It has been a really long time since Long Island experienced a real heavy metal show.  In fact, it is flat-out embarrassing and insulting to the fans and bands that it has been this long.  Thanks to the demonic forces of the dark lord, Long Island was the place to be on Friday night when Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax invaded the Nassau Coliseum.

The “Big 3 of Thrash” performed on the Island together for the first time ever under the heading of the “American Carnage Tour” presented by Jagermeister.  The artists, Dave Mustaine in particular, did not let fans forget that as he made at least 5 references to the sponsor during Megadeth’s set.

Going into the show, one would think that Anthrax would be the weakest link.  Let’s face it, Anthrax is awesome but not of the same caliber as Slayer.  The band must have had this in mind because Anthrax annihilated the Coliseum.  Original frontman Joey Belladona could not have sounded any better.  He was dead on.

The band fired through the classics “Indians,” “Caught In A Mosh,” “I am the Law,” and “Antisocial.”  They even played a devastating new track for the first time on the tour (and with Belladona) titled “Fight ’em til You Can’t.”  It was a great treat for the hometown crowd.

Bassist Frank Bello is the man live.  He has such a cool stage presence.  Scott Ian was great too, however he did not do much of his signature running stomp-kicks.  I hope his age is not getting to him.  Nonetheless, Anthrax blew the roof off.

Megadeth came on second and played Rust In Peace in its entirety.  They sounded solid as usual because, hey, this is Megadeth.  However, compared to Anthrax they sounded a little muddy.  Not sure if it was their setup or the soundboard guy, but they have sounded better live in the past.

Guitarist Chris Broderick is the best complement to Mustaine since Marty Friedman. It was also great to see Dave Ellefson back on bass.

SLAYER!!! As usual the true titans of thrash metal were flawless.  With 36 Marshall cabinets lining the stage plus two more for the bass, Slayer opened with “World Painted Blood” and “Hate Worldwide” before turning their attention to Seasons in the Abyss.

The crowd, consisting of teens to 40 somethings, was great.  Many of the younger fans had the pit rolling while many old-school metalheads headbanged and fist-pumped like it was 1986.  Again, Long Island needs more metal shows like this one.  It has been way too long and we don’t like driving to smelly New Jersey or stuck-up Connecticut for them.

If you consider yourself a fan of heavy music, then you must see this tour.  It is even better than seeing the “Big 4” because Metallica is best seen alone; there is nothing more to see once Slayer leaves the stage.

SLAYER SETLIST:

1. World Painted Blood
2. Hate Worldwide
3. War Ensemble
4. Blood Red
5. Spirit in Black
6. Expendable Youth
7. Dead Skin Mask
8. Hallowed Point
9. Skeletons of Society
10. Temptation
11. Born of Fire
12. Seasons in the Abyss
13. South of Heaven
14. Raining Blood
15. Aggressive Perfector
16. Angel of Death

MEGADETH SETLIST:

1. Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
2. Hangar 18
3. Take No Prisoners
4. Five Magics
5. Poison Was the Cure
6. Lucretia
7. Tornado of Souls
8. Dawn Patrol
9. Rust in Peace… Polaris
10. Trust
11. Head Crusher
12. A Tout Le Monde
13. Symphony Of Destruction
14. Peace SellsAdditional Information: Holy Wars – RepriseHoly Wars – Reprise

ANTHRAX SETLIST:

1. Caught in a Mosh
2. Madhouse
3. Antisocial (Trust cover)
4. Indians
5. A.I.R.
6. Fight ‘Em Till You Can’t
7. Metal Thrashing Mad
8. I Am The Law