Sometimes you just want to go with what works.
No `this is from our experimental second album’, no `I hope you like our new direction’, and no `solo acoustic spot while the rest of the band takes a break’.
The teaming up of two of the so-called Big Four of Thrash in Anthrax and Slayer at the Manchester Apollo was an opportunity to avoid all that aforementioned malarkey.
Just two and a half hours of pummelling, punishing metal.
It was a horrible, wet, cold, windy night as well. Just right for the darkness – particularly of Slayer.
As headliners they took a couple of songs to get going, like a juggernaut going through the gears, but by mid-set they were motoring along.
I’m no aficionado. I barely know one song from another. But their set was remarkable for its depth, its timing and its remorseless, unremitting power.
It was a nice touch too for them to illuminate their pre-show curtain with the French flag in remembrance of those who died recently in Paris.
So many of those killed had been at a show just like this and I’m sure everyone was touched by the tribute.
See you down the front 