Anthrax/Testament/Death Angel 11/4/11 House of Blues-N. Myrtle Beach, SC

[SparkieD]

Did not expect for this review to take me two weeks to finally get to, but better late than never, right? It was fantastic to have a show roll into town with not just one, but THREE killer bands on the bill, two of which are absolute favorites of mine.

Getting to the venue, I was surprised that there weren't more people waiting to get in. Myrtle Beach isn't a very metal city by any stretch, but people do travel from surrounding places to catch shows at the HoB. Our population does drop by at least 75% in the cooler months, so that could have been it. Anyhoo, I had not heard new material from Death Angel in quite a few years, so I was looking forward to finding out if their sound had changed very much. I have (and love) their first three albums, but they broke up for awhile, and I just never got back into them. If anything, their sound got even heavier (a good, no-a GREAT thing!!!) Despite the crappy turnout, the guys appeared to be having the time of their lives onstage, especially singer Mark Osequeda, who playfully swilled from a bottle of Bombay Sapphire between fits of headbanging. The band was tight and sounded exceptional. My only gripe was that their set was only seven songs, most from albums released after the bands ten-year hiatus.

Onto my main reason for going to the show in the first place-Testament! OMFG, what a killer, KILLER performance! The crowd had grown little, but these guys didn't let that get to them in the least. It was awesome to see Alex Skolnick, one of metal's best guitarists, in action. You never would have known that he prefers to play jazz these days. The guy sounded amazing and was clearly in his element. Chuck Billy, one of the baddest motherfuckers in metal, was most definitely in his, too. I dunno whether to liken him to a kid in a candy store or a bull in a china shop. He is larger than life, and after beating the hell outta cancer, seems to have a new lease on it. A huge smile never left his face for the entire set as he played air-guitar with his led half-mikestand. Despite the cancer, the man's voice was better than ever. Also glad to see one of my favorite bassists, Greg Christian, back in the fold. Rhythm guitarist Eric Peterson was just as much on his game as the other guys. A real treat was seeing (and later meeting) Gene Hoglan, the Atomic Clock himself, in action. Although he was filling in for Paul Bostaph, you never would have known he isn't a full-time member of the band. Wow!!! The band focused on tunes spanning on their entire catalog. My only two disappointments-that they didn't play "Trial by Fire" and their set was also too short. Economic feasibility aside, these guys should be headlining their own tour.

Between Testament's and Anthrax's sets, I was talking to a guy that was next to me about the bands. He claimed to be a close personal friend of Gene's who was introduced to him by another close personal friend, none other than Slayer's drum-god Dave-fucking-Lombardo!!! He sure as hell didn't look like somebody who would even be at a metal show, especially one so extremely heavy much less friends with two of metal's most amazing drummers. I can't say I believed the dude, but about ten minutes later, I feel a tap on my shoulder, look around, and it is none other than Gene Hoglan himself! Holy Crap!!! Super, super nice guy, laid back, funny, and easy to talk to. Wouldn't you know, my Blackberry locked up and was in the middle of a reboot, so I couldn't get pics, but it was really cool to hang with Gene and talk shop for a bit.

The place darkens, and it's finally time for the mighty Anthrax to take the stage. Some folks had obviously waited for the headliner, because there were more people. Still, the place was probably less than half capacity which is sad for a show of this caliber. Incredible show these guys put on. The place was absolutely full of that unmistakable Scott Ian tone. He sounded killer as usual and was obviously having a blast. Frankie Bello was running around acting like a total buffoon, but never missed a beat. Would have loved to have the eye-candy of a back-in-the-day Danny Spitz, but Rob Caggiano sounded pretty fucking good, almost as good as Spitz. Charlie Benante was his usual killer self, never even breaking a sweat and making it look like child's play-literally. He was a man after my own heart, blowing bubble-gum bubbles the entire evening. The real star of the show was Joey Belladonna. Having seen him in recent interviews, the man hasn't loked happy, but that night, he was unmistakeably where he should be. He sounded nothing short of amazing. His voice sounds better than ever on the new album, but without the aid of production, he sounds even better than that! The guys focused mainly on the new album, "Spreading the Disease," and "Among the Living" straying from those three discs only twice. They did their spin on Joe Jackson's "Got the Time" and Scott took over the mike with Supultura's "Refuse/Resist" which the crowd went wild for. Up next was "I Am the Law," predictably the show-ender, but then Joey gave us a little tribute to Ronnie James Dio as Rainbow's "Long Live Rock & Roll" was piped in and he sang along.

Had an awesome time at this show and can't wait to see all of these bands again \,,/ :) \,,/

[Dumont81]

Thanks for sharing your experience and glad you had a good time.

[SparkieD]

Thanks for sharing your experience and glad you had a good time.

The only way I would have had a better time would be if someone would have gotten into the pit w/me. Some folks grow up a little bit too much.

[binnie]

Cheers for the cool review, Sparks.

Is the tour not being well promoted or something? Is that why the turnout was poor?

[SparkieD]

Cheers for the cool review, Sparks.

Is the tour not being well promoted or something? Is that why the turnout was poor?

I really don't think it was well-promoted. I found out through Testament's Facebook. However, the place would have burst at the seams had this show happened in the summertime. A fairly large heavily-populated resort city becomes a never-ending small town in fall and winter.

[ceenew]

Glad you had a rockin' time is the pit closer to the stage? don't you need tickets for that? or am I totally wrong and should ask what is the pit?

[Packard Goose]

When I was at the Priest show, I was trying to remember whether or not Black Label Society was one of the bands you mentioned in this thread. Have you heard of them, Sparkie

[Packard Goose]

After doing a bit of research, I'll bet you have heard of them....lol

I really had no clue. Tuesday night was the first time they'd ever entered my consciousness. I don't really know anything about Ozzy after the Jake Lee years.

[SparkieD]

Oh yeah, I've heard of them. Was a fan until Zakk Wylde began to do little more than get on my nerves.

[Packard Goose]

Oh yeah, I've heard of them. Was a fan until Zakk Wylde began to do little more than get on my nerves.

How did he manage to do that?

[SparkieD]

He's little more than a drunken slob. That stupid tough-guy image paints him as a total poser. Dude could use a lesson in keeping it real. Very capable guitar player, but has become very, very sloppy, not to mention his annoying (take your pick) over/mis/ab-use of the pinch harmonic.

[Diamondjimi]

Great review Sparkie. Wish I was at that show. 3 great kick ass bands.

[SparkieD]

Great review Sparkie. Wish I was at that show. 3 great kick ass bands.

I wish you were there, too. I KNOW you would've jumped into that pit with me!

[Harold]

Sounds like a good time!!

[SparkieD]

Just found out yesterday that all three of these bands will be putting on a show just a couple of hours away from here next month. Hmmmmm, maybe, just maybe.