MEGADETH have been keeping up a hellacious schedule the last few years. Riding high on the successes of relentless world tours, pumping out several albums in a row, The Rust In Peace 20th Anniversary Tour, a live DVD, the massive Big 4 shows and all that it goes with. One started thinking that all of this began to take its toll on the veteran thrash out fit this summer. Front man Dave Mustaine was injured for the last third of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival and nearly pulled out of the New York Big Four show in September when Dave’s doctor advised him against playing with severe neck and arm injuries. Dave’s epitaph has been written many times and he is still here, kicking ass. Much like Mustaine’s entire career, the band has been driven by the need to excel professionally and musically. I worried if the time constraints on making the new MEGADETH album (according to drummer Shawn Drover when I interviewed him over the summer) would affect the quality. Shawn said no in spite of being the shortest time in the studio ever. Two months seems like an awful short time for my favorite Virgo perfectionist to make a new album, but everyone around the band echoed the same sentiment that it came out awesome. Still, I remained skeptical when I learned that some of the songs were demos and already released tracks from past albums, perhaps in a bid to save time. Then again my head told my metal heart that MEGADETH is MEGADETH and they do not compromise, ever.
The first track “Sudden Death” was leaked a few months ago and sounded impressive then, but more so now. The song is very much in the vein of recent Deth albums, full of shredding solos,tight arrangements, fast tempos and fine singing from Mustaine. The chorus has a very Countdown to Extinction catchy feel to it. I actually predicted a year ago that the band might eschew overt complexity on their next record for finer song-craft. I loved Endgame, but I felt it leaned to heavily on technical playing. “Public Enemy #1” which is about Osama Bin Laden, has also been a recent staple of the bands’ live shows. It kind of sounds a bit like “Hanger 18” in a way and is another catchy track. One of the upgrades in the sound of the band is the return of David “Junior” Ellefson to the fold. No disrespect to other guys who have held the job, but it just doesn’t sound true without Junior on bass and backing vocals. “Who’s Life (Is It Anyway?)” was the first really new track that I heard and was impressed with its urgency and originality. It has an old-school thrash and NWOBHM kind of vibe to it that I love with more cool solos from Mustaine and Chris Broderick. “We The People” is in the tradition of the the band that gave the world “Peace Sells….But Who’s Buying” and “Foreclosure of A Dream”. Of course Dave Mustaine in1986 was a lot less conservative and the this new song calls out American politicians in general, not one party. Drover really puts his stamp on this record as a top flight drummer and the right choice of player behind the kit for this band. Broderick again proves to be one of the finest axe-slingers in the game and reels off blistering lead after lead. Plus he has to keep up with Mustaine, who chips in a strong solo of his own. “Guns, Drugs, and Money” is another political jab aimed at the Mexican drug war. The pre-chorus has a great main riff, but I could care less for the pontificating nature of the lyrics. “Never Dead” is another song that was released early for a video game and is the thrashiest song on the album in the vein of the Rust In Peace album. This is the track that bears the most friuit from the bands experience playing that legendary album live for a year straight.
I’m not sure if it has to do specifically with choosing producer Johnny K (known for records by STAIND and DISTURBED), but every song on Thirteen has a cool sing-a-long chorus made for live performances. “New World Order” is another thoughtful song about the affairs of state and another stylistically typical Deth track. The rhythm section of Drover and Ellefson are particularly awesome here. This song also contains great gang vocals and several memorable leads. “Fast Lane” is exactly that; an uptempo jam. There is some awesome Mustaine right and left hand technique stuff here that knocked me out, as usual. The guy still has it where it counts. “Black Swan” originally appeared as a bonus track on United Abominations. The song has definitely been upgraded in its new form, but it is essentially the same tune with new and better playing on it. Although I love the song, I do feel like it is a bit of a re-tread at this point. “Wrekker” is a slick and heavy track in line with the bands’ most commercial leanings until the chorus kicks in. “Millennium of the Blind” apparently comes from a left-over demo from the Countdown-era and wound up released as a bonus track from Youthanasia. Starting off like a ballad and grounding down in to a metal/rock song it is the least compelling song on the album. However, some terrific lead playing redeems it before its over. Another left over track, “Deadly Nightshade” is about one of Mustaine’s favorite topics: Mrs. Wrong with whom he has a lot of experience with. Once again the signature Ellefson bass depth and tone reigns supreme, standing tall. Closing out the album and perhaps a wistful recap of their entire career, “13” has the dramatic weight Mustaine thrives on. Building up slowly like a geyser, the song rocks before long and has some fine down picked, chugging riffs that fans come to expect. Overall the album is solid and even great in some places, but I do feel as if the revamped tracks diminish the overall quality when compared to the last few albums by the group.
