Where history, heart and hair collided in spectacular fashion, the mighty Megadeth took over Rogers Place in Edmonton yesterday (February 21) one last time. With the likes of Anthrax and Exodus leading the charge, this Saturday night was for the headbangers.
The evening kicked off with Exodus, whose small but seismic set immediately sparked chaos in the crowd. Launching into ferocity with no hesitation, they tore in with “3111,” “Bonded by Blood” and “Blacklist,” which had the front barricade erupting, singing along to every word.
Photo: Exodus by Dana Alexander
Setting the tone for the night with chaotic riffs and energy, Exodus closed out their shorter-than-desired performance with “The Toxic Waltz” and “Strike of the Beast” causing a whirlwind of moshing, one of metal’s giants suitably warming up Edmonton with their foundational raw aggression.
Next up, the always electric Anthrax took the stage. Bringing their Big 4 vigour, the band’s signature blend of speed and groove had the room clapping and shouting along, reaffirming why they’re held in such reverence among metal’s most faithful.
Photo: Anthrax by Dana Alexander
Even as a support act for this tour, Anthrax always deliver a performance that’s memorable, and their sandwich-spot on Saturday was no different. Delivering banger after banger (even throwing it back with “Metal Thrashing Mad” off their debut album), every face on the rail was either split with smiles, giving back every ounce of energy. A headliner themselves, Anthrax humbly crushed this set, igniting the crowd and maintaining momentum between Exodus and Megadeth.
As the road crew removed Anthrax’s equipment and began setting the stage for Megadeth, many murmurs could be heard throughout the crowd, reminiscing on other appearances Megadeth has made in Edmonton. The combination of excitement and sadness for what would be the band’s farewell performance (supporting their self-titled final album) in Alberta’s capital was palpable. When the kabuki curtain finally fell, the anticipation peaked — and the heavy metal veterans didn’t just deliver: they truly owned every second of their set and every inch of their stage.
Starting with a punch, Megadeth burst into “Tipping Point” before spilling into “Skin O’ My Teeth,” and following that up with “Angry Again.” Edmonton’s headbangers were treated to a range of tracks that spanned the band’s lengthy catalogue, blending the technical complexity and sheer defiance of their music that has defined their career for over four decades.
Despite his years on the road and recovery from throat cancer, Dave Mustaine’s vocals carried a lived-in grit that only added weight to classic songs like “In My Darkest Hour,” “Trust” and “Peace Sells.” His signature guitar work intertwined with fire-hot runs from his bandmates, creating those moments of dizzying precision Megadeth are so beloved for; the interplay between lead lines and rhythm sections became a highlight, proving that even after four decades in metal, Megadeth can still astonish with their musicianship.
Photo: Megadeth by Dana Alexander
Throughout the hefty 18 song set, Mustaine took a moment to share that one of their trucks didn’t make it to Edmonton from the previous night in Calgary. (Despite only being a three-hour drive away, the route can be treacherous during a deep freeze — and after getting 30 centimetres of snow earlier in the week.) Although the show’s production wasn’t quite how it was supposed to be, Mustaine went on to thank the crew members for their round-the-clock hard work to make it happen, noting that their “California skin” had to work even harder in these frigid temperatures.
With his commanding presence and willingness to tell any unsavoury taunters to shut the fuck up, Mustaine ensured that every song landed as a milestone in thrash history rather than just another hit parade. By the time the final notes of “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due” faded and the wave of applause washed over the arena, it was clear that Megadeth’s headlining set was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of a legacy that has shaped heavy metal for generations.
Photo: Megadeth by Dana Alexander
From Exodus whipping the crowd into a frenzy to Anthrax commanding engagement at every turn, to Megadeth anchoring it all with a performance that balanced nostalgia and power, the night was a celebration of thrash metal’s enduring spirit and Edmonton’s collective energy. Denim battle vest-clad metalheads of all ages left Rogers Place with ringing eardrums and full hearts, their new Megadeth memories paying perfect homage to a genre that refuses to age quietly.