Author: Charlie Cisneros

Posted: Aug 15, 2024

No introduction needed but the thrash metal icons known as MegaDeth, stepped foot in Los Angeles this past Thursday. Held for the second time this month, the quartet returned to the Youtube Theater & had everyone “slashing, thrashing to MegaDeth!” Frontman Dave Mustaine was accompanied by Bassist James LoMenzo, Drummer Dirk Verbeuren & newly added guitarist, Teemu Mäntysaari.

Upon arriving at the venue that is on the same foundation as Sofi Stadium, the energy was very chill, but like in a good way. A good way in that everyone was just hanging out & conversing everywhere for the same purpose. Nothing but smiles, laughter & good vibes like we were all friends which was a cool thing to witness.

The Destroy All Enemies Tour consisted of All That Remains, Mudvayne & of course you know who.

Unfortunately, I did not arrive in time to cover & experience All That Remains (due to the lovely Southern California traffic) but I did get to start off with Mudvayne & they were crazy cool. Led by Chad Gray, the band was firing off in all directions with songs “Happy?,""Dig,” Nothing To Gein” & more. It was also an eye opening seeing Gray’s bullet shot to the head makeup.

As the night went on, it was now time for what we've all been waiting for. The lights went dark & the tape rolled in. “BRING OUT THE DEAD” road from the opening track of “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!” which had the fans go nuts to get even louder when the first guitar notes of that song hit. Then boom, MegaDeth starts the show at full force taking no prisoners if you know what I mean! It was my first time hearing this song live & it's an amazing choice as opener. This recently released title track is strong all around with its riffs & drum beats with my favorite part being the lyrics.

Next was an absolute staple for all guitarists out there, “Hangar 18” from what I would put in the top 10 metal albums of all time, “Rust In Peace.” Right when the drums crashed with the guitars at the same time for the first notes, the crowd was going wild. This song is just that badass! The entire crowd was singing word for word & the best part about that, is when everyone yells “ME-GA-DETH” during the drum breaks of the solos. Absolutely insane to witness while in the photo pit.

Thirdly was another song I had yet to hear live & let me introduce it to you, it's a social disease! The song is “Dread and the Fugitive Mind” & this is another well written piece all around. The lighting only being directed to Dave during parts of his lyrics really brought you in. It felt like story time & what better narrator! My favorite part of this song is the double pedal section. It definitely gets you to headbang no questions asked.

After that, it was time to experience the rest of the show in my seat. It was a bummer to have to walk to the lobby while “Sweating Bullets” was being performed. That's a song definitely in the metal anthem list! Further down the set was “Kick the Chair” in which Mustaine stated they have only played a few times.

Following that was the Grammy award winning “Dystopia” & it earned that for a reason. Unless i'm mistaken if they don't already, they should include this song in every show no matter what! But I'm just a fan & Dave runs what he does.

Later in the night, the tape from “Symphony Of Destruction” hit & once that riff started, the moshpit was spinning while the fans were chanting another “ME-GA-DETH” moment in sync with the guitars. I do wish everyone in every part of the world would scream “AGUANTE ME-GA-DETH,” but I guess that's only for the band's best fans… Argentina!

Lastly, it was time for “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due.” This is their staple closer & its a reason. Right before they started the song, Dave told everyone that he was in a recent interview where he was asked if his lyrics are still relevant. In a very Dave fashion, he answered sarcastically stating that there is still war in the Middle East & that the United States continues to have issues amongst itself.

After the epic solo, Dave introduced the band while LoMenzo kept the riff going & Dirk backed him up. They then performed the rest & thanked all of Los Angeles for attending.

This was my 3rd time seeing MegaDeth & 1st time covering them. I would like to give my utmost thanks Welshie & Mr. Dirk Verbeuren himself for allowing me to cover my favorite band of all time. In Dirk’s bio from the MegaDeth website, he states under “Most important life lesson,” to “Listen, keep an open mind, and enjoy every day to the fullest.” Myself & everyone at Jampak look forward to more MegaDeth in the future!

AGUANTE MEGADETH!