As I sit in my hotel room with my ears still ringing and my neck sore it is easy to look back on the last few hours wistfully. For fans of metal a thing like The Big Four is a big really deal, even if the idea of these bands might bore you to tears. Plenty of people dismiss these acts (yes, even SLAYER has detractors) as vain attempts to cash in on nostalgia. Even if you have a legitimate axe to grind against the headliner, it is their popularity that enables a concert of a magnitude rarely seen on American soil. We just don’t get the big metal festivals like Europe, South America, Australia, Japan and even Saudi Arabia gets now. If you do care then this was the event of a lifetime. I know how big it was for me to have this concert take place essentially just a few miles where grew up and cut my musical teeth on thrash and other music. It was truly an epic happening and it felt like it the entire time.
Having never been to the new Yankee Stadium before I have to say it was really impressive. Even outside, you couldn’t help notice how larger than life the place is compared to the old building. The inside was just as impressive with massive walk ways and tons of natural light. Meanwhile metal heads were everywhere and the lot of us were pretty happy. Similar to when the Zombie March goes through the upscale mall on a rampage of craziness, it was cool to see all of these black shirted disciples just chillin in the venue. I met people from all over the world who were at this show as well as saw old friends and made some new ones.
The Big Four show served as the record release party for Worship Music.
I was a little concerned as 4 PM neared and ANTHRAX hit the massive stage filling the outfield. The venue was only about 1/3 full before their set and I was kind of annoyed it was starting so early on a weekday. Then a video came on with the band and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. declaring this day “ANTHRAX Day” in the Bronx” which was awesome. As the intro siren wailed I got goosebumps all over and a pretty huge cheer went up as the band came out like heroes. They came out wearing replica Yankee jerseys, but instead of the interlocking “NY” they had a pentagram logo “A”. As they opened up with “Fight Em Til You Can’t” it was pretty amazing. The song has been out a while so the crowd was into it big time. The band was as explosive as ever live. Joey Belladonna sounded amazing as did Scott Ian and Frankie Bello back him up on the gang vocals. Joey’s voice is almost made for the arena or stadium setting which not something you can say about every metal vocalist. It’s hard to believe, but after 30 years, he might have come into his own on Worship Music (Megaforce). From the there on out it was a fairly standard ANTHRAX set list, which was OK by me for the most part. “Got the Time” is always fun for its sing-a-long parts and Frankie Bello’s bass solo. Scott Ian addressed the crowd and thanked everybody for sharing this unbelievable experience with them. Old-school jams like “Madhouse” and “Caught In a Mosh” are just some of the reasons a lot of people got into the band: just fast and in your face thrash. As usual Charlie Benante just killed behind the kit. He might be the most talented individual who graced the stage on this day, save for Dave Lombardo. Joey again sounded amazing and Rob Caggiano killed both solos. Realistically he is the best regular lead guitar player the band has ever had. The cover of TRUST’s “Antisocial” was next, but I might have preferred another older song instead. Still, it was high energy and it was cool to hear a filling up stadium sing the ending jam of “An-ti-so-cial!”. Another new jam, “The Devil You Know” is tough little number has has that classic New York City sarcasm going for it. “Indians” had huge mosh pits for the “wardance” part which was awesome too. “Metal Thrashing Mad” was epic with Joey still able to reach the heavens with his high screams. As for the closer of “I Am The Law”, it was grand, but also was over all too quick. I’d could have went for about ten more songs, but the purpose of this opening slot was to open the show and reacquaint people with the band, outside of their fan-base. Under that light they did their job and did it great.
Anthrax had a big week with the new album, Big Four show and of course the proclamation of ANTHRAX DAY!
Set List:
Fight Em’ Til You Can’t
Got The Time
Madhouse
Caught in a Mosh
Antisocial
The Devil You Know
Indians
Metal Thrashing Mad
I Am The Law
In the days leading up to the show rumors were swirling that MEGADETH would cancel their appearance entirely. Dave Mustaine’s shoulder and neck injury that cost the band some shows at the end of the Mayhem Festival tour had come back and more severely and by the time you read this Dave may have gone under the knife already. Luckily he toughed it out and didn’t want to let down the fans and the other bands. Say what you want about King Dave, he does care. The now more than half full building was rocking as Deth hit the stage with drummer Shawn Drover taking his drum throne and playing the beginning of “Trust”. Immediately noticeable was Dave striding on stage with just his typical model single-neck V and not the heavier double neck. Dave definitely seemed to be in pain, but played and performed flawlessly. The entire band did in fact. “Hangar 18” was next and sounded killer. I have to agree with Dave when he says this is the best version of the band in ages, they were all spot on and tight. Dave and Chris Broderick killed their solos in the song although Dave was a bit less expressive than he normally is. After the song Dave addressed the crowd and talked about not wanting to let down the fans or the other bands, in spite of his doctor advising him not to play. Then he launched in to the lone surprise of the set, “She Wolf”. The thrashy song from Cryptic Writings was a welcome surprise under the circumstances. Next was “Public Enemy#1”. As a new song off of the upcoming Thirteen (Roadrunner) it was the least well known song of the day. Still, it was solid and reminded me of the early 1990s Deth albums. “Headcrusher” followed and was enjoyable even though I am over Endgame since the band never got to air out most of that material. “A Tout Le Monde” was in its customary place in the middle and at this point some of the air went out of the balloon for me. I’d prefer any other song to this one, especially in this setting. However, a lot of people were singing along in the now approaching full venue. All of the fire and passion that I felt was missing roared right back in the form of “Sweating Bullets”. The song was heavy, super tight and so much fun to hear all of the fans scream the refrain along with Dave. Plus he now plays the shredding solo live that Marty Friedman did on the record which is a mighty impressive feat, even for the #1 metal guitarist of all time. Following that up with another Countdown to Extinction era gem “Symphony of Destruction”, was a great choice. Closing with the usual, but still timely 1-2 punch of “Peace Sells” and “Holy Wars” was a great way to bring their set to an end. I know Dave was in terrible shape and the mid-song set choices were a little flat, but the band did a near perfect job of perfoming under the circumstances. They certainly stacked up well against the other bands, which is all that matters to their rabid fans and Dave.
