Last night Metallica delivered over two hours of headbanging heavy metal delight to a sold out crowd of ecstatic Long Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. Ripping through new cuts “That Was Just Your Life,” “The End of the Line,” “Cyanide,” “The Day That Never Comes,” and “Broken, Beat, & Scarred,” the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees never gave their fans a chance to find a flaw within the Death Magnetic record.

April 2004 marked the last time Metallica came to town and there was no better way to deliver a powerful rock show after nearly a five year break. The band led the fans through classics “Creeping Death” (DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE…), “The Thing That Should Not Be” (perfectly placed towards the beginning of the set), “Enter Sandman” (obvious crowd pleaser), and “One” (My eyebrows have begun to grow back after the scorching “Darkness” flames).

The band played through some classic rarities as well including “Damage, Inc.,” “Phantom Lord,” and “The Unforgiven” (have not seen this one live in quite some time).

James Hetfield’s voice was perfect throughout the show although he did develop an old man gut which was visible for the encore. Kirk Hammett’s guitar solos were excellent within the songs but weak during the short solo breaks. He also wore far too much “guy liner.” Lars Ulrich seemed to be in the best physical condition of them all and looks as if he hasn’t aged a day since the ’97 “Load Tour.” Rob Trujillo’s bass-work is fantastic and fits in really well but I still miss Jason Newstead’s powerful stage presence.

The stage was centered in the middle of the arena with a rotating drum kit and approximately six microphones so the band could perform for every fan in attendance. Large steel coffins lowered towards the stage from above with attached laser lights (awesome during “That Was Just Your Life”) gunning throughout the venue. During the encore, large black inflatable beach balls plummeted from the ceiling converting the Coliseum into a magical heavy metal beach party.

Setlist:

That Was Just Your Life

The End Of The Line

Creeping Death

The Thing That Should Not Be

One

Broken Beat & Scarred

Cyanide

Sad But True

The Unforgiven

All Nightmare Long

Kirk Doodle

The Day That Never Comes

Master Of Puppets

Damage, Inc.

Kirk Doodle

Nothing Else Matters

Enter Sandman

Stone Cold Crazy

Phantom Lord

Seek & Destroy

Above photos courtesy of R.Meds