As the band with the closest links to Metallica with regards to the thrash metal ‘Big 4’ (with frontman Dave Mustaine being an ex-Metallica guitarist), in some ways they have the most to prove. Of the ‘Big 4’ thrash bands, they’ve arguably been the band with the most unstable line-up, with Megadeth at times seeming no more than “Mustaine + some blokes”. The reinstatement of former bassist David Ellefson in 2010 helped a little, but even so, as a band, they don’t have much of a public face.

This set from Sonisphere appears somewhat workmanlike, with the audience visibly unmoved at times. This isn’t helped by the vocals being too low in the mix. It’s a shame things didn’t work out better, since with regards to the ‘Big 4’, Megadeth have recorded some of the best songs. Their ‘Rust In Peace’ and ‘Countdown To Extinction albums, in particular, are on a par with Metallica’s best, and certainly far superior to most of Metallica’s 1991 output…

With a new album on the horizon and classic frontman Joey Belladonna firmly back in the band, Anthrax seem pretty solid.  Even with Sepultura’s Andreas Kisser substituting for guitarist Scott Ian (who is missing the band’s summer festival shows, as his wife is due to give birth), they sound pretty tight.

Their complete set for their performance as part of the ‘Big 4’ show in Ullevi, Sweden on July 3rd, 2011 can be seen below.

Alternative rock heroes Incubus played a storming set during their 55 minute appearance at the Hurricane Festival in Germany on Saturday June 18th. The set, prior to the release of ‘If Not Now, When?’, marks an early appearance of the track ‘In The Company of Wolves’.

Setlist:
Anna Molly
Are You In?
Nice To Know You
Drive
Pistola
Love Hurts
Circles
In The Company of Wolves
Punch Drunk
Quicksand
Wish You Were Here
Megalomaniac

Watch the complete performance by hitting the play button below!