Considering his injuries, Dave Mustaine and MEGADETH were amazing!
Set List:
Trust
Hangar 18
She Wolf
Public Enemy #1
Headcrusher
A Tout Le Monde
Sweating Bullets
Symphony of Destruction
Peace Sells
Holy Wars
SLAYER fans don't care who else is playing this show.
Let’s face it, SLAYER doesn’t need the Big Four because they are fucking SLAYER! However, that SLAYER is part of this does totally legitimize it in every way. In the slot right before METALLICA and with dusk falling on the Stadium, the venue was hyped up for LA’s finest musical export besides VAN HALEN. The epic logo banner hung across the back of the stage and when the intro music played one felt a surge of energy through the entire building. Walking out to huge cheers, they immediately launched into “Disciple”. I was immediately stoked because I know Dave Lombardo doesn’t like to play the songs from that era. The band was really on their game and powerful sounding, with Gary Holt (EXODUS) grabbing my attention right away. Gary, taking the place of Jeff Hanneman, who is still not recovered from his lingering illness and injuries, was great. The entire band was killer and sounded tight as they continued the evil onslaught with “Postmortem”. Tom Araya may not be able to carry the high range of his angry yell for an entire set anymore, but he is still a terrific front man. His ability to bounce back from many ailments gives me some hope for Mustaine and his issues. As per usual Kerry King was his badass self. Tearing up the rhythms and leads in his own special way, the guy just dominates the stage. Next up was “Hate Worldwide” which was also heavy and cool. Kerry was mouthing along to the lyrics the entire song through. The set represented their entire career with jams like the “War Ensemble” (best mosh pit on the stadium floor, besides ANTHRAX), the excellent “Psychopathy Red” and of course “Chemical Warfare”. I must confess that a few times during the set I caught some slip-ups by the venerable Dave Lombardo. Overall he was excellent, but I noticed he was using inner ear monitors for this show and perhaps that was the issue. An interesting side story here: my buddy in the pit, Nick Gallop, lead guitarist from the band ABYSS decided to crowd surf to “War Ensemble” at which point he was summarily ejected from the show. Luckily a dude outside was waiting for his friend who never showed up, handed Nick a floor ticket for free and he promptly walked right back in to the pit. Never doubt the kindness of metal heads, ever! Meanwhile “Silent Scream” was next and was literally the most epic song of the day, perhaps by any band. I have to say one of the best things about SLAYER was them having Gary up there. He was completely on point, nailed Jeff’s solos and was a trip to watch as always live. After “Dead Skin Mask” they played another recent cut in “Snuff”. Then came the now customary (at least the last three times I have seen them) ending run of “South of Heaven”, “Raining Blood”/”Black Magic” and of course “Angel of Death”. All the songs were great, but “Angel of Death” in particular was sicker than ever. Why? Because I will likely never again hear 60,000 people scream the words “Angel of Deeeeaaaaatthhhhh!” in unison; that’s why! No wonder some people left the show right after SLAYER left the stage.
Kerry King was killer, as usual.
Set List:
Darkness Of Christ (intro)
Disciple
Postmortem
Hate Worldwide
War Ensemble
Psychopathy Red
Chemical Warfare
Silent Scream
Dead Skin Mask
Snuff
South Of Heaven
Raining Blood
Black Magic
Angel of Death
As the set changed over for the final time Sirius/XM Liquid Metal host Jose Mangin took the stage as the MC to pump up the crowd. Jose is one of the cooler guys I’ve met in metal and he is as die hard as they come as a fan. Don’t judge the guy based on the playlist of the station he works for. As he led a roll call of the bands playing, the names were mostly met with cheers. Some people booed at the mention of the headliner. I don’t get it. Not that the band is bullet proof or anything and I firmly believe they deserve most of their well-earned criticism. On the other hand they made this show possible. Without METALLICA this show does not happen. And the people that booed their name, paid that same band they hate to get in the door. Dummies. Besides if you know that METALLICA from 2011 is coming out to play and the one from 1985 is never coming back, what’s the fuss about man? All that was forgotten when the stage darkened and the theme song from “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” played. The song has always pumped me up too because I had a hunch the band would not disappoint me and I was right!
