Sonisphere Festival Athens, Greece – 24.06.2010

 Anticipation. Suspense. Admiration. The Greek metal community had long welcomed the grand event: America’s “Big four” ( Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax ), would visit Athens on the 24^th of June, for a musical statement far beyond anything alike Greece has experienced.

     Although the weather did not seem very promising at the beginning of the day, not one was dispirited. At around 12.15, the local Suicidal Angels hit the floor. Excellent thrashers, they were highly liked by the Athenian audience. They performed three songs from their new album along with old ones. The set lasted almost one hour and “Apokathilosis” was one of their best moments.(Saturn stage)

     45’ later and a soundcheck, Bullet for my Valentine  entered the Saturn stage. Although their sound was worse than Suicidal Angels’, the British definitely got the people excited. Hand of Blood was probably their highlight, after fans had been demanding it. It is characteristic that 6 out of 11 songs (!) were from their last album.

·  Your Betrayal   

·  Fever 

·  Waking the Demon

·  Tears Don't Fall 

·  Pleasure and Pain  

·  4 Words (To Choke Upon)

·  The Last Fight

·  Scream Aim Fire

·  Begging For Mercy

·  Hand of Blood

·  Alone

         Stone Sour were the first to enter the Apollo stage. The people attending Stone Sour’s performance were full of enthusiasm. This excitement tough, was mutual. Taylor was great at his vocal duties, something that does not always apply to Slipknot’s concerts. In any case, they were a band actually throwing a party. Corey’s “trend-pop” dance was one of a kind (during “Idle Hands”). They did not play any ballads though, thus, some people were not totally satisfied.

·  Mission Statement

·  Reborn

·  Made Of Scars

·  The Bitter End

·  Blotter

·  Your God

·  Idle Hands

·  Digital

·  Come What(ever) May

·  Get Inside

·  Hell & Consequences

·  30/30-150

      The first of the Big Four to set foot on stage was Anthrax (around 17.00). The audience was literally aroused, and non-stop headbanging was on. Anthrax proved they are truly worthy to be part of the “Big Four”  offering a professional performance, and a setlist, featuring two covers. It can be viewed below. The sound was at high levels. In addition, they paid a tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio, performing a minute or two of the opus Heaven and Hell. At the same time, the cloudy sky was getting darker and bleaker..

·  Caught in a Mosh

·  Got the Time (Joe Jackson cover)

·  Madhouse

·  Be All, End All

·  Antisocial (Trust cover)

·  Indians- Heaven And Hell

·  Medusa

·  Only

·  Metal Thrashing Mad

·  I Am The Law

     After having delayed for 15’ (an insignificant period of time, indeed), thrash metal pioneers, the mighty Slayer shook Terra Vibe Park to the grounds. Exceptional performing, full of mind – blowing energy, they were probably the festival’s most successful performance. The fact that Mr. Araya had a problem on his back and could not be too active, meant nothing; the participation was massive, and what occurred while “Raining Blood” is indescribable, nevertheless.

1. World Painted Blood
2. Jihad
3. War Ensemble
4. Hate Worldwide
5. Seasons in the Abyss
6. Angel of Death
7. Beauty Through Order
8. Disciple
9. Mandatory Suicide
10.  Chemical Warfare
11.  South of Heaven
12. Raining Blood

    Megadeth were the last ones to release their sonic wave from the Saturn stage. Performing between 20.00 – 21.00, they blew most of the fans’ minds away. Mustaine’s vocals were much better than his usual low - quality live singing. Overall, the band was eager to please the Athenian audience. Some though, were dissatisfied with their playing. Beyond all those different opinions though, Broderick’s playing was kind of awesome. The setlist, finally, was likely the best to be thought of. During Megadeth’s performance, drops of rain that grew denser and denser caressed our shoulders. The rain, however, had yet to come…

·  Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

·  Hangar 18

·  Headcrusher

·  In My Darkest Hour

·  Skin O' My Teeth

·  A Tout Le Monde

·  Hook In Mouth

·  Trust

·  Sweating Bullets

·  Symphony Of Destruction

·  Peace Sells

     While standing in front of the Apollo stage, waiting for the headliners to pop up, the skies over Malakassa cracked open, giving way to a rain of cataclysmal proportions. Precautionary measures had been taken though, so the equipment was safe and unharmed. After a slight delay, Metallica ‘s established intro sounded, the crowd started gibbering, literally going berserk. Creeping Death blasted off the monitors and a continuous moshing occurred. The rain only contributed to creating a unique atmosphere. Performing under the heavy rain, Metallica left the crowd speechless. No doubts had remained once they hit the stage, concerning if they are truly worthy of crowned as headliners for this huge event. Hetfield was perfect, more or less. His persona filled the whole park; all stood in awe. The only (huge) drawback was Lars Ulrich’s drumming. The drumming was just off. For example, the double bass on One made one think : “Am I actually listening to this? Am I? Wtf? Has he even listened to the song?”. “One’s” grandeur though, could not be sullied, even with Lars’ efforts. Metallica is still vivid.

1. Creeping Death
2. For Whom The Bell Tolls
3. Ride The Lightning
4. Harvester Of Sorrow
5. Fade To Black
6. That Was Just Your Life
7. The End Of The Line
8. Sad But True
9. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
10. Broken, Beat and Scarred
11. One
12. Master Of Puppets
13. Blackened
14. Nothing Else Matters
15.Enter Sandman
- - - - - - - -
16. Breadfan
17. Motorbreath
18. Seek and Destroy

     Sonisphere was pretty well organized. Everything went as scheduled, plus the sound was clear. Metallica left the stage just before 23.30. Many people though were discomforted on their way back home, waiting up to three hours till entering a bus. This is an issue to be taken care of, because it appears to be a constant problem.

Stelios (Ω)

photos taken from www.metontour.com