Question of the Day: Should I attend the Metal Masters tour when it comes to my town?

Are you fucking crazy? OF COURSE you should!

Here's a brief rundown.

Judas Priest

Good news. Nostradamus tracks are kept to a minimum. They played a great mix of hits and some deep tracks. Each member of the band was in peak metal condition. Special notice to drummer Scott Travis for tearing "Painkiller" the fuck up. Obviously, Priest ruled the night.

Heaven & Hell

If you can believe it, they were even better this time around than on last year's tour. Dio was amazing, as usual. Geezer is still a badass, and Tony Iommi still appears to be God. I wish Bill Ward were involved with H&H, but Vinnie Appice was quite good on the drums. "Heaven & Hell" was extended and quite amazing. Not everyone on this tour appears to be getting "Neon Knights", but we did, and it was outfuckingstanding.

Motorhead

Do I really need to say anything more than Motorhead? I didn't think so.

Testament

As much attention as this so-called Thrash Revival is getting with bands like Warbringer and Municipal Waste, I feel the strongest thrash records of the past year or so have been from the OGs....Dark Angel, Exodus, and the almighty Testament. Do NOT make the mistake of showing up any later than 5:30 so you can catch their terrific set.

The Metal Masters Are Here!

Big day for the Chicago metal scene today. The Metal Masters Tour descends on our city (well, Tinley Park technically). I mean, Lemmy, Dio AND Halford (with a tasty Testament appetizer to boot)...in one day? Too much? We'll see. Let's start getting ready to be mastered (in order of appearance):

Testament



Motorhead



Heaven & Hell



Judas Priest



Bonus:

Comforting Realization of the Day

by Wayne Graham

In between now and August 19th, no matter how bad things get, I will have the following comforting realization.

Not too terribly long from now, this will happen mere yards from my face.



Then this.



Then this.



And, then, THIS



Did YOU get YOUR ticket for Metal Masters?