Slayer took the stage right on time despite some pretty crazy weather. Luckily they were main stage because with hat sort of set up it wouldn't have survived outside.
With solid pyrotechnics and great sound, they set off for another flawless night of head banging. Despite one technical glitch where guitars had to be switched out it was a exercise in perfection. After over thirty years of rocking they have this down to a science. What they also have is a group of fans who are fiercely loyal and obsoletely entranced by their music. This being said the sweat was flying and the ears were ringing. The upside down crosses and flame throwing stage certainly added to the power.
They held out for the encore for the epic 'Reigning Blood" and I honestly thought the building was going to collapse from the sheer thunder the fans created. Synchronized head banging should be an Olympic sport.
"Die By The Sword", "Hate Worldwide" and "Jesus Saves" were all played with vicious conviction. I am convinced that drummer Dave Lombardo has extra arms, double timing the life out of that kit. Reports are that Gary Holt subbing in for guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who is suffering from a flesh eating bacteria. Holt's flying fingers should be keeping any germ warfare away. It is virtually impossible to follow the fret work.
There were kids I spoke to that thought Slayer should have been the headliner. A few mentioned that Slipknot had lost its edge and Slayer should have closed the night. I disagree, I think between Asking Alexandria's weak set and Motorhead's powerful face melting metal they were exactly where they should be. I think Motorhead should have headline more on that in our next review.