At their best, Metallica presented oldies like horny teenagers in Tons of Rock. Unfortunately, they also fell into some deep manholes.
It's a great day when we can celebrate the Norwegian metal festival with Metallica headlining. From the moment the gates to Ekebergsletta open, it is clear that the public appreciates the large booking. Tons of Rock quickly filled up with happy people wearing Metallica T-shirts. When the band took the stage to perform “The Ecstacy of Gold” at 2045 it was the tightest festival atmosphere since Øya was at Middelalderparken and they let in too many people.
If anyone is wondering about Metallica's origins, they quickly send a time machine back to the early 1980s. They start with the song “Whiplash” from 1983. It sounds shaky and dirty. They brought the raucous scene with them to 1984's “Creeping Death.” Instead of a Metallica classic, it sounds like an enthusiastic basement demo from an up-and-coming band. It fits the band surprisingly well. When “For Whom The Bell Tolls” follows, it's like you're rehearsing with the coolest band in middle school. Play more! faster!
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