The Calavera Conspiracy, on the other hand, were easily one of the best acts all day not named Metallica or Ozzy. Formerly half of the godlike Brazilian death metal group Sepultura, Max and Igor Calavera joined forces earlier this year to produce Sepultura-esque music together. While the Calavera Conspiracy is not anywhere near the level of their former band (or even of Max’s other band Soulfly), the band was still able to rock the arena with old Sepultura covers, as well as some new material. Later, their specific tribute to Dimebag Darrell would stand out amongst a sea of mediocrity: more on that later.

 

After ‘Sanitarium’, Metallica played their only disappointing song of the entire night, a cut off their new album Death Magnetic called ‘Cyanide.’ For metal fans who hated St. Anger, I’ve got some bad news: ‘Cyanide’ suffered from all the same problems as the disappointing last album: poor songwriting, low energy, choppy arrangement, and guitarwork that doesn’t quite fit what the rest of the band is doing. While the song had some great riffs, it seemed they were almost immediately snuffed out by some too-complex drum bit or ill-timed tinny guitar solo. While I’m emotionally bound to buy the album anyways –after all, it does say ‘Metallica’ in big letters across the cover– after hearing ‘Cyanide’, I’m a little worried.

Metallica brought the house down, however, with ‘One’. Introduced by a long series of fireworks and impressive pyrotechnics, the band absolutely rocked with their signature ballad to landmine-based tragedy. Although it was difficult to hear Hammet’s guitar solo (for some reason, huge banners were hung directly over the speakers, and occasionally large gusts of wind would cover the sound), the sight of tens of thousands of potential James Hetfields destroying their vocal chords was amazing.

While I’m not disappointed that I don’t live in or near Texas, I would have liked to go to at least one more Ozzfest in my lifetime. I caught Ozzfest in it’s prime back in 97 and I wonder after this years one U.S. tour date, if they will even bother next year. It’s ok though, with as many different tours out there like Mayhem Fest, Summer Slaughter, and Thrash And Burn, do we really need another Ozzfest?

Ozzfest 2008 Review At Pegasus News

Post from: Metal Martyr