Gig Reviews

Is it too early to call the gig of the year? Perhaps. But Behemoth’s triumphant first show in Tokyo since 2015 is certainly a contender. What a win for the dark side!

David Ellefson and Jeff Young performed a celebration of early Megadeth music in Tokyo.

German thrash metal band Traitor put on a fast, furious and sweaty thrash metal performance in Tokyo.

25% pure German thrash metal: Destruction returned to Japan after eight years with a splendid international version of the band.

Guitar maestro Michael Schenker put on a special UFO celebration in front of a sold-out Budokan.

Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro performed a career-spanning show in Tokyo featuring solo material and revisits to his Angra and Megadeth past. Backed up by several Angra members and a guest appearance by Marty Friedman, this turned into a fabulous evening.

It was 11 years since Aborted last played in Japan. But what a return this was! Pure carnage!

On stage in Shibuya, Nestor won Tokyo with its catchy melodic rock.

A terrific celebration of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal with members from Raven, Persian Risk, Tank, Diamond Head and Praying Mantis.

Marty Friedman, the guitar maestro who keeps moving forward.

Swedish prog rockers Moon Safari performed the “Lover’s End Complete Edition” album in its entirety at a special Tokyo show for VIP fans.

Swedish trio Defleshed skinned Japan alive with a furiously thrashy death metal performance.

Opeth gave the Tokyo audience world-class prog metal and an unexpected Napalm Death cover when they took to the stage in Roppongi.