Continuing on from part 2, Birdman, Jason, and myself continue to tell you, the loyal reader the most metal shows of 2017 with our top 3’s!

Birdman: # 3 – In Flames and Kataklysm at the Chance

Jason : Two bands that take me back to high school.

Birdman: There were a few days where In Flames detached from their tour with Alter Bridge to play with Kataklysm

Anthony : Skipped that one cause I was sure In Flames setlist wouldn’t be too old-school. Plus I think it was the same day as Amon Amarth. Alter Bridge and in Flames? Wierd bill

Jason: And how are Kataklysm live?

Birdman: Kataklysm was pretty solid, a lot of new songs.

Jason: Interesting.

Birdman: Yeah the only old songs In Flames played were “Moonshield” and “The Jester’s Dance.”

Jason : Wish they did more tracks from Colony. That was a great album.
Anthony : Agreed.

Birdman: During me filming that Anders took my phone and got a close up of Niklas and Jesper. Then we had an interesting back and forth in front of the whole theater over my Morbid Angel shirt.

Anthony : That’s pretty cool of him considering I hear he’s a dick…

Jason : Gives thumbs up!

Birdman : Well I guess he’s experienced a spiritual awakening or at least a modicum of shame since yesteryears. I caught guitar picks from Jesper and Niklas at the end.

Anthony Carioscia: #3 – Slayer Lamb of God and Behemoth at Madison Square Garden

Jason : I was there too.

Anthony : Yep, I remember.

Birdman : I know Behemoth’s changed since last we saw them

Anthony : It was my first time seeing them. Was mostly there for them because of that.

Jason: First time seeing Behemoth believe it or not and LOG was the best pit IMO. I also remember Randy giving a shoutout to NYHC.

Birdman: And Slayer. It didn’t feel empty without Jeff and Dave?

Anthony: Yeah, but their pit was intense. Slayer finally played the Antichrist; something they skipped the last 2 times. They still have energy.

Jason: Could have been better but t was also my first time seeing Slayer.

Anthony – I’m still glad Birdman and I saw them with Dave and Jeff. This was my third. The second time they played four songs off of South of Heaven.

Jason – Now I’m jelly. Now my 3rd is…

Jason :#3 – Rammstein and 3Teeth at Jones Beach

Jason: Capped off 8+ years waiting to see those guys.

Anthony: Rammstein’s a band I need to see before I die. Or they split.

Birdman: Not much time left. The next album may be their last.

Jason:  3Teeth were a decent industrial opener. I checked out their studio material, Pretty heavy stuff and helps that I’m getting more into synth stuff. Synth wave has taken a good amount of my music exploring lately.

Anthony: He said he was going to retire by a certain age. Hopefully they do a full US tour.

Jason: Rammstein as I expected from secondhand reports put on a great show. I wish it was at a better venue than the Jones Beach Theater but didn’t take much away from the show.

Anthony: My friend Jay hates Jones beach with a passion.

Birdman: What shows did you go to at Jones Beach besides Maiden Tony?

Anthony: None, sadly. Almost saw Rush there but that didn’t happen.

Jason: The setlist was solid and had my favorites including”Du Riechst So Gut (all-time favorite song),” “Ich Tu Dir Weh.” Decent amount of pyro, especially during “Du Hast.” I’m sad “Mein Teil” wasn’t played (the theatrics would have been awesome). At least “Ich Will” and “Engel (the encore)” were on the setlist. I’m happy I finally saw those guys.  And oh! “Stripped” by Depeche Mode was covered and “Sonne” near the end. The latter track is just epic.