METALLICA and The Big Four + Yankee Stadium= a spectacle to behold!
Opening with my all-time favorite song of theirs, “Creeping Death” it was pretty amazing way to kick things off. The crowd was fully into it as James Hetfield’s right hand led the way to riff heaven. It was so loud, it was ridiculous especially on the “die, by my hand part..” which was insane. Watching them run around and destroy on this stage, playing this song in my hometown was nearly too much for me. Lucky I had my bff Curtis, who turned me on to Ride The Lighting in junior high school, right next to me to thrash around with. As Rob Trujillo and Lars Ulrich started the familiar bass and drum riff intro to “For Whom The Bell Tolls” it got even louder for on of their biggest hits ever. The laid back groove of the song was perfect and James Hetfield sounded great. He has lost some of his power over the years and people quibble over the screaming versus singing, but I’m not phased by it. James hits almost all of his notes and as always does a fine job of getting into the character of his lyrics. He may have been rocky at this thirty years ago, but today he is excellent as a performer and a true entertainer. Next up was “Fuel” from Load and was highlighted by huge flame-throwing turrets on the sides and top of the stage. The band has long mixed a sense of the theatrical with their live enterprise and tonight was no exception. The song is not their greatest, but it’s fast, fun and I needed a break from headbanging at this point, so it was cool by me. Then came the first of several shocking set list choices in “Ride The Lightening”. I have to check with my friends, but I don’t believe I have ever seen the band do this song in the seven other times I have seen them. This was flat out unexpected treat. Lars is certainly a shell of the drummer he was in his prime, but on some of these older tracks he certainly kept up very well. He definitely cheated on some beats during the night as he does these days, but he definitely played well on this one. Next was “Fade to Black” which was another gem. Other than James mid-song PETER FRAMPTON-like “do you feel like I feel” silliness, it was great. I would be remiss to fail to mention how spot on Kirk Hammett was on this night. Perhaps more than any member of METALLICA except for James, Kirk seems really energized by The Big Four shows and his leads were tight and had little of his usual live meandering. His solo for FTB was as epic as any on this day/night.
James was having a ball up there and seemed caught up in the hugeness of it all a few times.
“Cyanide” off of Death Magnetic followed seemed to go over big in the building. The song is solid and it’s long guitar solo and band jam in the middle is definitely the highlight of the track. Another DM track followed in “All Nightmare Long”. By contrast this song is one of the best songs on their last album and fairly thrash sounding. Lars in particular shined on this track since it features some of the better playing of his in recent times. The fan pleasing “Sad But True” was next and was one of the best sing-a-long moments of the night. The band proved masterful at creating the right pace and mood for the ending of a long day of metal and rock. Then is was time for surprise #2: “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”. They did a note-for note perfect rendition of the song. Then in yet another shocking masterstroke they also played “Orion” which they almost never do. It was perfect with lighters and cellphones everywhere. James remarked after the song that Cliff was in their hearts and missing from these Big Four events. Next came the bombs and the fireworks that precede every performance of “One”. The song that launched the band in the public consciousness (and perhaps pushed them away from true thrash) was as always, a highlight of the night. The entire place was singing/screaming along with James until the very end. The harmony leads by James and Kirk were tight, but Kirk’s solo flight a little rushed. Otherwise it was good. Quickly in succession the band rifled off both “Master of Puppets” and “Blackened” which again blew my top. I am getting up there in age so I am not ashamed to say I was both hoarse and achy by this time of the night. “Blackened” was another song rarely heard and broken out for the fans on this night. After a brief acoustic solo piece by Kirk they stayed downshifted in chill mode for “Nothing Else Matters”, it allowed me to catch my breath for a spell. Playing “Enter Sandman” next was fitting since Yankee Stadium is the home of all-time Major League Baseball saves leader Mariano Rivera who runs out to the mound every appearance with this very song blaring.
Kirk Hammett was at the top of his game on this night.
After a brief break the band came back out for the encore jam. James talked about being humbled and honored to be able to play with the bands and even shouted out Gary and Exodus. Rather than one of the songs they have been doing at other shows, the jam tonight was “Overkill” by MOTORHEAD. I have to say it was cool as hell with all of the bassists and drummers on stage taking on such an iconic song. It was kind of sloppy, but so much fun! The ending finale had Lars jumping off the kit and letting Benante, Drover and Lombardo each take a spin on the ending (with different bassists each) which was cool as shit. I was totally happy with that. However, METALLICA was not done with us just yet. When they launched into “Battery” that was it for me. I don’t think even back in the day when I saw them, the band jammed this many classics into a set list. The show ending of version of “Seek And Destroy” was a house lights on, classic rock feeling affair and the band definitely gave out the bang for the bucks spent by all. I know I for one will never forget this show as long as I live.
