The Big 4 Conquer Yankee Stadium — Live Review

Last night the familiar pangs of 'Enter Sandman' echoed through the hallowed halls of Yankee Stadium. This time, however, Mariano Rivera didn't take the mound.

The traveling metal circus known as The Big 4 made its way to the Bronx bringing with it hard rock heaven, ironic with all of the devil horns being flashed throughout the day. What else would you expect when you bring Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, together for one show?

Kicking off the night was hometown heroes Anthrax who clearly relished every moment they were given in front of the half full stadium. Celebrating the release of 'Worship Music' the band wore matching baseball shirts each with the number thirty on the back commemorating how many years they've been active.

"It's an absolute privilege to be here," said guitarist Scott Ian.

Days before the show it came out that Megadeth front man Dave Mustaine was injured and in danger of canceling. Despite a noticeable slow in his step, the metal legend soldiered through hits like 'Hangar 18' and new song Public Enemy No. 1.' "I shouldn't be here right now," said Mustaine. "Yesterday I was having surgery on my neck, but I wanted to be here to kick ass with you."

Up next was the mighty Slayer who came out to cheers usually reserved for Derek Jeter. In an unrelenting audio attack the band ripped through their catalog of headbanging classics. Guitarist Kerry King stomped all over the place the entire set with a stage presence worthy of a festival size crowd while singer Tom Araya induced multiple, massive mosh pits with his trademark growl.

Then came the biggest of The Big 4. Complete with over-the-top pyrotechnics and lasers Metallica showcased a finely tuned stadium show. Fresh off of recording a collaborative album with Lou Reed, the band worked their huge set up with pinpoint precision. Playing mostly songs recorded before 1992 one such highlight included the rarely played instrumental 'Orion,' dedicated to their late bassist Cliff Burton.

After a break Metallica returned with each individual member of The Big 4. "This one's for Lemmy", said Hetfield right before he and a backing band for the ages tore through a cover of Motörhead's 'Overkill.'

Watch the Big 4 Jam on Motörhead (courtesy of Metal Injection)

Fans watched in awe of the once in a lifetime performance with flash bulbs popping as if it were the World Series. On Wednesday The Big 4 rattled Yankee Stadium with a heavy metal home run of historic proportions.