Sunday, August 10, 2008
Concert Review: Ozzfest, featuring Metallica / Ozzy Osbourne
Email
|
Print
|
Tell us your story
|
Comments (26)
|
FRISCO Another day, another massive all-day mega-metal event in triple-digit heat: but for the thousands of die-hard metal fans who came from across the country for this year's Ozzfest, it was all totally worth it. And with just one Ozzfest this summer --in the brutal wastelands of Frisco-- Saturday's concert at Pizza Hut Park was one for the ages.
Let me start this review by stating that 12 hours of sun, $4.50 water and neck-breaking headbanging may have warped my impressions of more than a few bands. That said, there were definitely some strong and weak performances throughout the day, and if I gripe about your favorite band sucking, feel free to go ahead and start listening to one of the bands that actually deserved to be up on the same stage with metal's two biggest names.
Arriving at 1 p.m., I'd already unfortunately missed several of the local Dallas acts like Within Chaos and The Destro, and unfortunately made the terrible choice to forgo seeing local metal legends Rigor Mortis in favor of witnessing Apocalyptica, who were playing on the main stage at the same time. For those unaware of Apocolyptica, it is a Metallica cover band with a catch --they try and rock out with cellos! Isn't that amazing?
Short answer: No. No it is not. The cellos were not miked up to fill up the Pizza Hut bowl, and any traces of the band actually "rocking" were when they piped guitar riffs over the overmatched string instruments. The band tried hard, and between songs did a spot-on impression of Skwisgaar Skwigelf, but ultimately capped out as a 'gimmick' band that didn't fit well with the other acts on the main stage.
The Cavalera 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 Cavalera joined forces earlier this year to produce Sepultura-esque music together. While the Cavalera 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.
The best small-stage band of the day had to be Austin-based metal-rock band The Sword, who after touring with Metallica in Europe this summer headlined the Texas Stage. The Sword plays old school throwback metal --sounding eerily like a young Black Sabbath-- and combine their thunderous riffs with Zeppelin-esque mythological lyrics. The set was criminally short at just 30 minutes, and after witnessing the band live for the first time, it quickly became obvious that The Sword belonged up on the main stage far more than half the bands up there.
With Devildriver and Sevendust closing out the side stages, it was time to migrate to the main arena: unfortunately, this is where Ozzfest seriously started to sag. Jonathan Davis of Korn came out with one of the most pretentious performances ever witnessed, singing mediocre sludge-'rock' while sitting atop a throne. While Ozzy is famous for doing the same thing on one of his albums, Ozzy can get away with it because he is the undisputed face of heavy metal. Davis, meanwhile, seemed content to insult his audience's attention spans by plucking a violin onstage and showing up his guitarist in front of thousands of fans.
While Davis may have been the weakest act as Ozzfest, easily the most disappointing was the next one, Dallas' own HellYeah. Formed by former Pantera drummer and rock god Vinnie Paul, and composed of half of Mudvayne, the band should have been one of the highlights of the day. Unfortunately, the charismatic Paul was hidden behind his massive double-bass drums for the entire set, leaving lead singer Chad Gray to carry the show. Like pretty much every rock supergroup in history (for quick reference, check out Supernova orVelvet Revolver), however, the sum never seems to be the whole of its parts, and the band churned out a sloppy set of same-sounding songs. The biggest crowd reactions during their set were to the breast-baring females on the big screens, rather than anything the band was doing onstage.
Making it worse --at least for this particular die-hard fan of Pantera-- were the uninspired tributes to Dimebag Darrell. Shot on stage during a concert in 2004, Darrell has become a martyr for metal, as the universally-loved and unbelievably-talented guitarist was taken way before his time. His tributes, however, were disappointing. Other than a standout performance by the Cavalera Conspiracy, as well as some great footage of Dimebag scrolled over the big screens, the attempt was not a good one. An acoustic performance of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" that sounded slightly out-of-tune was the topper.
Following the awkward tributes, an even less entertaining set by politico-rocker Serj Tankian left people streaming for the restrooms and concession stands. The former System of a Down singer took the stage in a top hat and proceeded to bark like a leprechaun to watered-down metal for nearly an hour. In general, a rock "band" named after a lead singer is almost never a good sign, as the music is usually secondary to the singer's ego-centric agenda (this also applies to Ozzy, but in a good way). Serj's set was no different: if, by the third or fourth song, nothing has sounded even remotely different --and the lead singer sounds like the aliens from Mars Attacks-- it's a good time to hit the restroom before the two next acts devour the stage.
