Heavy Metal Masters Kick off New Tour in Dallas

Music has always been known as a universal language, but there is one particular genre that only self-proclaimed Metal Maniacs comprehend. Heavy Metal has been around in excess of 25 years, but it's subdivisions of thrash, shred, death, black, and speed metal, are particularly intoxicating to a specific crowd. There is a "oneness" with the music. The sound, lyrics, and being in the presence of, or identifying with a Metal "God," are so intoxicating, the combination resonates in a person's heart, soul and every minute fiber of her or his being.

Above: Random Megadeth fans. (LIVE! Photo/ Holiday Bailey)

On Saturday, Feb. 20, the Southside Ballroom in Dallas, Texas,the North American leg of Megadeth's "Dystopia" Tour and their 15th album tour kicked off. Opening for Megadeth were bands Havok from Denver Colorado, and Children of Bodom from Finland. Prior to Havok taking the stage, fans of all ages filed into the Ballroom and found their spots, staking their claim. It was a sea of mostly black t-shirts, spiked jewelry, Mohawks, ear gauges, long hair and tattooed individuals with one thing in common: they were here to party. As everyone took their places in the standing room only, 3,000 capacity event, the sound mixer played various rock songs pumping up the crowds adrenaline even more.

Above: The Mixer Booth. (LIVE! Photo/ Holiday Bailey)

Havok was up first, and immediately, a clockwise Mosh pit ensued in the center of the dance floor. It looked like someone had turned on a blender that had been hit by a tornado. Strobe lights were flashing, smoke poured out from the stage and front man Dave Sanchez set the bar for the night so high; it was hard to imagine things could get any better. The performance was electrifying and magnetic at the same time. Overall, most people tend to stereotype rockers in a negative aspect, but whether they are familiar with their music and lyrics or not, at the end of the day, they're people too and have a message.

Above: Children of Bodom Alexi Laiho (guitars & vocals) (Photo courtesy of Charles "Boots" Smith)

Earlier in the day, Sanchez posted on Facebook, "Dream big, work hard, and never quit and you can make anything happen," in reference to his band of only 12 years touring with the internationally known and well-respected Megadeth. They played a 40-minute set, which included "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death."  As he introduced the song, Sanchez emphasized to the crowd: "Value your freedom. As long as you're not lying, stealing, hurting anyone, or being a (expletive), be yourself." Sanchez used his status as a way to reach out to the youth in their language.

Children of Bodom performed next and provided a grittier set than Havok. Usually, a band's logo is on the front of the drums, but Jaska Raatikainens' set said, "I worship Chaos," also the name of the band's 9th studio album; and, chaotic it was. Although they have been on the scene since the late 1990's, each member of the band had the energy of a teenager. Running to and fro on the stage, ensuring every fan was able to see every one of them. 

Above: Children of Bodom (Photo courtesy of Charles "Boots" Smith)

"In Your Face" started out with medieval undertones as Janne Wirman, on keyboard, literally played with the instrument upside down and on its side. But then front man Alexi Laiho let out a blood curdling shrill that sent the crowd into a mass frenzy. As the band members played their hearts out and banged their heads to the beat, the crowd sang along in unison, pumped their fists, and, of course, snapped pictures on their cell phones. COB was also very verbal in thanking the crowd for coming out early to see them.

As the Roadies changed out the instruments and did the sound checks, the massive crowd anxiously awaited in anticipation, for Megadeth was soon to take the stage. As time progressed, event goers found themselves packed towards the front like sardines. Small groups held their ground for the last two hours, and knew, as soon as the main event came out, it would be absolute Mayhem. Nervously, some peopl chit chatted, made agreements to push back in unison when pushed, and saved one other’s spots when needing to take a break.

Above: Megadeth Dave Mustaine (guitars and vocals) (Photo courtesy of Charles "Boots" Smith)

One show goer, Charles "Boots" Smith, of Shreveport Louisiana, said he had made the 3.5-hour trip and was "stoked to see one of his favorite bands." 

"I'm trying to get in as many concerts as I can before my first child arrives in August," Smith said. He proudly showed a video of when he proposed to his fiancé with the help of Brett Michaels, front man for the band Poison. Adding to his excitement, he and another concert goer were comparing who they had seen and the subject of Lemmy Kilmister's (frontman for Motorhead) recent passing came up. Smith said he had been a fan for years and then proudly showed a recent tattoo of the legend he had in memorium. Ironically, "Ace of Spades" came on over the speakers and the crowd chanted in unison once again.

For what seemed like an eternity later, but actually only a few minutes, a huge projection screen over the stage lit up, the lights went off and a cartooned graphic image appeared spelling out the word MEGADETH. As the band took the stage, the massive shoving and pushing began. When front man Dave Mustaine sings, it doesn't only come from his lungs, but his gut as well. It is well-known that he is a perfectionist, with every right to be, and fans appreciate his efforts immensely. "Holy Wars, Symphony of Destruction, Peace Sells...," and "A Tout le Monde," were just a few of the classic favorites that literally rocked the house, as well as the band's newest releases "Dystopia," and "The Threat is Real."

Above: Megadeth David Ellefson (Photo courtesy of Charles "Boots" Smith)

Megadeth, an American thrash metal band, from Los Angeles, California, was established by Dave Mustaine in the early 1980s, and their song lyrics of death, war, politics and religion are extremely thought provoking. The 54-year-old Mustaine, just like countless other rock idols, has been through many publicized trials and tribulations in his day, but tonight, he and his bandmates were the Masters of Metal.

Humbly thanking the crowd at the end of the set, all three bands prepared to hit the road and play in Houston on Sunday.

Above: Lemmy tattoo (Photo courtesy of Charles "Boots" Smith)

According to their website Megadeth.com, "The 25-date trek will take the band across the U.S., visiting 13 states and throughout Canada."  Starting on Feb. 26, in Las Vegas Nevada, "Suicidal Tendencies," an American crossover thrash band founded in 1981 by Mike Muir in Venice California will be joining the tour. Initially, ST was on the Dallas ticket, but promoters quickly realized they were already obligated to play in Europe with Slipknot at that time. Nonetheless, Havok, COB and Megadeth put on an exceptional show, and are off to a very successful start.