk of the metal bands. Fast beats and thrashy guitars with the punk attitude in every bar. I’d happily see this show over and over.
It’s only a 12-song set, but it’s a long 12 songs. Fan favourites ‘I Am The Law’ and ‘Caught In A Mosh’ amongst them. Like the rest of the night, it’s been completely relentless and it’s left us a shattered mess. It’s also not the worst way to celebrate Charlie Benante’s birthday!
Photos by Catching Light Photography
Catching Light Photography
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