So tonight was the big Slayer show. I have to say that I’ve seen these guys a dozen times and I still get excited every time they decide to bless us with a live performance. I won’t get into describing the crowd because it’s already a given as to who reps for Slayer. I’ll just say that denim and leather was key in wardrobe choices for the evening.

***Note to companies thinking of promoting a tour…Lose the cheesy bonehead hesher as show MC. They suck and drain the life out of me, and what’s to be a great show. Also lose the corny ass bleach blond twits serving shots. What ever happened to getting hot girls to serve cocktails? I’m here to see Slayer not drink Jager out of a fucking test tube, bitch.***

Well anyway…on to the show.

Hatebreed was the first band I caught that evening because I can’t say I cared for the first two bands. It was nice to see them on a large stage. The last time I saw them was at CB’s in front of 500 people. Tonight was 4000 strong and they apparently weren’t just there to see Slayer. It was actually the first time that I hadn’t seen the opening band get booed right off the stage opening for Slayer. Biohazard, NY natives, even felt the wrath of the Slayer fan the last time they opened for them here. Hatebreed opened up with “Proven” from their second album “Perseverance.” They went into a new cut, which I believe is called “This Is Now.” If you’re feeling the Hatebreed formula then the new record is going to be for you. They went through a blend of the last 2 records as well as some new cuts. Kids were going bananas. Jamey commanded the audience to create the “Biggest circle pit he’s ever seen,” and shit if those kids didn’t oblige his wish. During the last song, “Shall Be Heard,” Jamey let the crowd do up the chorus gang vocal style. Hatebreed blew that place to pieces.

After the requisite intermission the lights dimmed and suddenly the sounds of “Darkness of Christ” ascended into a fevered pitch barreling into “Disciple.” From there Slayer went into War Ensemble…South of Heaven. I have to say that Slayer is a completely different band with Dave Lombardo. I’ve never seen a specific drummer make such an impact in the dynamic of a band. Sonically they were on point. Playing for about an hour they decide to call it a set. You know no one is going anywhere. As I’m waiting for the encore I come to the realization that they haven’t played anything from “Reign in Blood.” What happened next is the stuff of legend. Slayer played “Reign in Blood” in it’s ENTIRETY. Did you see that, ENTIRETY. From start to finish…the ENTIRE record. This ranks in my Top 5 shows ever. 20 years later and they still slay.
"OLD SCHOOL SLAYER PICS COURTESY OF JASON VITERITTI"