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By Jimmy Stevenson
Published: March 14, 2010
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 Who knew Greensburg, PA was such a cultural melting pot? The historical Palace Theatre located in Greensburg’s downtown area is more of an appropriate venue for a symphony than a metal show, but Friday’s sold out all-ages concert went without a hitch. No moshing, no inappropriate behavior, no drunken brawls. It was the most un-metal atmosphere one could imagine, save for the magnitude of long-time and loyal metalheads: they came out in droves to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Megadeth’s Grammy nominated 'Rust In Peace' album, and it’s two opening acts, Exodus and Testament. Exodus opened the show; guitarist Gary Holt, drummer Tom Hunting, and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammet formed the band around the San Francisco area in 1980. Holt and Hunting remain the only original members in a prolific 30-year career that has survived several hiatus’s, multiple lineup changes, and even a couple of deaths.  in 2002.
Following a 20-minute intermission, Testament played a tight set consisting mostly of songs from there 1987 debut, 'The Legacy,' an album that garnered them instant respect amongst thrash-metal peers, and drew instant comparisons to Metallica. The momentum started to build around “Do Or Die,” guitarist Glen Drover making his first appearance with the band since 2008. A new Testament album is expected for release sometime this year, the title still TBA.
Headliners, Megadeth, hit the stage around 10 pm, featuring original bass player, Dave Ellefson, garnering a huge audience ovation. The stage was surprisingly simple: a large Megadeth banner and a mounted and rather decadent drum kit, covered in what looked like toxic waste, tying into the general theme of 'Rust In Peace.' When 'Rust In Peace' was released, it received very little radio play, but became a success do to the bands extensive touring, tireless self-promotion, and devoted following.
Dave Mustaine took front and center and without so much as a word blasted through “Wake Up Dead” off of 'Peace Sells' and “In My Darkest Hour” from 'So Far So Good So What.' Mustaine’s shaggy red mane hasn’t aged a day, nor has his technically pristine guitar playing. Following the golden oldies, Mustaine and company launched into 'Rust In Peace,' the evening’s main attraction.
When 'Rust In Peace' was first released in 1990, people were still fidgeting around with cassette tapes and still spinning albums. Unless your finger was permanently attached to the fast forward button, it was almost as if you were forced to listen to a cassette in it’s entirety. It seemed only appropriate that they played the entire album from start to finish.
 Despite the fact that Marty Friedman composed the entire album's original guitar leads, Chris Broderick’s guitar solos were spot on. Friedman’s contributions to the band raised the bar considerably, and to replace him is no small feat; without a lead guitarist of Broderick’s caliber, Friedman’s solos would be completely lost. The lot of hardcore fans is always seeking accurate renditions of the actual recording. However, the vocals took a backseat to the music, and the sound wasn’t quite as big or as dynamic of that of either Exodus or Testament. Which is odd considering the overall sound of the headliner (especially at a metal show) is almost always larger than that of the openers. I half-wondered if they turned Mustaine’s microphone down on purpose, or if it was just the acoustics of the venue. As technically precise as Megadeth sounded, something was slightly off – holding back to some extent, incapable of letting go completely. This kind of seated venue doesn’t cater to this kind of concert especially well, simply because you need to be able to move around rather than being confined to an old tattered theatre seat. Since the band feeds off the energy of the crowd, it’s difficult when you’re feeling confined and slightly tethered. Despite the venue’s odd setup, the crowd remained interested and more than appreciate throughout the entire set. It was somewhat refreshing to see the rather diverse crowd – fans young and old, husbands and wives, even little metalheads tagging along with dad.
Megadeth will headline the “American Carnage Tour” this summer along with Slayer, and joined again by Testament.
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