Philadelphia, PA – Another scorcher during late August in Philly did not deter the army of black metal t-shirt hardcore fans.
With Jamie Jasta on lead vocals, Chris Beattie (bass), Matt Byrne (drums), Frank Novinec (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Wayne Lozinak (lead guitar, backing vocals), Hatebreed came with their own brash, in-your-face style of “let’s get this party started” attitude. The band has been around since 1994, cranking out albums and touring their asses off with all the big metal bands and festivals including Ozzfest and Mayhem Festival. The band’s eighth studio album Weight of the False Self was released on November 27, 2020.
From behind the curtain, silhouettes could be seen of Father Zakk on the alter and the intro to Funeral Bell rattled the chandeliers. The curtain dropped and Black Label Society arrived, like a Viking storming the shores of the Delaware River on a mission to conquer the Philly audience. Backing up your holiness is the BLS clergy consisting of: Father John “JD” DeServo on bass, Father Dario Lorina on rhythm guitar, and Father Jeff Fabb on drums. As the services rolled on, “Destroy & Conquer” (2022 Doom Crew Inc.) was followed by “Overlord” (2010 Order of the Back), “Heart of Darkness” (2014 Black Vatican), “You Make Me Want to Live” (Doom Crew Inc.), “A Love Unreal” (Grimmest Hits), and “Happy Birthday to You” for bassist John DeServo, as the whole Fillmore-Philly congregation sang along complete with cake and some unknown beverage in a red Solo cup.
BLS ripped through the rest of the 13-song setlist with vengeance and precision, as Zakk and Father Dario dueled on the altar “Fire It Up” (Mafia) where both were playing with their guitars behind their backs. As Zakk stood on the altar beating his chest in victory, raising his guitar over his head the show drew to a close, but we could have stayed all night.
A heartfelt thank you to BLS for your extended courtesy to us photographers, proof that as the show goes on, the photos get better.
SETLIST
Funeral Bell
Destroy & Conquer
Overlord
Heart of Darkness
A Love Unreal
You Made Me Want to Live
Happy Birthday to You (Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover)
In This River
Trampled Down Below
Set You Free
Fire It Up (with Zakk and Dario guitar duel)
Suicide Messiah
Stillborn
PHOTO GALLERY
“Madhouse” was the first Anthrax song I listened to in the mid-’80s and thought, “What TF is this?” Some of the line cooks that I worked with were telling me about this thrash movement in metal that made Metallica sound like, well, hard rock. It was definitely heavier, harder, faster, raunchier, and in your face. So, 40 years later, Anthrax still puts on a spectacular show and is at the top of the game.
The front-stage curtain pre-show ran a video of celebrities/musicians with soundbites on how the music of Anthrax has affected their lives, beautifully done. Curtain drops, Anthrax rips into “Among The Living”, “Caught In A Mosh” (things really went wild) then “Madhouse“. As security braced for the launch of bodies streaming over the barricade and the human whirlpool of mosh pit gained steam, I made my way side stage to avoid an accidental Doc Martin kick to the head.
For over 40 years these native New Yorkers have been thrashing atop the heavy metal scene with over 11 studio albums and a crushing setlist. Joey Belladonna has one of the most unique voices in the biz and is definitely the best in the thrash game. This intensity is matched by Scott Ian (guitar), Charlie Benante (drums), and Frank Bello(bass).
These guys were all over the stage with boundless energy, taking any opportunity to interact with the audience any chance they could. One common trait all the bands have is they look in great shape, and it shows a level of commitment to performing at a high level, for themselves and for the benefit of the audience. Stage beverages in the ’80s & ’90s of Jack Daniels, tequila and blow have been replaced by Fuji water and Vitamin D, Bravo.
Live Long and Prosper, Metalheads.
SETLIST
Among the Living
Caught in a Mosh
Madhouse
Metal Thrashing Mad
Keep It in the Family
Antisocial
I Am the Law
Hymn 1
In the End
Only
Got the Time (Joe Jackson cover)
Bring the Noise (Public Enemy cover) (through the first chorus)
Indians
ANTHRAX
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Show Date: 8/28/22