Metal Army sat down with ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello on the eve of The Big Four concert at Yankee Stadium. We were at the Hard Rock Cafe at the stadium directly following the ceremony declaring the day of the show ANTHRAX DAY in the Bronx. Frank chatted with us candidly about the honor of being recognized for their legacy, growing up in the Bronx and coming home again, their new album Worship Music and life in general. He was really funny, emotional and humble throughout our time together. What follows is an excerpt of our wide ranging chat.
MAA: This has to be a tremendous honor for the band. How does it feel?
FB: It’s massive! At heart I am a Bronx guy, always. I still live in New York, obviously. For me, having the Borough President (Ruben Diaz Jr.) here, a really good guy declaring it Anthrax Day, giving us the proclamation, it’s such a big deal for us. It’s amazing, really. I have to go back to my roots: growing up, being a New York guy, growing up in The Bronx, coming to Yankee Stadium all of the time; you always dream of stuff like playing in a band and playing Madison Square Garden. You never really fathom playing Yankee Stadium. When we got the call about playing Yankee Stadium, number one: I was intimidated and number two: I couldn’t believe it! All the the things go through your head like “Is it really gonna happen?” and “Is it gonna rain?” all those things. Even today it is really surreal. I think the only time when I’m going to realize it is happening is that I might take the train down, the Metro North from my house to the show to beat the traffic. And I think when I walk in the door and step on that stage- it will really hit me that when we walk in the door. Like “wow, I’m really going to do this.” Even with the press today, it’s great to talk about it, but when it is really happening, when we step on that stage at Yankee Stadium for the show, it will be overwhelming.
MAA: Yankee Stadium concerts are always big events like BILLY JOEL and PINK FLOYD in the old building and PAUL MCCARTENY recently in the new one…
FB: Wow! Think about that! Look at those names alone! And now ANTHRAX will be in that equation. Just being around that, that alone means so much. And understand that it is METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX, but we are gonna get put in that crowd with all of them, it is such a beautiful thing. It’s an accomplishment I will never forget.
FB: (raising a glass of beer) Cheers!
MAA: Cheers to you sir!
ANTHRAX 2011: Ready to unleash the beast and for the next chapter to begin.
MAA: How did the Office of The Bronx Borough President contact you about this initially?
FB: Well, they reached out to us. They found out that three of us are legitimately from The Bronx. I’m glad they took recognition of it. This is a big day for The Bronx. It is about three guys coming home. I’m proud of The Bronx. I feel very lucky to grow up where I did. Charlie and I are from here and Rob came into the band later, he is too. Right form the initial stuff in the band, Charlie auditioned in his room in The Bronx for ANTHRAX. So it’s a big deal to us. I could not be happier or more psyched that this happening in The Bronx.
Looking at a wall dedicated to band mate Scott Ian, Frank Bello wonders aloud when his wall is going up.
MAA: America doesn’t get the metal festivals like Europe and New York only occasionally gets a show of this stature, certainly never for thrash metal. The Big Four is as big a single day event as NYC can have. How important is this for the band and fans of the band to share this together here?
FB: If you think about it this band has been around for thirty years. To have a record coming out before this show, which is shameless promotion, but I have to say that Worship Music, comes out September 13th , the day before. The next day is the concert we are playing Yankee Stadium and it is overwhelming. This entire press junket has been absolutely nuts. We played Jimmy Fallon the other day, tomorrow we are playing one show in Arizona and then the concert here Wednesday. And FYI I am shooting a movie in Brooklyn the day after the concert and I have a 7 AM or 8 AM call time and I don’t know how I’m going to look or feel. This is a crazy time in my life….
(At this point Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. came over to say bye to Frank and agreed to have a shot with the band on stage at The Big Four show, right before their set.)
FB: Wow! The Bronx Borough President just came over to say goodbye to me after declaring Anthrax Day. For a guy from The Bronx like me, this is crazy! Did you think that was gonna happen? We’ve been through a lot. We’ve been over all of the details and I think the thing for me and for the fans is to live in the moment. All of this work is leading to something big for us. You’re a music guy and you are from here so you can appreciate this. I just want to live in the moment and appreciate things because before you know it Yankee Stadium will be here and gone. Even for this beer (sips) I am living in the moment. (laughs)
Yet another ANTHRAX cover by comic book artist Alex Ross.
MAA: Now that it is done and about to be heard by everyone, how do you feel about the album?
