What can you say about Slayer? Even if you haven't heard their music before you have at least once in your lifetime. This band of talented musicians have been playing for more than a decade. I have been listening to Slayer since the late 80s and have seen them countless times. So, like many other fans of Slayer we wouldn't want to miss their farewell tour.
The lineup consists of Testament, Behemoth, Anthrax, and Lamb of God. Starting off with Testament another metal legend. The fans went wild as they played a short set of 7 songs. It was a treat to me seeing them play songs that are favorites to me like “Practice what you preach”, “Souls of black”, “The Gathering” and ending their set with “Brotherhood of the snake”.
Next to hit the stage was a crowd favorite Behemoth coming out strong with “Ov Fire And The Void”. They amped up the crowd as a pit formed and kept going strong as they played a set of 6 songs - by now the venue was getting full as I looked back at the crowd behind me.
Another rock legend and another crowd favorite, Anthrax hit the stage next! I would think that we would have loved to see more than 7 songs in their set but they did come out swinging with “Caught in the Mosh” and other hits like “I am the law”, “Antisocial” and ending with “Indians”.
Next up, Lamb of God...a Richmond band formed back in 1994. Starting of strong with “Omerta” which set fans crazy with horns up in the air and a pit circling. Singer Randy Blythe owning the stage as he sung and jumped off the drum set platform and getting some serious air. A total of 9 songs was spewed out onto the crowd. Ending their set with “Redneck”. Even as they left the stage everyone shouted out for more Lamb of God.
So now it's time to see one of the heaviest bands known in the metal world. Many bands have credited Slayer for being one of their inspirations. Waiting for the curtain to drop it reminded me of all the times I have seen them play in my area. From The Boathouse days to the Hampton Coliseum days. It amazes me that they stayed true to their fans and have not changed their style of music for 31 years. The four members of Slayer never change until the death of Jeff Hanneman back in 2013. Enter Gary Holt as the fourth member of Slayer. So, we go... the curtain drops and you hear the heavy riff played by Kerry King scream across the air. Tom Araya vocals set in and is on point singing “Repentless” with a stage full of ornaments from past tours displayed along with some flames lighting up the stage... it was just an awesome sight!!! The entire set of 15 songs and 4 additional songs made the night unforgettable. We certain hope that maybe in the not so distant future we shall see reunion? We can only hope so.
1. Repentless
2. Blood Red
3. Disciple
4. Mandatory Suicide
5. Hate Worldwide
6. War Ensemble
7. Jihad
8. When The Stillness Comes
9. Postmortem
10. Black Magic
11. Payback
12. Seasons In The Abyss
13. Dittohead
14. Dead Skin Mask
15. Hell Awaits
Encore
16. South Of Heaven
17. Raining Blood
18. Chemical Warfare
19. Angel Of Death
1. Omerta
2. Ruin
3. Walk With Me In Hell
4. Now You've Got Something To Die For
5. 512
6. Engage The Fear Machine
7. Blacken The Cursed Sun
8. Laid To Rest
9. Redneck
1. Caught In A Mosh
2. Got The Time (Joe Jackson Cover)
3. Madhouse
4. I Am The Law
5. Evil Twin
6. Antisocial (Trust Cover)
7. Indians
1. Ov Fire And The Void
2. Demigod
3. Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer
4. Wolves Ov Siberia
5. Chant For Eschaton 2000
6. O Father O Satan O Sun!
1. Brotherhood Of The Snake
2. Rise Up
3. The Pale King
4. The Preacher
5. Into The Pit
6. The New Order
7. Disciples Of The Watch