re: Thoughts on Anthrax with Death Angel at the Varsity?

I was right against the stage for both sets.

It's a shame that there are only two original members left in Death Angel. However, the entire band sounded great. Mark might have some of the most well-sustained vocals in thrash metal. He really did a great job hyping up the crowd and acting as a world-class showman. I was really satisfied that I got a chance to see Death Angel perform live. There are so many quality thrash bands outside of the Big 4 that fail to get their proper dues.

Anthrax was everything I had hoped for and then some. Although Scott isn't as wild and frantic on stage now as he was in his youth, he still has a remarkable presence and is one of the better rhythm guitarists in metal. Joey's voice is still unfaltering. I'm sorry some of you guys couldn't hear him all that well, but he sounded just fine from where I was standing. Then again, I was singing along to most of the songs.

Considering my only prior exposure to Anthrax in concert was a 30-minute set at Mayhem Fest that started the moment that the gates opened up, I feel like I finally got the real deal.

When they brought out the Dio painting, I was praying that they would do their cover of "Heaven and Hell". That was probably the only let down of the evening.

Great show all around. The change over between Death Angel and Anthrax was a bit lengthy, but I'd say it was well worth it considering the quality of both performances.