FB: It is the culmination of everything we have been through. It might sound like a sob story, but it is not a sob story and to be blunt about it, if people think it is a sob story go fuck yourself! But I’m really proud that we got here. There was a lot of times I never thought we would get here. To have a release date for this record is even bigger than the show. It was eight years of pain and hardship. You wanna talk about punching walls? I had to re-plaster a few in my house and that’s the truth. From all the negative came this great positive. I think we deserve that because we have been through a lot. We wear it on our sleeves because we are from The Bronx and we can’t hide our emotions. I’m glad we don’t. You have obviously done your homework, so thank you. You know this has always been a working band. It hasn’t always touring or making records, but we are always at work in this band. There has been a lot of hardship. And then lawyers get involved. When lawyers get involved with things, they can hold up a lot of stuff in your life. It’s not a parking ticket we got. It was a lot of bullshit, but I’m glad its done and over with now. We couldn’t be tighter as a unit right now. Personally we know there is a plight here. There is something we all have to do. We need to accomplish this. This is all part of what we are trying to do now. People hearing the record, that is great. That is the goal. We are trying to get this music out to the people and couldn’t be happier with it.
MAA: I have to say the thing that stands out most to me is Joey Belladonna’s performance. What do you attribute his performance to considering what he had to overcome?
FB: I’m still a big fan of this music. Just because you play in a band, doesn’t mean you aren’t also still a fan of the music. As a fan of this band and this music, for me Joey was like the cherry on top. I know it’s cliche, but we had these great songs that Charlie, Scott and I wrote a while ago. When Joey came in, I couldn’t believe what was coming back to me. My god! I was overwhelmed and I kept saying ‘oh my god, he did it again! He did it again!’ Joey’s gonna have to pay me for this. (laughs) He’s always been a great singer, but I don’t know what kind of fountain of youth he has, but he is better than ever. Joey has gotten better. He was always great, but as an ANTHRAX fan, he has never sung better. As a band member standing on the side of the stage with him every night, he has never sounded better. As I have said in other interviews, I am the background singer in ANTHRAX. I am jealous of him that I have to warm up for like 45 minutes before the show to get in the higher range and he just runs out there and sings (sings high notes like Joey), and it’s like nothing to him. He sounds amazing and is phenomenal. I say I’m jealous, but I say it in jest. I’m so impressed with the guy to come in with this mountain of songs and made them his own. Let’s face it, he put his stamp on his record. It sounds like ANTHRAX, you heard it so you know. It sounds like the ANTHRAX you know. After thirty years and having this album coming out in 2011 and playing Yankee Stadium, it is pretty good to be in ANTHRAX right now. I’m really psyched right now.
Frank Bello switched to Hartke amps after hearing David Ellefson's rig during the first Big Four shows.
MAA: This record has more bass breaks than ever a bit of a meaner tone in your sound too. Where did all that come from?
FB: Thank you! To put it in perspective. I had done all my bass for the record. I tired the Hartke stuff out and I loved it. I switched to Hartke I went back in and redid all of my bass tracks. For me to do that amount of work, it had to be right. I take a lot of pride in my bass work. I was the fan who grew up listening to Geddy Lee and Steve Harris and Geezer Butler, studying every note until it was right. I did that until my fucking fingers and mind got it right. Just repetition until it got into my head. So when some 15 year old kid comes up to me and says I grew up on your bass playing, that means everything to me. I want to give something back and pass the torch. Bass saved me. And music saved me in general because I could have ended up like some of my friends in the streets and out on drugs, but instead I was in my room on a Saturday night leaning bass lines. I’m glad I took the route I took. I still want to be challenged. Last night I was up until 2 or 3 in the morning re-learning a rush song. “La Villa Strangiato”. I used to know it verbatim and I forgot a small part of it. I was playing this one part over and over until I got it down. I went to my iPod and I just kept rewinding it. I just wanted to get it right. It’s important to me. I’m not Geddy Lee. He’s one of my favorite bass players. But when I hear that it means a lot to me that you noticed that, so thanks!
MAA: The band just announced killer headline tour with TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL in support. How did that come about?
FB: Well if you look at it, we are all friends. First and foremost. My friend Johnny Tempesta just joined up with TESTAMENT again for the tour. I talked to Chuck Billy and suggested Johnny to them. And I told Johnny to call them too because I said ‘Johnny, they need you!’. We made it happen so I’m really psyched about that because we went to Lehman High School together and he’s one of my best friends. We also played in HELMET together. It’s going to be a drinking tour (laughs), I’ll tell you that! It’s all about packaging today. There is not a lot of money out there, we know that so we need to create value for the fans. TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL are really great bands in their own right. So it’s cool that all the bands are great and we are all friends and can have a good time together. That was our goal: come out with a strong record, a strong tour and kick fucking ass!
MAA: I think the only fear of the long-time fans of the band is whether or not we will get to hear the John Bush-era songs live ever again?
