 Photo: Xavier Cattarinich (Ravenkin Photography) for www.metalmasterkingdom.com (C)2018 In contrast with the anger-driven intensity of Havok’s performance, Anthrax injected more levity and upbeat riffs into their set, which nevertheless contained its fair share of social commentary. Thirty-seven years into the band’s existence and counting (with guitarist and founder Scott Ian, vocalist Joey Belladonna, drummer Charlie Benante and bassist Frank Bello all remaining of the classic 1985-1992 line-up), the veterans were in top form. As the venue lights went down, Otis Redding’s “I Can’t Turn You Loose” played on the PA, a light-hearted intro suggesting that the audience was about to witness a 1970s game or talent show. Crimson light soon bathed the stage and Anthrax’s backdrop, which featured the massive inverted pentagram flanked by two skeletal monarchs that is the cover of their latest album, For All Kings (2016). The audience’s anticipation shot through the roof, devil horns surging everywhere. Then, the band exploded onto the stage, kicking off the show with a trio of favourites—“Among The Living,” “Caught In A Mosh,” and their cover of Joe Jackson’s “Got The Time”―to which the fans moshed and crowdsurfed with abandon. | Written by: Xavier Cattarinich Photography: Xavier Cattarinich (Ravenkin Photography) for www.metalmasterkingdom.com (C)2018 All rights reserved - www.metalmasterkingdom.com @ MacEwan Hall Calgary, AB, Canada February 21, 2018 ’Twas a frigid day in Calgary last Wednesday when the Killthrax II tour co-headlined by Killswitch Engage and Anthrax rolled into town to heat things up. Denver, Colorado’s Havok opened the show with a politically-charged, classic thrash set drawn primarily from their most recent album, Conformicide (2017), and from 2011’s Time Is Up. The influence of Megadeth, Overkill and early Metallica in Havok’s sound is undeniable, but judicious use of awesome funk-infused bass lines on songs like “Hang ‘Em High,” “F.P.C.,” and “Intention To Deceive,” courtesy of newest member Nick Schendzielos, set them apart from their forefathers. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist David Sanchez stressed the importance of literacy, an open mind and critical thinking during his in-between song banter, especially given “how much bullshit is out there.” Judging from the moshing and fist pumping with which the audience greeted the band, the lads made a favourable impression and new converts during their Cowtown stop (including this writer!). And let’s face it, the timely and deeply incisive lyrics of the newer material―inspired by the social ills, political corruption and glorification of ignorance currently afflicting America and beyond―gave the audience a real reason to raise their collective fists and truly rage. Photo: Xavier Cattarinich (Ravenkin Photography) for www.metalmasterkingdom.com (C)2018 |
The eleven-song set was a safe and largely predictable one given Anthrax’s placement on the bill, with all but “Breathing Lightning” and “Fight ’Em ‘Til You Can’t” being drawn from among their 1985-1990 era hits. But that’s what the multi-generational crowd―many of whom had not previously had the privilege of seeing them play live―came to hear. At the end of the set, Scott Ian encouraged the audience to “leave the world a better place than you found it.”
While I have always had a great deal of respect for the band’s attitude and groundbreaking role in the metal pantheon, I had not previously considered myself an Anthrax fan. To their credit, Ian and company really delivered and come the end of the night, I went home to listen to more of their stuff only to wonder, “why didn’t I care much for these guys before?” Vocalist Joey Belladonna in particular impressed with his consummate showmanship, boundless energy and incredible vocal range. The man sounds as good at age 57 as he did twenty-five years ago. And in my book, there is no better way of closing a set than with a song as musically and lyrically powerful as “Indians”. It certainly left me wanting more.
If the air guitar-playing, head banging, devil horn waving and singing I witnessed were any indication, Killswitch Engage’s hook-driven, melodic brand of introspective metalcore seemed to have predominantly attracted the younger members of the audience. The quintet played a selection of songs spanning all seven of their albums, starting off with “Rose Of Sharyn” from their 2004 breakthrough album, The End of Heartache, which, incidentally, was released on the heels of their first tour with Anthrax. Guitarist and backing vocalist Adam Dutkiewicz joked good-naturedly with spectators between songs, and, whether one is a fan of the genre or not, Killswitch’s big polished choruses were catchy as hell, and their performance inspired. The highlight of the concert arguably was Joey Belladonna joining Jesse Leach and the boys on stage to conclude the night with a faithful cover of Dio’s “Holy Diver.” You’d be forgiven for thinking that Belladonna was Dio reincarnated!
While I have always had a great deal of respect for the band’s attitude and groundbreaking role in the metal pantheon, I had not previously considered myself an Anthrax fan. To their credit, Ian and company really delivered and come the end of the night, I went home to listen to more of their stuff only to wonder, “why didn’t I care much for these guys before?” Vocalist Joey Belladonna in particular impressed with his consummate showmanship, boundless energy and incredible vocal range. The man sounds as good at age 57 as he did twenty-five years ago. And in my book, there is no better way of closing a set than with a song as musically and lyrically powerful as “Indians”. It certainly left me wanting more.
If the air guitar-playing, head banging, devil horn waving and singing I witnessed were any indication, Killswitch Engage’s hook-driven, melodic brand of introspective metalcore seemed to have predominantly attracted the younger members of the audience. The quintet played a selection of songs spanning all seven of their albums, starting off with “Rose Of Sharyn” from their 2004 breakthrough album, The End of Heartache, which, incidentally, was released on the heels of their first tour with Anthrax. Guitarist and backing vocalist Adam Dutkiewicz joked good-naturedly with spectators between songs, and, whether one is a fan of the genre or not, Killswitch’s big polished choruses were catchy as hell, and their performance inspired. The highlight of the concert arguably was Joey Belladonna joining Jesse Leach and the boys on stage to conclude the night with a faithful cover of Dio’s “Holy Diver.” You’d be forgiven for thinking that Belladonna was Dio reincarnated!
| Havok David Sanchez - Lead vocals / Guitar Pete Webber - Lead drums Reece Scruggs - Lead guitar / Vocals Nick Schendzielos - Lead bass / Vocals Label: Century Media Records Website: www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial/ havokband.com/ | Anthrax Joey Belladonna - Lead vocals Frank Bello - Bass & backing vox Jon Dette - Drums (filling in for Charlie Benante) Scott Ian - Rhythm guitars & vocals Jon Donais - Lead guitars & vocals Label: Megaforce Records Website: www.facebook.com/anthrax/ anthrax.com/ | Killswitch Engage Adam Dutkiewicz - Guitar Joel Stroetzel - Guitar Mike D'Antonio - Bass Jesse Leach - Vocals Justin Foley - Drums Label: Roadrunner Records Website: www.facebook.com/killswitchengage/ www.killswitchengage.com/ |
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