Universal Music, 1st November 2010

When the ‘Big Four’ shared a stage together on June 22nd 2010 in Sofia (Bulgaria), the history was made. Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer & Metallica’s performance of this special evening was beamed live into over 550 theatres around the globe (Pay per view), witnessing the popularity and excitement to see the biggest names in metal ever!

This legendary concert from Sofia (The venue was the ‘Vasil Levski National Stadium’) is now available on a double DVD where the first one contains full performances from Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer, while the second DVD contains a two-hour long performance from the biggest rock act in the world: Metallica. Not to forget the supplement in the form of exclusive interview with each of the band members and behind-the-stage shooting as well.
     
This already legendary DVD recording gives us a unique chance to see what the biggest names in metal can do together. But for the start let’s begin with the opening act; NY based old-school thrashers from Anthrax. The band played many of its classic Joey belladonna tunes, among those the most recognizable ones were “I am the Law”, “Indians” and Black Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell” paying the respect with late DIO/Black Sabbath front men – Ronnie James Dio. [5/6]

Second act to hit the stage was Dave Mustaine and his Megadeth crew. The whole thing erupted by the opening “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”, followed by “Hangar 18” and all other classic Megadeth tracks. The band was super-tight this evening and Dave was even in a good mood joking and speaking with the audience throughout the set. This performance is one of the best that I’ve ever seen Megadeth offer; rapid-fire, speedy riffing and above anything else; tremendous entertainment. [5/6]

Mighty Slayer was next to rip through their set. The band played 12 songs and among those some metal anthems “War Ensemble”, “Angel of Death”, “South of Heaven” and the always closing one “Raining Blood”. Despite of their age, guys from Slayer were fast, precise jumping and running around like a bunch of crazy punk kids. However, the entertaining value was much higher than the musical value, as this is definitely not the best ever performance by Slayer. [4/6]

Metallica are the best of showmen and the band that has not only marked my childhood but also the band that is not afraid to evolve and change the style and direction. Their show lasted for almost two hours delivering one after another Metallica pearl. Apart from playing all of my favourite Metallica songs, my favorite part of the Metallica footage is the "Big Four – jam” in the small room as a part of ‘behind the stage footage’. At the end of Metallica’s blistering set all four bands shares the stage literary playing my all-time favourite Diamondhead/Metallica song “Am I Evil?”. Metallica frontman James Hetfield, Megadeth singer/guitarist Dave Mustaine and Anthrax vocalist Joey Belladonna took turns singing the song, which has been a part of Metallica’s live set for decades. [6/6]

This is an event that will define heavy metal history and one that proves that former Eastern Bloc and the Balkan countries can do accomplish something that is unseen on these shores before. So many Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian, Croatian, Romanian and Albanian flags, all waving together in appreciation to the organizers bringing such a good show to the area.

Two big horns up for this excellent DVD which is ‘a must buy’ if your a fan of any of the four bands. The performance footage is great, the fans are insane, and the backstage footage is fun for anyone to watch. www.sonispherefestivals.com


METALLICA track listing:

01. Creeping Death
02. For Whom The Bell Tolls
03. Fuel
04. Harvester Of Sorrow
05. Fade To Black
06. That Was Just Your Life
07. Cyanide
08. Sad But True
09. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
10. All Nightmare Long
11. One
12. Master Of Puppets
13. Blackened
14. Nothing Else Matters
15. Enter Sandman Encore: 16. Am I Evil? (with the Big Four)
17. Hit The Lights
18. Seek and Destroy

SLAYER track listing:
01. World Painted Blood
02. Jihad
03. War Ensemble
04. Hate Worldwide
05. Seasons In The Abyss
06. Angel of Death
07. Beauty Through Order
08. Disciple
09. Mandatory Suicide
10. Chemical Warfare
11. South of Heaven
12. Raining Blood

MEGADETH track listing:
01. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
02. Hangar 18
03. Wake Up Dead
04. Head Crusher
05. In My Darkest Hour
06. Skin O' My Teeth
07. A Tout Le Monde
08. Hook In Mouth
09. Trust
10. Sweating Bullets
11. Symphony Of Destruction
12. Peace Sells/Holy Wars Reprise

ANTHRAX track listing:
01. Caught In A Mosh
02. Got the Time
03. Madhouse
04. Be All, End All
05. Antisocial
06. Indians/Heaven And Hell
07. Medusa
08. Only
09. Metal Thrashing Mad
10. I Am The Law