I was at this show and it was amazing, so as to not be overly redundant please see my review : http://realrockreport.com/2010/04/01/megadeth-live-show-report-3-31-10-the-palladium-hollywood-ca/
As wisdom would have it Megadeth recorded the last show of their 20 year Rust In Peace tour for a DVD and CD release due out from Shout! Factory on 9/7/10 The set has been rearranged understandably enough so that it can start with the Rust In Peace record in its entirety (at the show they played a few songs first to get the blood pumping) Let’s start with the DVD, it boasts fine HD quality (available on blueray) and 5.1 dolby sound (if you do not have surround please change setting to 2.0 stereo in settings, it will sound much better that way I promise!) I think the best thing about watching this concert is you really get the point that this is technically incredibly hard music to play and it is played to perfection! The CD is mixed and mastered very well with the need for clarity never costing a reduction in power. This 20th anniversary tour marked the return of David Ellefson on Bass (which seemed about as possible as a new Led Zepplin tour) and wouldn’t you know the energy between he and Mustaine is bombastic! Rust In Peace is without a doubt one of the best all time thrash metal records (if not the best)! And at the time it certainly set the standard for the new heavy metal, offering solid vocal melodies with unrelenting guitar riffs, time changes and thundering bass and drums. Chris Broderick handles the other guitar duties and handles it like relaxed monster, his solos are so faithful to the original record that it’s a true homage and he deserves a big high five for that. Shawn Drover is a perfect beast behind the drums… nuff said. I couldn’t be happier that this was recorded for posterity as it is a perfect snapshot of why Megadeth is still and will be (as long as Dave mustaine wants) The premier American heavy metal act. The bonus tracks are great as well, highlights include Skin Of My Teeth, In My Darkest hour, Sympathy Of Destruction and of course Peace Sells. Also on the bonus tracks are some very cool behind the scenes stuff, fans hanging before the show, sound check Etc. Dave Mustaine has never looked or sounded better (after saying “And that was Rust In Peace, and before launching into Holy Wars Reprise Dave loses the shirt which kind of pissed me off cause he’s older than me and in much better shape…. Metal bastard!) As with any great live recording there are moments where you can hear the chanting of the audience which is especially cool because I was there so I can add with utmost certainty that the crowd noises are not enhanced the audience really showed up to show Megadeth California metal love (check out the end of Hanger 18!) Although watching the DVD is awesome for me the real thrill is stepping into my time machine (black Honda element) going back 20 years and cranking up the noise! Youth of today step away from your computers, learn your instrument first then play with pro-tools. Rust InPeace Live is a blueprint of how to rock the balls off the world, there is no substitute for hard work and there is no substitute for real rock and roll. Thank you Dave Mustaine for continuing to give us your passion, strength and love.
Megadeth (still) Rules!
5 (out of 5)
J.S.L.