Thankfully, Serj finished a few minutes early, allowing Ozzy Osbourne to take the stage twenty minutes or so ahead of schedule. After a series of hilariously disgusting clips, Ozzy and his band proceeded to absolutely rock the tens of thousands in attendance. Opening with his pretty-good-but-overplayed radio single "I Don't Wanna Stop", Osbourne fed the crowd a steady diet of his old hits. Behind the ridiculously amazing guitarwork of old friend Zakk Wylde, the band drained my vocal chords dry with classics such as "Crazy Train", "No More Tears", "Iron Man", and others.
Originally only supposed to play for an hour and fifteen minutes, Ozzy seemed to end his show on time... until Wylde performed an epic half-hour full-on guitar solo, capping it off with Jimi Hendrix's "Star-Spangled Banner" before Ozzy came back on stage and performed well into Metallica's time slot. Whether intentional or not, it certainly seemed as if Ozzy was trying to upstage the headliners, reminding Metallica of just who the festival is named for.
After a half-hour of set-up, Metallica took the stage and made everyone forget that any other bands ever existed. Opening with "Creeping Death", and following with about 4-5 old rarely-played songs off their first albums, the band absolutely rocked Pizza Hut Park. After a titanic version of "For Whom the Bell Tolls', they played two songs I never expected them to play: the thunderous "Harvester of Sorrow" and the neck-snapping "Sanitarium."
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.
The new song seemed to subdue the crowd as well, but Metallica jumped back into the fire with 'And Justice for All' and an old favorite, 'No Remorse.' In fact, the first ten or so songs on the setlist were strictly from And Justice For All or earlier --they even played "Damage, Inc."!-- and it wasn't until Hetfield played the sappy-but-powerful love song 'Nothing Else Matters' that the band played anything from the Black Album (they would later do amazing versions of 'Sad But True' and 'Enter Sandman').
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.
After a quick break, the band came out for its encore with none other than legendary metal falsetto King Diamond. Playing Mercyful Fate covers, the band took second banana to King Diamond's soaring vocals and awesomely creepy facepaint. It was actually something of a surprise to find out that King Diamond actually lived just minutes away from Frisco. Concerned Parents Against Satan's Frisco chapter might want to look into that.
The band finished its set with an inspired version of 'Seek and Destroy', before giving props to all the bands, fans, and crew that made the event possible. Despite starting a half-hour late, Metallica played for well over an hour after their planned timeslot, with the band staying onstage and thanking the fans well past 12:30am. Despite the tremendous amount of pain in by neck vertebrae and vocal chords, Ozzy and Metallica (playing their first-ever Ozzfest, surprisingly enough) combined to rock DFW like it hasn't been rocked in a very long time.
Related stories
- Pegasus News week in view: New Year’s edition (Jan. 1, 2009)
- Concert Review: Judas Priest / Heaven and Hell / Motörhead / Testament (Aug. 23, 2008)
- Pegasus News Week in View: Back to School Edition (Aug. 14, 2008)
See more stories in:
- Arts > Popular Music > Metal
- Arts > Popular Music > Rock
- Festivals
Find...
Latest Outbursts
- If you aren't willing to give your land away for free, the Irving City Council thinks you're a big meanie and will whine about you in the press.
- Romanian Festival in Colleyville
- Jack Ruby's hat sold for $53,775
- Dallas Morning News says North Texas Tollway Authority spending large sums on outside contractors
Today
The Wonderful Sounds of Music With the Von Trapp Children Bass Performance Hall will be alive with The Sound of Music! The actual great-grandchildren of Maria and Captain von Trapp give their last performance today. More info
Latest comments
- Jesus Valadez on PostSecret Project creator Frank Warren to speak at UT Arlington: I’ll have to skip my circuits class for this. It will be so worth it though....
- Jason Rice on Experience the Amazon without those pesky mosquitoes: ::glorified for such an indulgent stupid trivial feat. The carbon footprint of a couch potato shut i...
- Sarah Blaskovich on Experience the Amazon without those pesky mosquitoes: I’ve had a few people ask me what Lovell’s day job was before she was retired, since it’s clear that...
- Travis Bush on Fort Worth police sanctions in Rainbow Lounge case called "absolutely inadequate": This is disappointing, but not very surprising. Redneck bigots aren’t going anywhere anytime soon an...
Latest reviews
- Billusa99 on Pappas Bros. Steak House: Agent 99 and I had dinner here last week for our anniversary and it was stellar! The somm. we had re...
