Queensrÿche, Alice Cooper, Heaven & Hell

HEAVEN & HELL
October 6th, 2007

Reviewed by: Chris Goodson

The Verizon Amphiteatre is nestled between business parks, million dollar homes and a huge outdoor shopping center. Located in Irvine, the nexus of ultra conservative Orange County, California. Not exactly a town known for the metal scene, but on this night, the legions were out. The amphitheatre is an odd outdoor venue that is a quasi-stadium/park. It can fit thousands comfortably, but the hike from the parking lot makes you think that you are walking to Mordor.

Trudging up the steep hill and finding my seat, I was pleasantly welcomed by the vivid and fierce Queensrÿche. They opened the show with tracks from their newest album Operation: Mindcrime II. They woke the audience up and played a strong set. Though the wall of guitar sometimes overpowered the bass and the vocals it was the loud pounding of Scott Rockenfield's drums that set the tone for the evening. Though a brilliant set , the sarcasm in the song "I'm American" was lost on this crowd. It was not a flag waving jingoistic anthem. That kind of song would be played later by Alice Cooper. Luckilly, Geoff Tate reminded everyone that music translates all boundaries, religions and politics.

Queensrÿche gave us a special treat this evening. Geoff Tate broke out a saxophone and Michael Wilton alternated between an acoustic and electric guitar and the band played an unbelievably amazing cover of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine." Tate suggested that their forthcoming album will be an homage to all the great rock n' roll that has inspired them over the years. If this version of "Welcome to the Machine" was any indication, the album will be mind blowing.

After a short intermission, Alice Cooper performed his famous circus of macabre vaudeville. It managed to be both highly entertaining and sometimes laughable. The few technical and performance glitches aside, the music was tight and fluid. I'm sure Alice knew what crowd he was playing to. They pulled out all the stops, and the gun and the demon baby and the guillotine. Cooper played a mixed set that among newer songs also included the classics: "Eighteen," "Schools Out," and "Elected." Even the youngest kids in the audience knew how to sing along with these tracks. An Alice Cooper show must really be seen to be believed, and damn did it ever live up to the expectations. At the end of that show the anxiety in the crowd had grown exponentially. Everyone was riled up and it was only a matter of minutes before Heaven & Hell took the stage.

On this, the last leg of their American tour, Heaven & Hell played with the same energy and thunderous power that they are known for. Having just seen them in April of this year, I was prepared for more of the same. A rearranged set list and seemingly enhanced visuals, added the aesthetic aspects of the show. However, the music was crisper, faster and more visceral than I can remember. I was very foolish to think that I'd be in for a mere rerun.

All four seasoned professionals (metal gods), put on an exacting, powerful and energetic performance. Other older bands may be forgiven for some sloppiness, but Heaven & Hell never gives you the chance to question their abilities. The show began with a warm welcome as they broke into "Mob Rules." Of course all of their set list is comprised of classics, but my particular favorite is "Children of the Sea." Which I must say they really outdid themselves this time, it is the best I have ever heard it played. They segued into "I," and the crazy crescendo that is "Sign of the Southern Cross." In between songs Dio took a few moments to look at the crowd and express his gratitude. By this point late in the night, the crowd were up on their feet and really getting into the show. As they played "Voodoo," and "Computer God," they started queing up some interesting visuals on the two giant screens which lead perfectly into the hypnotic introduction of "Falling Off The Edge of the World." Time and space went right of the window, I was hypnotized. The music was building and building as each band member summoned up the most pristine instrumentation and guided the crowd blissfully though the epic "Die Young" and the masterpiece "Heaven & Hell."

Just as I thought the night was over, a DJ from INDIE 105 presented awards to the band for their DVD (Live at Radio City Music Hall) going Gold. After a short dedication, Heaven & Hell came right back on stage and played "Neon Knights." The perfect end to an amazing reunion tour. The band brought a freshness to the material that never sounds dated or worn. Seeing Ronnie James Dio, Geezer Butler, Vinny Appice and Tony Iommi together again is awe-inspiring. Even if your not a fan the Dio-era Black Sabbath, the sheer talent and magnitude is unarguable and this was certainly one hell of a show.

"Captains at the helm, sail across the sea of lights"

Check out the HEAVEN & HELL: Live at Radio City Music Hall DVD & CD. Now available wherever fine music is sold.

Originally posted on iesb.net