Metallica : Soundwave Festival 2013 – Sydney Olympic Park (Part 2)

Part 1

Where do I start? How do I begin to describe a band that have been reviewed a million times, by far more talented writers than I, and make it compelling enough for you and others to want to read it?

I could start by describing how a Metallica stadium or festival show these days just look fantastic, no matter where you are. For the last ten years or so they’ve had an enormous screen acting as their backdrop which allows you just as good, if not better, a view as those at the front. Being men of advancing years themselves, they understand people like me who may take advantage of seats that act as quick escape to bar & toilet, ease my aching feet, and facilitate the avoidance of continued chaffing of my poor damaged thighs.

Or, i could begin with how James is back. Hetfield absolutely owned the stage tonight. I’ve seen Metallica many times over the years, and post therapy, he’s certainly turned into a lovely fella, but during that time, to me anyway, he lost the ability to aggressively, physically fill and dominate that stage. Definitely not an issue tonight, this was like the old 80’s and 90’s James in terms of dominance, without the nasty edge. He was light years removed and forward from the rather by rote performance at Donington last year.

What about starting with the setlist? Started with “Hit The Lights”, ended, of course, with a beach ball strewn “Seek and Destroy”. Some killer highlights in “Master of Puppets”, an incendiary “Orion” driven by Rob Trujillo who was celebrated by James for his ten year anniversary, and with a touching nod to Cliff Burton at it’s conclusion. “Fade To Black” doesn’t get played at every gig now like the other standards, but alongside “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”, also played tonight, shows that when Metallica do power ballads they have more balls and energy than most other bands’ blitzkrieg rockers. I, for one, would be delighted to hear Fade instead of the overplayed and somewhat one dimensional “Nothing Else Matters” at any and every gig. I’ve already claimed it for my funeral song.

It’s “One” that still showcases the very best of Metallica. Kirk’s fluid runs, the bane of anyone that’s played Guitar Hero, the staccato Hetfield guitar bursts, the pyro, even Lars having to concentrate and keep it together. Bass, nah, there’s no bass on “… And Justice For All” is there?

However i start it, it needs to make sure that the fact that this was a stellar performance, by one of the world’s greatest live bands at the absolute top of their game is made evident. A true vindication of Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah’s ambition and vision for the 10th anniversary Soundwave 2013.

So, how shall I start it? Ahhhh, who cares!! (SGSN Steve – SGSN Posts)

First Published On Something Gold Something New