- Colby Walton on El Taco H (Grapevine): Tried this Grapevine strip center taqueria for the first time tonight, after seeing it mentioned in ...
- lindabear1 on Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine: We live in Garland and this is “way up there”, but we had a coupon! Now we will go back again becaus...




Comments
newsuicide35 Anonymous
Anyone who writes a review of a show and gets facts wrong makes me weiry of trusting anything they have to say.
"While the Calavera Conspiracy is not anywhere near the level of their former band (or even of Max's former band Soulfly)"
Former band? Soulfly still exists they just released an album a few weeks ago.
Plus I just love how you choose to leave out tidbits about every bands proformances that was possible. Like Sevendust/Devildriver you say nothing about, just skip over.
Terrible Review, and I wasn't even there.
1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Mike Orren Staff
Dimebag tribute:
Photo gallery:
Hat tip to George A. TenEyck, editor of RollingGeorge.com, via Blabbermouth.
1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
xdavidwattsx Anonymous
How is he supposed to comment about the "proformances" from all of the bands when there were multiple stages? You make me "weiry".
That review pretty much summed up my expectations. The Sword and Metallica were the only two I was interested in and I just couldn't envision going to Frisco and hanging out in PHP all day in the Texas August heat for two bands for $100+ a ticket and overpriced water.
1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
metallicraig Anonymous
Agreed. Turns out however, I DID go to see these two bands primarily, and was floored by The Sword. Those kids are SERIOUSLY talented! Hoping maybe to be pleasantly surprised John Davis or Serj Tankien was a long shot,and they both dissapointed for similar reasons. Long winded redundancy and poor song strength afflicted them both, making for a long, hot, exhausting wait for Ozzy. Ozzy's set was also pretty lackluster,paint by numbers,and dialed in. While he did play some old songs,"War Pigs" was particularly poor. Have these guys ever HEARD this song before? Zach was great but strangely silent all day given it was a"tribute" to his good friend. WTF? Finally, Metallica was, in short, incredible! Much better than I expected. Only three songs off "the Black Album", one new song, the rest from the first 4 albums! AWESOME!! Thanks Mettalica. You'll make my $$ again. This time I won't wait 19 years!! P.S. Kerry King signed autographs an extra 3 hours longer than he was scheduled, FOR THE FANS,MAN!! Thanks Kerry & Rita, Dimebag's girlfriend!
1 year, 3 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
usuckirule Anonymous
Terrible review. It appears that the reviewer only enjoyed the most commercially successful acts of the day. Not a good sign. Within Chaos and The Destro are both very good bands that the reviewer didn't even see. I guess he was too cool for that.
The fact that Metallica brought out King Diamond is so incredibly kickass that I can't even explain it. That is absolutely awesome.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
xdavidwattsx Anonymous
Did you read the same review I did?
"Arriving at 1 p.m., I'd already <b>unfortunately</b> missed several of the local Dallas acts like Within Chaos and The Destro,"
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
xdavidwattsx Anonymous
Crap, I didn't get to finish that one.
Meant to add the guy liked The Sword and I'm pretty sure they aren't even close to being as commercially successful as many of the other bands he didn't care for.
Maybe you got sand in your vag cause he didn't like Jonathon Davis? Or maybe you just like to whine. Dunno.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
bitchinside Anonymous
Wow...how uncouth. This dude obviously isn't a very big metal fan or he wouldn't have tore all the bands apart like he did. No respect for Dimebag Darryl and the memory people are keeping alive. Maybe if this guy could play an instrument he would understand the pressure and the part of themselves they put on stage. In front of THOUSANDS of people none the less. I'm still not sure why this dude even attended the show if he was not satisfied with any of the bands. Mediocre at best, but poor review would be more than fair to say.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
Let this be a lesson to you, Todd. Even though they're professionals being paid lots of money to perform, it's hard and you should cut them a break with a fake review full of praise.
For shame.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Todd Maternowski Staff
Duly noted, Mr. Doyle.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
dnabomb311 Anonymous
I seriously think this company needs someone who likes what they write,or find a different job. This "todd" guy really doesn't know his left from his right from the metal industry. Granted Serj wasn't all that great,but he was alot better than Apocalyptica and Drowning Pool combined. But where was the review for In This Moment,an up coming metal band that has a really hot and very talented voicalist in the metal community Maria Brinks. And he even showed up late and the event opened at 10:30 respectfully. I mean either get another writer who loves metal or that type of music,or actually do your effinn homework and have more than just one person covering a "festival" which you need at least one to two people on every stage. That way whoever didn't attend can feel really dumb for not attended or plan for next year and not miss an great event that is planned to kick ass and take names.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
xdavidwattsx Anonymous
"That way whoever didn't attend can feel really dumb for not attended"
The more I read these comments the more elated I am that I didn't attend.
