Review: Metallica “Rock in Rio” Live in Lisbon, Portugal [2012]

The heavy metal gods known as Metallica graced Lisbon, Portugal with their presence this evening, ripping through their legendary Black Album. Playing through classics “Master of Puppets,” “One,” “Wherever I May Roam,” “Don’t Tread on Me,” and “The Struggle Within,” the band sounded at the top of their game.

It’s pretty unbelievable how great Metallica sounded live at Rock in Rio on May 25. For a second I had to watch carefully to see if they were playing with a backing tape, that’s how perfect their sound and overall mix were.

The stage at Rock in Rio was absolutely massive and Metallica is a band that knows how to utilize the space and connect with the crowd.

Frontman James Hetfield sang from several different microphones located all over the stage and the many ramps. “Metallica gives you heavy baby,” grunted Hetfield before stomping right up to the crowd during “Sad But True.”

Guitarist Kirk Hammett went blazing through his solos, killing it on his custom White Zombie guitar on “The Unforgiven” and “Holier Than Thou.”

Robert Trujillo slammed through his bass parts with precision, while exhibiting a powerful stage presence. Lars Ulrich never missed a beat behind his throne, pounding the drums at a high level of intensity (and sweating like a nun in a cucumber field).

The thousands of Metallimaniancs in Lisbon got one hell of a show and loved every second of it. The audience was highly involved throughout the set, including a playful call-response with Hetfield in the middle of “Enter Sandman” (even Hetfield was having a blast with it).

Also, you have got to love how Europeans love singing the guitar melodies in addition to the lyrics. This is rarely seen in the U.S.

While it is strange that the band chooses to play the Black Album out of order for the tour, you can’t deny the fact they put on the best live show. It is certainly worth catching them on this tour if you get the chance.

Setlist: