The Big 4 (Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer, Metallica) - Sonisphere, UK - 8th July 2011 (Live Review)
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Written by Jon Stickler
“SEEEK & DESTROOOOY” was the call I heard from one excited fan whilst trundling my gear across one of the many camp-sites at last weekend's Sonisphere Knebworth. This weekend was always going to be something special following the announcement that Metal's Big 4; Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica were booked to co-headline the Friday night of the festival. Of course, lets not forget Saturday night headliners Biffy Clyro and the much-hyped Sunday night reunion of Slipknot. Their first UK performance since the death of bassist Paul Gray. However, the Friday night was all about Metal's heavyweights and what an unforgettable few hours it was.
A real buzz filled the arena on Friday afternoon. The majority of Sonispherians had arrived and a huge crowd began to assemble at the foot of the huge Apollo stage. Friday was totally dedicated to The Big 4 assault, giving each of the bands a slot leading up to a headline performance from Metallica. Kicking-off the fourth instalment of The Big 4 in Europe, Anthrax took to the stage with all guns blazing to unleash a set full of classic thrash. Focussing their energy around their 80s material, Joey Belladonna and Co are on fine form. The absence of Scott Ian is noticeable although Sepultura's Andreas Kisser rips through the onslaught giving a sterling effort.
Its all about the classics and, despite one Sepultura cover and new song, 'Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t', Anthrax are fantastic in setting the scene for the evening. Departing after raising hell with 'I Am The Law', Anthrax have set a high standard and Megadeth are up next...
Unfortunately Megadeth don’t quite hit the same vibe as Anthrax. Don’t get me wrong it was fantastic to see Dave Mustaine and the gang play out the crunching chords of 'Peace Sells', 'Holy Wars...', Trust', 'In My Darkest Hour' and 'Wake Up Dead' however they don’t seem to be as up for the task in hand as we'd expect. For an occasion like this you need a Dave Mustaine that is snarling flaming, bloody murder on stage and not mid-tempo numbers that, in my opinion, slowed the pace a little. Collectively Megadeth are in good shape, the shredding is top-notch, it just takes a while for the set to really fire up.
Its rare, if nigh on impossible, to see a poor Slayer show. That’s why Slayer were once again brutally f*cking heavy in delivering a terrifying support show for Metallica. The band are firing on all the usual ferocious cylinders and you've most likely guessed the songs I’ll mention here...that’s right, 'Disciple' and 'War Ensemble' are the first shots before big guns 'Raining Blood' and 'Angel Of Death' deliver the killer head shots. A truly epic show from Slayer during a glowing sunset over Knebworth.
Metallica top the Big 4 bill and look hungry and in form. Performing amongst some huge pyrotechnic displays that frame a set that skips most of post 'And Justice For All...', Metallica throw in renditions of 'Call of Ktulu' and 'Ride The Lightning' amongst the usual set favourites of 'SEEK AND DESTROOOOY', ' One', 'Enter Sandman' and 'For Whom The Bell Tolls'. Nothing though, and I do mean nothing, can prepare you for the spectacle that closed the set! Seeing Kerry Fucking King, MegaDave Mustaine, Frank Bello, Dave Lombardo, Charlie Benante and the others from The Big 4 all on stage jamming away to Diamond Head's epic 'Am I Evil', a truly memorable moment that I will remember forever. Its fantastic to see Diamond Head's Brian Tatler welcomed onstage by Lars Ulrich too and its even better to see both James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine embrace. The collective power on through to a sensational close that sees Metallic wrap things up with 'Creeping Death' to a deafening roar from the crowd.
A fantastic celebration that was clearly thoroughly enjoyed by both the bands and the fans. It took 30 years to bring all those guys together...why do I get the feeling it wont take that long to do it again!
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A real buzz filled the arena on Friday afternoon. The majority of Sonispherians had arrived and a huge crowd began to assemble at the foot of the huge Apollo stage. Friday was totally dedicated to The Big 4 assault, giving each of the bands a slot leading up to a headline performance from Metallica. Kicking-off the fourth instalment of The Big 4 in Europe, Anthrax took to the stage with all guns blazing to unleash a set full of classic thrash. Focussing their energy around their 80s material, Joey Belladonna and Co are on fine form. The absence of Scott Ian is noticeable although Sepultura's Andreas Kisser rips through the onslaught giving a sterling effort.
