Wednesday 24/01/07 Slayer, Unearth @ Tucson Convention Center, Arizona

Unearth is a metalcore powerhouse. They come out of the starting gate like bulls and assault the audience with 'Giles' tearing us to shreds. The intricate intro to 'March Of The Mutes' breaks loose into scorching bedlam as the band moves about like demons working every inch of the stage. Instrumental perfection comes into play with 'The Great Dividers.' Ken Susi leaps off of anything available and Trevor Phipps roars in the faces of the mob that furiously beats the horns back at him. The night is off to a brilliant start to say the least.
 
Dizzy and reckless, 'Sanctity Of Brothers' stirs up the volatile horde. Let the crowd surfing begin. Buz McGrath sticks to inclined surfaces like a fly then jumps five feet in the air whilst never missing a lick. Amazing performances all around while playing complicated instrumentals proves why Unearth is amongst the best of the best. 'Zombie Autopilot' is pure speed. Ken does push-ups with Buz's foot on his back as he powers out a screaming lick then they're both up and running again. They finish with 'Black Hearts Now Reign' as Mike slams the skins in hyper drive leaving our brains bloody and decimated. All four line up and head bang in circles, their hair flies then Trevor sears our ears one final time. Get ready for Unearth, they're poised for a headlining tour of the UK in March.
 
The arena is packed and pumped, the crowd raises a thunderous din and Slayer takes to the stage. They are the cornerstone of metal; rulers of all things fast and thrash. The first chords of 'Disciple' shake the concrete floors then Tom Araya's brutish vocals rip our faces off at break neck speed. The incomparable Kerry King reigns supreme with licks that thrill setting off a spontaneous screaming frenzy from the mob. Daring to bring us visions of the madness of mankind Slayer performs the controversial 'Jihad' from their new masterpiece album 'Christ Illusion.' Could we expect anything less?