Despite an early curfew, and following on from two support bands, Megadeth stormed through one of the tightest and visually perfect sets to have graced the Carling Academy in a long time.

Opening the set with Sleepwalker from last year’s release United Abominations, and Wake Up Dead from the classic album Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?, Megadeth proved the old adage that less is most definitely more by just letting the guitars do all the talking.

With a large back catalogue to choose from it was inevitable that some favourites would be dropped but with Take No Prisoners and the ear-busting Tornado Of Souls from the album Rust In Peace and In My Darkest Hour from So Far, So Good, So What nobody was complaining.

Megadeth closed with Never Walk Alone and a stunning version of Holy Wars, leaving a sell-out crowd in no doubt that Megadeth are back on top of their game and one of the best in the business.

Ian D. Hall