FB: First, I wanna hear from the fans. What they want is important to us. We also have new record out and obviously we have to promote this. The songs on this record, I would play them all! It’s that good. I don’t think there is one down song on the record and I would play any of them live. As a fan I would play everything. We have this big catalog and you have to ask the fans. You have to do the standards too, but I wanna pull stuff out of the closet. I have no problem with that. People still ask for “Lone Justice” at my clinics!
MAA: “Lone Justice”!
FB: Yeah! People on our website are really crazy for that one. I have no problem with any of that. We have been really busy with this show and and the album release so we haven’t sat down to talk about it yet. So far we have done “Only” and “What Doesn’t Die” with him. All I can say as one of the guys in the band is that we will find a way to do some of those. But I’m sure we will put a great set list together.
MAA: At the end of the day ANTHRAX has had as many highs as lows in thirty years. Can you reflect on this and how the band has survived?
FB: It makes you stronger. The tough times, I could have definitely done without some of that, honestly. Sitting in Yankee Stadium with an album about to come out, it’s a good time. But it makes you stronger because we have no choice. As New Yorkers and guys from The Bronx we know all about that. You can either crawl up in a ball or dust yourself off and get back on that horse. But today is a great day. We have a new record coming out and then a little show at Yankee Stadium. (laughs) I really want to run on the field. I need to find away to do that.
MAA: Just keep Scott away from the batting circle and Monument Park!
In honor of ANTHRAX’s participation in the upcoming concert by The Big Four at Yankee Stadium, the county of The Bronx, New York has decided to single out the veteran thrash act for their service and connection to the city. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in conjunction with The Bronx Tourism Council, proclaimed that September 14, 2011 shall be known as ANTHRAX Day in a special ceremony that Metal Army was granted access to.
ANTHRAX is honored by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for ANTHRAX Day.
Gathering at the site of the show, Yankee Stadium, the event was held at The Hard Rock Cafe and attended by the band, Mr. Diaz and his staff. As the band assembled, Mr. Diaz presented them with a proclamation highlighting their lineage to the borough. Charlie Benante, Frank Bello and Rob Caggiano are all from The Bronx while Scott Ian (Queens) and Joey Belladonna (upstate) are also from “The Empire State”. Mr. Diaz, who, like members of the band, attended Herbert H. Lehman High School, talked of his personal love of Salsa and Hip-Hop music and how they were integral to life in this great city. He then stated that he and the citizens of the borough were also proud to recognize and honor the importance of Metal as well. He even crossed his arms in an obvious nod to the ending of the “Bring the Noise” video which was really cool. He seemed very comfortable and down to earth, which is not at all what you’d expect from a person of his stature. He and the band joked around and hung out before and after the event.
The actual reading of the proclamation was the highlight of the afternoon. Hilariously written, it honors the band’s Bronx heritage, celebrated The Big Four and The Bronx, all while giving shout outs and name drops to almost every ANTHRAX album and many song titles were weaved in too. It was so good I wished I wrote it! The band just laughed along with Mr. Diaz as he read it. Afterward the band marked the occasion with a few words. They thanked everyone for the respect and recognition, discussed how this is the biggest show of their lives, coming home to the place they started, the importance of arts funding for schools (Charlie and Frank played in band in high school) and gave shout outs to their families and teachers. Scott Ian got in a “Let’s Go Yankees” and a “Let’s Go Anthrax” chant and the band also joked about “no more parking tickets” and “free Yankee’s tickets”. Then each band member was presented with a framed copy of the proclamation and some colorful Bronx-themed shirts as well. All in all it was great event and a strong showing of civic pride. A great warm up to the events of the next few days, the release of ‘Worship Music’ and the concert itself.
Now, if only we could get EXODUS involved somehow…. ANTHRAX has already announced their date with destiny, September 14th to be exact, as they will play THE BIG FOUR show in NYC that night alongside METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH. Now, the thrash kings will hit the road with two of the other biggest bands in thrash, TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL.
This will be one for the ages and looks to be a very long trek for all three bands. Check out the dates below and stay tuned for more info.
Oct. 14 – Orbit Room, Grand Rapids, MI
Oct. 15 – Congress Theatre, Chicago, IL
Oct. 16 – First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Oct. 18 – The Cotillion, Wichita, KS
Oct. 19 – Summit Music Hall, Denver, CO
Oct. 22 – Nokia LA Live, Los Angeles, CA
Oct. 23 – Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA
Oct. 24 - House of Blues, San Diego, CA
Oct. 26 – Sunshine Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
Oct. 28 – South Side Music Hall, Dallas, TX
Oct. 29 – Emo’s East, Austin, TX
Oct. 30 – Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
Nov. 01 – House of Blues, Orlando, FL
Nov. 02 – Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Nov. 04 – House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC
Nov. 05 – Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
Nov. 06 – The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD
Nov. 08 – Northern Lights, Clifton Park, NY
Nov. 10 – Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 11 – Palladium, Worcester, MA
Nov. 15 – Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY
Nov. 17 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
Nov. 19 – Rave, Milwaukee, WI
Ok folks. We are at the sweaty Summer crotch of 2010. It’s August and correct me if I’m wrong but it seems like it’s been a pretty mixed and somewhat tragic year for metal in general. First and foremost, we tip our hats to Dio, SLIPKNOT’s Paul Gray, Peter Steele and a few others including EARLY GRAVES vocalist Makh Daniels who tragically died in a van wreck this week. They’ve all met up with the Grim Reaper (and not the 80′s metal legends) over the past seven months. They are sure to not be forgotten.
