The first show of the 2016 calendar year at the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls, NY turned out to be a sweaty and packed one for sure. Megadeth played to a capacity crowd this past Tuesday night in support of their 15th studio effort “Dystopia.” Taking the stage around 9:45pm, after a short and energetic set from Suicidal Tendencies, Dave Mustaine & Co. started the set off with “Hangar 18,” from the critically acclaimed “Rust In Peace” record. With the departures of both guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover, the current line-up now consists of guitarist Kiko Loureiro (Angra) and drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God).
Founder and original guitarist Dave Mustaine is usually a man with a lot to say. However, on this date, he was quite reserved and some speculated that he may have been fighting the onset of a cold. The band pushed “Dysoptia” by playing 5 tracks off of it including the title track and for the first time anywhere “Post American World.” “Dystopia” is another compelling record from the band and fans responded well to the new material.
Both Loureiro and Adler picked up where their predecessors left off without missing a beat. Mustaine still delivers an admirable performance, both vocally and as a guitarist. Having bassist Dave Elfson back in the band the last handful of years has surely contributed to the overall morale of the band, and his presence provides fans a more familiar Megadeth feel.
The stage set contained huge video screens that featured some very cool animated graphics. They were used primarily for the new tracks, but provided an exciting visual nonetheless.
The packed house, which was instantly transformed into one dehydrated and coagulated glob of sweat at the onset of the show, managed to muster the energy to belt out chants and song lyrics all the way through to the “Peace Sells,” which is by far one of the most prolific songs from one of metal’s Big 4. All who crammed themselves into the venue on Tuesday, were rewarded with a solid night of killer music.
Setlist:
Hangar 18
The Threat is Real
Wake Up Dead
In My Darkest Hour
Dawn Patrol
Poison was the Cure
Post American World
She-Wolf
Sweating Bullets
Dystopia
Trust
Fatal Illusion
Tornado of Souls
Poisonous Shadows
Symphony of Destruction
Peace Sells
Encore:
Holy Wars… The Punishment
We would like to thank Todd Nakamine from Universal Music for the credentials to review the show.
