Big Four, Sofia DVD Review

THE BIG FOUR, Sofia DVD

Although the concerts happened a couple of month ago now the hype for this tour is still massive with rumours of US and UK repercussions for late 2011. The DVD gives you great insight into the four bands and their experiences of this fantastic and historic metal moment.

Anthrax took to the stage first with the newly rejoined Joey Belladona. Belladona wastes no time in soaking up the atmosphere and celebrating with the fans the amazing spectacle that is taking place. Performance wise a flawless effort from Anthrax with the major highlight being the performance of “Indians” with the cover/tribute of “Heaven and Hell” to the late Ronnie James Dio.

Also buzzing from a recent return to the fold are Megadeth who romp through a soul crushing set. Since David Ellefson has rejoined the band Megadeth have been unstoppable. Pulling out many hits from the “Rust in Peace” album the fans are treated to an amazing set featuring both old and new material. The rain didn’t dampen their spirits and their enthusiasm is hugely admired. The highlight of Megadeth’s set has to be the Performance of the classic “A Tout Le Monde”.

Titans Slayer are up next, pounding onto the stage with the title track of the latest album “World Painted Blood”. Giving it all they have got Slayer drag you into their mesmerizing performance. Sadly this live performance is not one of Slayer’s best, with Tom Araya struggling with vocal issues and Hanneman not pulling off the solo’s he used to. However be wary, their presence is still enough to make you quake in your boots. Highlight of Slayer’s set has to be the last two songs of the set “South Of Heaven” and “Raining Blood”.

Three down one to go. Metallica add to the carnage all ready laid down by the other bands. All though it is called the big four tour you get the impression that Metallica were out to headline no matter what by having double the amount of time on stage. Another standard Metallica performance is really all that can be said. Nothing special, I have seen them perform much better than this. Credit to them for putting together another great set list full of classics and new songs. The performance picks up dramatically for the second half with songs like “One”, “Enter Sandman”, “Hit The Lights” and “Seek and Destroy”. Just three words complete this set “Am I Evil”. Joined by Anthrax, Megadeth and Dave Lombardo of Slayer the big four unite to play this classic “Diamond Head” song. This has to be the highlight of the DVD by far and possibly the whole year! Nobody would have thought this possible 10 years ago but here in 2010 and possibly the future it has become reality.

The overall production of the DVD is very mixed. Whilst the audio quality is pristine the visuals are far from it. Wobbly cameras, dodgy camera angles and numerous objects obstructing the view are this DVD’s downfall. Apart from this the DVD is well worth buying and would advise any metal fan to do so.

Anthrax 8/10

Megadeth 8.5/10

Slayer 7.5/10

Metallica 8/10

Overall 7.5/10

picture from www.jimdunlop.com