Sounds like they need to change the name of the event to HesherFest.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
DC Anonymous
Meanwhile, downtown...
Except like a year later. Outside. Oh whatever, you get the idea.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Pavel Lishin Verified
One: Music is subjective. If someone writes something that you don't agree with, take a deep breath and realize that some people have different tastes from you. Besides, if I'm not familiar with a music genre, I might want to hear a review from someone who is also unfamiliar with it, so I can gauge whether I'd like it or not without fanboys telling me it's the greatest thing since sliced mouse traps.
Two: Yes, it's hard to play an instrument in front of thousands. However, a lot of these acts have been doing it for years - no need to coddle them. Besides, I've already commented about people overcoming challenges and handicaps.
Three: I am also disappointed that there wasn't more written about hot chick, and that there weren't more pictures of her.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
James Scott Verified
Good Point Pavel. Surely with this type of hard-core metal-kill-your-parents 100 degree-too-hot-to-keep your clothes on type of festival there should be an additional peg-newser out there strictly covering topless babes in the audience. I would like to call for an immediate suspension for this sub-bar reviewer until an adequate staff can be alloted towards super-functions like this one.
Mr. Orren, I hope your head hangs low on this dark and dreary day.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
DC Anonymous
Be careful what you wish for, boys. Remember, there are some horrible things that once you see, you cannot un-see.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Pavel Lishin Verified
DC: Thanks, but I've been on the internet.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jtmbls Anonymous
You mean like Pavel's haircut?
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Misanthrope Anonymous
Firstly, arriving at 1pm the reviewer missed some note worthy acts, he also seemed to gloss over several others. By plan, the first band I had the pleasure was Witchcraft, I had started listening to them over the past year and got hooked on their retro doom vibe (what some would call Sabbath worship, however, I would urge you to listen to Pentagram to understand where there inspiration comes from). Anyway, with a wall of sound and their groovy old school styling’s they set the tone for the day, absolutely awesome! Checking the schedule and at the urging of my fiancé it was time to catch In this Moment, we saw them at last years Ozzfest, pretty strong and they did a commendable job this year as well, besides she really likes them. My first grievance with the reviewer is Apocolyptica, they are different, yes, but come on, to call them a Metallica cover band is just not accurate (with the acceptation of their first full-length. currently they are 7 albums deep most of which is original material) nevertheless, they were fun to see/hear and the crowd response was overwhelmingly positive.
With Apocolyptica done and another schedule check, it was time to go back to the Texas stage and catch Drowning Pool, at the time I would have rather stayed to see Shadows Fall but my buddy (who bought my $150 ticket wanted to see DP, as they are one of his favorites). We made our way over to the grass with ease (more on that in a minute). I don’t know a lot about the band except for “Bodies” and was not looking forward to 30 minutes of them, to my surprise they were awesome, I realized that I new more of there songs than originally thought, there energy was infectious and the crowd (by far one of the biggest for that particular stage) was into every minute of the show, as an effect of their show, they garnered a new fan and I will be checking them out on C.D.
All of a sudden the festival took on a whole new aspect, upon the conclusion of Drowning Pool, on the way back to the stadium I realized, in the 45 minutes we where hanging out at the Texas Stage the place got PACKED! And I mean like sardines, what was once a 3 to five minute stroll became a 45 minute marathon of baby steps. Inch by inch we made are way back to the field in 104 heat, amped up by body heat and the friction of us CATTLE milling about, it was crazy hot. Stifled by the heat, it was time to by my first round of $4.50 water, after shelling out $9 bucks for two bottles, we sat in the grass and listened to Cavalera Conspiracy, never a fan of Sepultura, I wasn’t looking forward to the band and it was just as I suspected, they failed to impress, as did Jonathan Davis (who was amicable & appreciative, he seemed like a nice guy) however, the set and his music was just not my cup of tea, so I decided to grab some grub. After a pan pizza, 6 wings, a soda (split with my girl) and 20 bucks it was time for?
