Anthrax w/Testament and Death Angel at the North Myrtle Beach House of Blues 11/04/2011

Death, Angel, Testament, and ANTHRAX!  When I found out these three bands were going on tour together I knew it was going to be a show not to be missed.  This was my first time seeing all three of these bands live, and they damn sure left a lasting impression.  The sheer magnitude of this concert alone made me  feel a little of what it must be like to witness a Big 4 show in action.  As a long time fan of Anthrax and Testament, and in more recent years, Death Angel, my mind was blown at the chance to see these bands in action.  Looking around the House of Blues you could just tell this was a real metal concert.  There wasn’t going to be any fucking around.  It was time to get down to business and thrash!

Anthrax and Testament are two bands that I have massive respect and appreciation for.  They didn’t disappoint in any way at all.  First up was Death Angel.  They came right out ready to attack the crowd with their heavy blend of thrash.  They had boundless energy from the start.  Their set included many of my favorites from Relentless Retribution and a few from their older albums.  It was hard to believe they were only the opening band and that there was so much more to come.  They put on such a tight performance and sounded fantastic live.

When Testament hit the stage their presence was immediately felt.  This legendary thrash outfit exuded a powerful stage presence.  The larger than life Chuck Billy absolutely commanded the stage.  I have to say, it was amazing to see the iconic Alex Skolnick shredding live.  That’s something I never thought I’d experience.  Hell, this entire concert was.  Most importantly, you could tell the entire band was having a great time and loving what they were doing.

Finally, the room got dark and the intro to Anthrax’s set began to play.  As each member stepped onto to the stage with the crowd roaring it was clear something big was about to happen.  It was time to get metal thrashing mad!  Anthrax played material from their amazing new album Worship Music and classics such as “Madhouse,’ “Caught in a Mosh,” and “Antisocial.”  To see these songs live made me realize the studio recorded versions just don’t do them justice.  Not to forget, Joey Belladonna was delivering the vocals for these classics.  I wouldn’t have it any other way!  To see this legendary Anthrax lineup live and to see how hard they still perform live was absolutely amazing.  They dominated the stage every second they were there, and when the group lined up together after the final song you knew you had just witnessed something special.

I can honestly say this was hands down the best concert I have ever been to.  Not only because of the importance of these bands, but also because of the terrific performances they all put on.  If you have never seen Anthrax live do yourself a favor and get tickets to one of the shows on this tour.  Now is your chance to see them live and in top form with the lineup as it should be.  Concerts like this don’t come around often.  It is one that can’t be forgotten.  This is an important concert for any metalhead.  I am thankful that I was able to witness it and thankful to these bands for taking part in this.

Anthrax set list:

Earth on Hell

Fight ‘em till you Can’t

Caught in a Mosh
Antisocial
I’m Alive
The Devil You Know
Indians
Got the Time
In The End
N.F.L
(encore)
Among The Living
Madhouse
Metal Thrashing Mad
I am the Law
(They also did a mini version of Sepultura’s “Refuse/Resist” with Ian performing vocals.)
Justin Angel

About Justin Angel

Cheatin' death since 1988 with a metal soundtrack the entire way! Music in general has always been the thing to get me through tough times in my life. It is religion for me, so now I'm going to continue doing what I love. I'm going to keep grabbing up and digesting any music that comes my way and share my opinions on it. I'm always open to discuss them with anyone and hear the opinions of others.