REVIEW: Metallica are Giants at MetLife Stadium in NJ
Photo: Metallica play MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by John Soltes.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Metallica kicked off the North American leg of their expansive M72 world tour with a powerful barrage of thrash metal on Friday, Aug. 4 at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and Giants. They easily convinced the packed crowd why they can fill a stadium not just for one night, but two nights — with the next onslaught coming Sunday, Aug. 6.
The festivities began even before fans headed into the stadium. That’s right, ticket holders were treated to a thrashing good time in the parking lot; that’s where Prong set up shop and offered one hour of nonstop metal. Their gig was meant to kick off at 3 p.m., but an apparent generator problem caused a late start. That was all right because the drinks were flowing, including the prominently sponsored Liquid Death, and the sun was behind the clouds for the entirety of the evening.
Prong’s set list leaned heavily on classic tunes, with a preview of their upcoming album, which is set for release in October. A selection of songs included “Test,” “Beg to Differ,” “Broken Peace,” “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck” and “Revenge … Best Served Cold.” The band was tight with their sound, with Tommy Victor commanding the stage with his strong guitar playing and impressive vocal talents. Christopher Dean offered his awesome bass mastery (check him out on tour with Nita Strauss later this year).
Inside the stadium, Mammoth WVH started things off at 6 p.m. Wolfgang Van Halen’s stellar band, which is celebrating the release of their second album this week, got the crowd rocking with a set list that included everything from “Mammoth” to “Like a Pastime” to “Don’t Back Down.” Van Halen’s vocals are so damn strong, only matched by his wicked guitar playing. Kudos to this now-established band for making it to the big stage with the Metallica guys. Look out for their tour with Strauss later this year.
Pantera offered a near-headlining-length show that lasted approximately one hour. Any doubts about this new incarnation of this classic band were easily put to rest. The metal band brought the energy and the fiery vocals, guitar work, bass skills and drumming beats. The group had just played farther south in New Jersey in Camden, and much of their MetLife set was plucked from that concert and their other headlining gigs. “A New Level” was followed by “Mouth for War” and “Strength Beyond Strength.” The crowd seemed most into “Walk” and “Cowboys From Hell” — understandably, because these are two mega-hits for the band. There was also a fitting tribute to Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul.
The entire opening set felt like a big thank you to the hordes of fans who have welcomed this version of Pantera into their eardrums. It looks like there’s a lot of mileage to go for Phil Anselmo, Zakk Wylde, Charlie Benante and Rex Brown.
Then, after a 50-minute wait, Metallica hit the stage for two-plus hours of thrash heaven — or maybe “trash hell” would be more appropriate. They rode a supersonic wave for the entirety of the concert, hardly stopping to talk, only staying focused on the tunes, both old and new (all of them welcomed by the rocking crowd). The guys — James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo — used the ring-shaped stage expertly and thoroughly. Ulrich’s drum kit emerged from below and made appearances in four different locations, making for optimal viewing no matter where one was sitting. They were, in fact, extremely fair with their stage presence, shifting spots every four songs throughout the 16-song set list.
Surrounding the members of Metallica on this tour are tall, clocktower-looking pillars that offer pristine videography, including closeups of the bands and nicely designed visuals. This being Metallica, there’s also some pyro.
The songs are different for each of their concerts on these two-night stands, which essentially makes this Metallica festival a wondrous marathon experience spread out over a few days — which is awesome. On night #1 in East Rutherford, fans were treated to “Creeping Death,” “Harvester of Sorrow” and “Holier Than Thou,” in addition to newcomer “72 Seasons” and “Fade to Black.” A true highlight of this entire evening was the playing of “Orion” — just wow. The instrumentals were unparalleled and fast-moving, with so many ups and downs, transitions and changes, that it became dizzying. There’s also no beating “Sad but True” and “Nothing Else Matters.”
The evening ended with a trio of songs that had everyone singing, rocking, stomping, moshing and holding those devil horns high: “Fuel” with required pyro, “Seek & Destroy” and “Master of Puppets,” a masterpiece, to be sure.
Metallica have arrived in New Jersey, and they have destroyed all other weekend plans.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Metallica play once again at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, Aug. 6. Opening acts: Overkill (parking lot at 3 p.m.), Ice Nine Kills and Five Finger Death Punch. Click here for more information and tickets.
