Testament

Being opening act for two of metal's premier bands isn't an easy task. But Testament took the stage firing on all cylinders, and the mixture of new songs and old Testament classics worked fine.

Testament brings so much energy and power on stage, and they turned out to be the perfect half-hour opening act for the evening. Biggest cheer came with my personal favourite: 'Practice what you Preach'. Good show.

1. For the Glory of?
2. Over the Wall
3. The New Order
4. Souls of Black
5. Into The Pit
6. More than Meets the Eye
7. D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)
8. 3 Days in Darkness
9. Practice what you Preach
10. The Formation of Damnation

Rating: 75

Megadeth

Tight! is the easiest way to describe reincarnation number... who knows what of Megadeth... New guy Chris Broderick fits right in like he has been a part of the line-up like forever, and the band really kicked ass on stage. The set had much to my surprise much attention on the earlier parts of the long career of Mr. Mustaine, and one highlight was chasing another, but none made the crowd happier than 'Symphony of Destruction'.

Dave Mustaine has never been a good vocalist, and when he takes the stage it becomes very clear why - the lack of range and stamina really spoils some of the fun. But everyone knew that beforehand and Megadeth is still a force live on stage. Clear winner this evening despite an at times atrocious guitar sound.

1. Sleepwalker
2. Wake Up Dead
3. Take No Prisoners
4. A Tout Le Monde
5. Skin O My Teeth
6. She-Wolf
7. In My Darkest Hour
8. Symphony of Destruction
9. Sweating Bullets
10. Hangar 18
11. Peace Sells? But Who’s Buying
12. Holy Wars? The Punishment Due

Rating: 85

Judas Priest

With the metal bar pressed against the chest and the high Priest a few metres away I witnessed a band long past its prime displaying their strengths and weaknesses. Sadly there was a bit of both; the old classics kicked ass and the crowd loved every second of it, the new songs showed a band at a standstill and pale, none more than the very weak: 'Death', and the rest of the songs off their latest album: 'Nostradamus' simply didn't work in a live environment.

The show was done very professionally and the energy level was high, but most of the show seemed like another day at the office for 5 guys, who just wanted to get things done and go on... and they couldn't even pass the 100 minute mark, and when the lights were turned on I stood with mixed feelings: I wanted more, and felt that they had done just enough to entertain, but not enough to give the audience a sensational feeling...

1. Dawn of Creation
2. Prophecy
3. Metal Gods
4. Eat Me Alive
5. Between the Hammer and the Anvil
6. Devil's Child
7. Breaking the Law
8. Hell Patrol
9. Death
10. Dissident Aggressor
11. Angel
12. The Hellion/Electric Eye
13. Rock Hard, Ride Free
14. Sinner
15. Painkiller

Encore:
16. Hell Bent For Leather
17. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Prong Crown)
18. You've Got Another Thing Comin'

Rating: 78