HellYeah, this was one of the acts I was looking forward to, not particularly for their set but for the Dime Tribute, although, I was impressed with their show. Beef number two with the above review, Uninspired?! And why does this guy have such a hard-on for the Cavalera’s? I was defiantly put in an emotional state when this tribute was going on, not only was this an awesome spectacle to be hold in metal history, it was one of the highlights of the day! Next up, Surge, the review hit this one in the bull’s eye, yawn! However the crowd seemed to be into him and who am I to disagree with the masses, he’s just not my thing.
It was time for OZZY, we pushed out way up to (about 25 yards from the front, a daunting task) but I wanted to stake out a spot for Metallica, this was my 8th time to see him, each time he seems to decline, however, this year he seemed more to the task, although I do think he is leaning on Zakk to carry him more and more (by the way Zakk was on fire that night, but when isn’t he). The standard songs seemed fresh this year and he through in some rarely played songs for good measure. As reviewed he did go over, however, I don’t know why the reviewer had to question Ozzy’s motives for doing so, it’s his gig, he should be able to do what he wants, just shut up and enjoy!
O.K. METALLICA, I was right where I wanted to be, I thought (by the way, Ozzy may have went over, but METALLICA took their sweet time getting to the stage, the wait between the two was almost unbearable, the delay was a good 45 minutes from the scheduled start time) by this time all I could smell was feet and B.O. from the surrounding mob, people were starting to get frustrated as cups started to fly, the scene could have easily became ugly. Just in time “The Ecstasy of Gold” started playing as the lights dimmed, finally, FINALLY METALLICA hits the stage, opening with “Creeping Death” HOLY CRAP, they sounded AWSOME! They absolutely floored me, I was expecting a good show, what I got was a GREAT show. In the words of James Hetfield “Metallica & Dallas, we are one now, we have a bond” and the bond was there, I felt it! I was skeptical, I am no longer, and they deserve to be in “legendary” status. They had a dream set list (for me at least) Ride the Lighting, Damage, Inc., Fade to Black, For whom the Bell Tolls, Mater of Puppets, Welcome Home Sanitarium, Seek and Destroy, No Remorse. A song from “The Black Album a.k.a Metallica” made an appearance before the reviewer said it did (which makes me, again, skeptical of the reviewer), around song five, a slaying rendition of “Sad but True” ripped through the air. “One” was spot on, with pyro and battle sounds it was a definite highlight, “Enter Sandman” closed out the regular set before (what in my eyes is the most KICKASS part of the whole day and a moment in time I will cherish forever). They did it, just what I was hoping for, after I read that, non other than KING DIAMOND was going to be part of the Dime Tribute I had images of Metallica inviting King to the stage for the Mercyfull Fate medoly from Garage Inc. (but I thought it was to much to hope for). To their credit, they brought KING out and absolutely blew me away, KING and Metallica pumping out (Satan’s Fall, Curse of the Pharaoh, A Corpse Without a Soul, Into the Coven & Evil) it was really a wet dream for a METAL HEAD of many, many years, ‘nuff said!
The down side of the show, the heat of course, the smell, the fact that I spent $80 bucks on one pan pizza, 6 hot wings, 2 sodas, and 6 bottles of water. The tour shirts were $32 dollars, parking was $30, the Affliction T-shirts (forget about it). I missed Shadows Fall and The Sword (I wasn't about to get back in that mess of going back to the grass) However, I felt it was all worth it in the long run; it was an awesome day for METAL!
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
xdavidwattsx Anonymous
$30 for parking!? Holy eff.
I think I'll just go rent Binge & Purge on DVD.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jtmbls Anonymous
I'm surprised anyone is surprised by the smell.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Pavel Lishin Verified
Yeah, ridiculous prices is one of the many reasons I prefer smaller shows at smaller venues. A concert shouldn't cost more than rent.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
TLS Anonymous
Water was $4.50 a bottle. It was over 100 degrees and I am sure a lot of people just didn't have enough money to hydrate. Beer was $8 and $10 a cup. Nachos were $6 and a stale pretzel was $4. Thanks Pizza Hut Park!
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Stiv Anonymous
Great review, much better than the Theresa Gubbins review in Star Telegram. You lose points for consciously avoiding Rigor Mortis in favor of Apocalyptica, though. Also, who is this Calavera Conspiracy? Kind of funny that Cavalera is consistently misspelled throughout the review yet the link goes to the correctly spelled website.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Teresa Gubbins Staff
hey stiv, thanks for your input. "cavalera" is fixed. and that's "teresa" with no H. being as you like to see the correct spelling of things. zing!
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Stiv Anonymous
Sorry Teresa! Your S-T review was alright. Didn't like the gratuitous Scott Ian bashing, though.
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Post a comment