Metallica @ EntertainmentCentre, Adelaide (15/11/10)

Tue 16th Nov, 2010 in Gig Reviews

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.

The wait has been long for Metallica fans, not since 2004 have the kings of metal graced us with their presence, and even that was only for a BDO. The energy and anticipation was fever pitched and the boys from San Fran didnt disappoint.

First up was Baroness. Who must be pinching themselves to play this gig. Whilst the crowd was still growing and didn’t show a great deal of interest the boys powered through a short set which would have won more fans that it would have lost.

Next up was the highly anticipated Lamb of God. On any other night these guys would be walking onto their own stage in front of their own sold old crowd, if fact this is what they did do little over a year ago when they last toured down under, but what do you do when the Metal Gods come calling. LoG were brilliant and showed why they are so much more than just a support act. There were more than just a few LoG shirts in The crowd and it showed with the crowd response, a stark contrast to the reception the Datsuns received when they supported Metallica back in 04. LoG tore shit up, really embracing the in-the-round set-up and got the crowd warmed up for the ensuing madness. After 45 minutess they were done and it was time for the main event.

The wait felt like forever, but just after 9pm the lights went out, the intro music kicked in and the crowd erupted as the boys entered the arena via a runway through the crowd and onto the stage. The show was opened with a couple of newies That Was Just Your Life and The End Of The Line accompanied by an amazing laser show, which was sure to keep the photographers in the pit happy. From something for the young fans, they quickly turned it old school with For Whom The Bell Tolls which had the sold out crowd in fine voice. The speed was then increased for Fuel, which also brought about the first sight of pyro which was used to great effect all through the night, but quickly reduced for the epic Fade to Black which had the lighters out and again the crowd in fine voice. James commented during the show that its almost been 30 years, and it shows, these guys are absolute professionals the sound is spot on, the light and pyro show amazing, James banter is both engaging and energizing, the set list is well constructed and encompassing all fans (expect for fans of Load and St Anger ) everything about the show is delivered at 110%. Not bad for an 80s thrash band.

Other highlights included You Like it Heavy? Tallica gives you heavy baby… Sad But True, the masterful and flame filled One, James wearing picks for fangs for Master Of Puppets, the unexpected, but awesome Fight Fire With Fire and the main set was finished by the crowd favorite Enter Sandman.

The boys, after a quick breather, re-appeared on stage to play a 3 song encore including their cover of Am I Evil, Hit The Lights before lifting the house lights dropping the beach balls and finishing in familiar fashion with Seek And Destroy.

With such an extensive and awesome back catalogue there is always going to be disappointing omissions from the setlist and tonight was no exception, but if you walked away from this show disappointed there is something wrong with you!! Only disappointment is that we are probably about 5 years away from their next tour.

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.