So what have we got? AVENGED SEVENFOLD debuting at #1 on Billboard, unseating Slim Shady himself is pretty notable. Interesting that 30% of its sales are digital which shows a big shift in how the not-so-diehard fans are buying their music. Sadly, it’s another success with tragedy written all over it: the death of drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Certainly, that’s one factor that made the A7x faithful (and there are plenty of them) quick to get to Best Buy to hear Avenged’s true confessession of an album. Truthfully, it’s not a bad record either.
What makes it stupendous is that it’s the first time DREAM THEATER’s Mike Portnoy (now filling in for Avenged) has ever seen single digits on the charts!
There have been some solid comebacks: FEAR FACTORY, OVERKILL, EXODUS have all come with great records – something for the over 30 set to get excited about. WATAIN, DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and a handful of others have kept the faithful, errrr, faithful. On that note, I’ve heard the new DIMMU BORGIR and it’s “the tits”. I’m also looking forward to a new one from the good blokes in IRON MAIDEN. And Zakk Wylde is promising a solid new album as well. Can’t say I’m a big fan of the last one — and yes, I did A&R the thing! Can’t win ‘em all!
OK, here’s a couple of cool things: Anybody catch MEGADETH with Dave Ellefson back in tow? Well, Dave “Junior” re-joining was fairly unexpected and it was great! Fucking amazing actually. There’s a DVD being released of the Megs’ last LA show entitled Live At The Palladium. Do yourself a favor and check that one out!
The three-piece Animosity era incarnation of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY is back. With frontmen Pepper Keenan and Karl Agell they made some great records but this was always my favorite incarnation of the band. C.O.C. are playing “The Power of the Riff” fest in LA this Sunday. Details and full assesment then.
While the “Big Four” tour didn’t hit US shores, it seemed like a successful endeavor as METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX traversed Europe dominating festival after festival. OK, so Joey Belladonna singing John Bush era ‘Thrax hit “Only” was a little (and this is putting it nicely.) awkward, there was one huge moment that put chills up and down your spine. At the climax of these shows, all the members of all four bands would get onstage to play DIAMOND HEAD’s call to arms, “Am I Evil”.
Check it out here..
The sight of Hetfield and Mustaine standing next to each other is simply electric. No other way to put it.
Back to a lil’ gloom: It seems like no particular “scene” has come busting through the door to save us. Folk Metal, Black Metal and the ever reliable Industrial scenes didn’t have much to say so far. . I think the only new emerging sect I can think of is what I’d like to call “The Anti-Bieber Movement”: populated by BLACK VEIL BRIDES and VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! and hordes of screaming 13 year olds with disposable income! While the backpatch-wearing metal purists may shudder, anything to get a youngster to part with his parent’s hard-earned cash is OK by me!
But has there been that big breakthrough album? That one new band that we’re all freaking out about?
So now for our sins we get ATTACK ATTACK.
And that rubbish BURZUM album.
Where’s metal’s big breakthrough for 2010? We started this year with plenty of tragedy. Even Emperor Magus Caligula bailed out of DARK FUNERAL! What’ve got to look forward to? To be continued….
Here’s My Top 20 albums so far
1-DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN-Option Paralysis
2-FEAR FACTORY-Mechanize
3-WATAIN-Lawless Darkness
4-OVERKILL-Ironbound
5-TRIPTYKON-Eparistera Daimones
6-ALCEST-Ecailles De Lune
7-DANZIG-Deth Red Sabaoth
8-IMPENDING DOOM-There Will Be Violence
9-AS I LAY DYING-The Powerless Rise
10-HOWL-Full of Hell
11-IMPENDING DOOM-There Will Be Violence
12-NEGURA BUNGET-Maiestrit
13-CYNIC-Re-Traced In The Air
14-OV HELL-The Underworld Regime
15-PERIPHERY-Periphery
16-EXODUS-Exhibit B: The Human Condition
17-WHITECHAPEL-New Era of Corruption
18-INTEGRITY-The Blackest Curse
19-1349-Demonoir
20-ENFORCER-Diamonds
Heavy Metal’s ‘Big Four’ METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, and ANTHRAX commemorate their historic concerts together with a one night only global movie theater event on June 22nd.
Sonisphere festival concert to be beamed via satellite from Sofia, Bulgaria to movie theaters around the world.
Over 450 US theaters in more than 140 US markets to exhibit concert event to fans. Tickets on sale now!
