I sadly missed Anthrax’ last appearance in Kansas City at the annual Freaker’s Ball last October, so when the announcement came that they were playing KC with Testament and Death Angel I was pretty excited. Really, more excited than a 43 year old should be about a metal show.
Death Angel was first up. I don’t know much about them other than an album I picked up used, but they put on a great show, and the crowd was really into them. They made the most of their 30 minute set and definitely won me over as a fan.
Testament was the biggest surprise for me. Everything was spot on for them – the vocals were great and the guitar playing was incredible. I was familiar with Alex Skolnick’s playing but Eric Peterson’s playing was great too. Far and away the performance of the evening.
The big news with Anthrax was that Scott Ian wasn’t playing with them. He missed the date due to illness so the guitarists from Testament and Death Angel filled in for him on various songs. The revolving door of guitarists was pretty cool to see but there was definitely something missing from their performance. The band vibe wasn’t there. The last time I saw them was back in 2007 and they were much better then. Still, they put on a solid set and there wasn’t that much to complain about.
Anthrax’ set list:
Earth on Hell
Fight ‘Em Till You Can’t
Caught in a Mosh
Antisocial
I’m Alive
The Devil You Know
Indians
In the End
Got the Time
Medusa
–
Madhouse
Metal Thrashing Mad
I Am The Law